Sean Saves the World#Episodes
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Sean Saves the World intertitle.png
| image_size = 250
| caption =
| genre = Sitcom
| creator = Victor Fresco
| developer =
| director = {{Plainlist|
}}
| presenter =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
}}
| narrated =
| theme_music_composer =
| opentheme =
| endtheme =
| composer = Scott Clausen
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 15 (2 unaired)
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
- Sean Hayes
- Todd Milliner
- James Burrows
- Victor Fresco
}}
| producer =
| editor =
| location =
| cinematography =
| camera = Multi-camera
| runtime = 22 minutes
| company = {{Plainlist|
- Garfield Grove Productions
- Hazy Mills Productions
- Universal Television
}}
| network = {{Plainlist|
}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|2013|10|3}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2014|3|24}}
| related =
}}
Sean Saves the World is an American sitcom television series created by Victor Fresco and starring Sean Hayes that aired on NBC from October 3, 2013, to March 24, 2014, as part of the 2013–14 American television season.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/05/nbc-starts-ordering-new-series-crisis-about-a-boy-picked-up-493901/|title=NBC New Series Pickups: Sean Hayes, DJ Nash, 'Crisis', 'About A Boy', 'Believe'|date=May 9, 2013|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=May 11, 2013}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2013/06/21/nbc-announces-fall-premiere-dates-for-new-season-628112/20130621nbc01/|title=NBC Announces Fall Premiere Dates for New Season|date=June 21, 2013|work=The Futon Critic|accessdate=July 3, 2013}} It was announced on January 28, 2014, that Sean Saves the World had been cancelled after 13 episodes had aired.{{cite web|title=NBC Cancels 'Sean Saves the World'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nbc-cancels-sean-saves-world-675161|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=January 28, 2014|author=Lesley Goldberg|author2=Michael O'Connell|date=January 28, 2014}} Of the 18 ordered, only 15 were filmed.{{cite web|last=Nilles|first=Billy|title='Sean Saves the World' shuts down Season 1 production early|url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2014/01/sean-saves-the-world-shuts-down-season-1-production-early.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131172611/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2014/01/sean-saves-the-world-shuts-down-season-1-production-early.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2014|work=Zap2it|accessdate=January 28, 2014|date=January 28, 2014}}
Plot
Sean is a divorced gay father{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/10/sean-hayes-sean-saves-the-world_n_3254804.html |title=Sean Hayes To Star In 'Sean Saves The World,' As NBC Picks Up Gay Actor's New Sitcom |date=May 10, 2013 |last=Rudolph| first=Christoper |work=The Huffington Post |accessdate=May 11, 2013}} with a successful, yet demanding, career. When his 14-year-old daughter moves in with him full-time, he is forced to juggle his work life, his mom, and fatherhood. Determined not to give life a half-hearted attempt, he reads up on parenting and about keeping a vibrant family alongside a thriving career. However, sudden work pressures dampen his grand family plans and skew his work/life balance.
Cast and characters
=Main=
- Sean Hayes as Sean Harrison
- Linda Lavin as Lorna Harrison, Sean's mother
- Samantha Isler as Ellie Harrison, Sean's street-smart teenage daughter
- Thomas Lennon as Max Thompson, Sean's temperamental new boss
- Megan Hilty as Liz, Sean's best friend and co-worker
- Echo Kellum as Hunter, Sean's co-worker and friend
=Recurring=
- Stacy Keach as Lee Thompson, Max's arrogant, lustful father
- Parvesh Cheena as Jerry, Max's loyal assistant
=Notable guest stars=
- Craig Ferguson as Andrew Summer, Sean's ex-boss who he had a one night stand with
- Portia de Rossi as Jill, Sean's ex-wife and Ellie's mom
- Guy Pearce as Liam Stone, Max's fencing instructor who dates Sean
Hayes' Will & Grace co-star Megan Mullally was set to guest star in the seventeenth episode as Sean's sister; however, the episode was not produced due to the series' cancellation.{{Cite web |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=December 10, 2013 |title=Exclusive: Will & Grace Reunion on Sean Saves the World, Megan Mullally to Play Sean's [Spoiler] |url=https://tvline.com/2013/12/10/sean-saves-the-world-megan-mullally-sean-hayes-reunion-season-1/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=TVLine}}
Development and production
The series first appeared as part of the NBC development slate in December 2012, with Sean Hayes attached to star.{{cite web|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2012/12/19/development-update-wednesday-december-19-709410/10121/|title=Development Update: Wednesday, December 19|date=December 19, 2012|work=The Futon Critic|accessdate=September 28, 2013}} On January 22, 2013, NBC placed a pilot order under the title Happiness.{{cite web|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2013/01/22/development-update-tuesday-january-22-602404/10176/|title=Development Update: Tuesday, January 22|date=January 22, 2013|work=The Futon Critic|accessdate=September 28, 2013}} The pilot was written by Victor Fresco and directed by James Burrows. Burrows had previously worked with Hayes on Will & Grace.
