There was a time when ABC took risks on new comedic proposals, and one such show was Happy Endings. The show, created by David Caspe, was about a group of six friends living in an urban setting, drawing comparisons to Friends and How I Met Your Mother. However, Happy Endings quickly distanced itself from other sitcoms, eschewing a laugh track for fast-paced dialogue and quirky jokes. Despite its clever writing, the show faced difficulties during its three-season run, including schedule shuffles, episodes airing out of order, and some left unaired.
The show’s success relied heavily on the actors’ embodiment of their characters. Max (Adam Pally) was a straight guy who liked dudes, and Jane (Elisha Cuthbert) was a perfectionist with a passion for Jane Austen. Penny (Casey Wilson) was a millennial trying to figure out life, and Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) was a goof who managed to balance his corporate and personal life. While the actors’ performances were a highlight, the network’s handling of the show was a major drawback.
ABC’s decision to air the episodes out of order, often two at a time, made it difficult for viewers to follow the show’s serialized plot. The studio intended for the episodes to be more stand-alone, but the show required a clear understanding of the characters’ arcs to appreciate its humor. The schedule shifts and episode reorderings continued throughout the show’s run, making it difficult for viewers to keep track.
ABC Comedy ‘Happy Endings’ (Image via Getty)
Despite its cancellation in 2013, Happy Endings has continued to gain a cult following. In 2020, the cast reunited for a table read of the show’s final episode, “Happy To Be Here,” which ended with the entire series being a dream of Dave’s before his and Alex’s wedding day. The show has also recently been referenced in WandaVision’s seventh episode, solidifying its cult status.
Happy Endings was a show that deserved better handling from ABC. Had the network acknowledged the show’s unique premise and serialized plot, it might have continued to thrive. Instead, the show’s difficulties during its run led to its cancellation. Despite this, Happy Endings has continued to gain a loyal fan base, and its cult following shows no signs of slowing down.