Casting announcements for the remaining series regular roles began in February 2013, with Linda Lavin cast in the role of Lorna, Sean's tough and assertive mother.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/02/linda-lavin-to-co-star-in-nbcs-sean-hayes-pilot-ann-dowd-recurs-on-masters-of-sex-421396/|title=Linda Lavin To Co-Star In NBC's Sean Hayes Pilot, Ann Dowd Recurs On 'Masters Of Sex'|date=February 4, 2013|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=September 28, 2013}} Echo Kellum was the next actor cast in the series, in the role of Hunter, one of Sean's co-workers, who is very passionate about his music, art, photography and poetry.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/02/dave-annable-to-star-in-nbcs-joe-joe-jane-echo-kellum-joins-sean-hayes-pilot-423736/|title=Dave Annable To Star In NBC's 'Joe, Joe & Jane', Echo Kellum Joins Sean Hayes' Pilot|date=February 6, 2013|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=September 28, 2013}} Thomas Lennon then joined the series in the role of Max, the new owner of the online retail company where Sean works.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/thomas-lennon-nbc-sean-hayes-422063|title='Reno 911's' Thomas Lennon Joins NBC's Sean Hayes Comedy|date=February 18, 2013|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=September 28, 2013}} In late-February, Samantha Isler joined the cast as Ellie, Sean's quick-witted daughter.{{cite web|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2013/02/25/development-update-monday-february-25-606104/10221/|title=Development Update: Monday, February 25|date=February 25, 2013|work=The Futon Critic|accessdate=September 28, 2013}} Shortly after, Lindsay Sloane boarded the series as Liz, Sean's co-worker and best friend, a former therapist.{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2013/02/26/sean-hayes-nbc-pilot-happiness-lindsay-sloane/|title=Exclusive: Lindsay Sloane Finds Happiness, Joins Sean Hayes' NBC Comedy Pilot|date=February 26, 2013|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|work=TVLine|accessdate=September 28, 2013}} Vik Sahay later signed onto the series in the recurring role of Howard, a slightly aggressive IT guy, who works alongside Sean.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/04/amy-aquino-to-co-star-in-abcs-divorce-seaton-smith-cast-in-nbcs-john-mulaney-project-more-pilot-castings-470721/|title=Amy Aquino To Co-Star In ABC's 'Divorce', Seaton Smith Cast In NBC's John Mulaney Project & More Pilot Castings|date=April 8, 2013|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=September 28, 2013}}
On May 9, 2013, NBC placed a series order, under the new title Sean Saves the World.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nbc-series-orders-crisis-519604|title=NBC Series Orders: 'Crisis,' 'Believe,' 'About a Boy,' Sean Hayes, D.J. Nash Comedies|date=May 9, 2013|last1=Goldberg|first1=Lesley|last2=Rose|first2=Lacey|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=May 11, 2013}} Two days after the series order, Lindsay Sloane exited the role of Liz: Megan Hilty was cast soon after.{{cite web|url=http://rewired.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/smash-reunion-megan-hilty-star-568409|title='Smash' Reunion: Megan Hilty to Co-Star in 'Sean Saves the World'|date=June 13, 2013|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=June 13, 2013}} On November 8, 2013, NBC ordered an additional five episodes for the first season, bringing the total to 18 episodes.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/11/nbcs-sean-saves-the-world-gets-order-for-five-more-episodes-631317/|title=NBC's 'Sean Saves The World' Gets Order For Five More Episodes|date=November 8, 2013|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=November 8, 2013}}
With few exceptions, Sean Saves the World was shot on a closed set with a laugh track added during post-production, a point several critics have derided.{{cite news | first = Ed | last = Bark | title = Hayes ride: NBC's Sean Saves the World is exactly what he wants it to be | work = National TV Reviews & News | date = October 3, 2013 | url = http://unclebarky.com/reviews_files/a950abe8feb772097cccb7751531a65f-1626.html | accessdate = January 17, 2014}}{{cite news | first = Matt Webb | last = Mitovich| title = Are You a Sean Saves the World Champion? | work = tvline.com | date = October 3, 2013 | url = http://tvline.com/2013/10/03/sean-saves-the-world-season-1-premiere-recap/# | accessdate = January 17, 2014}}{{cite news | first = Tim | last = Goodman | title = Sean Saves the World: TV Review | work = The Hollywood Reporter | date = October 1, 2013 | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/sean-saves-world-tv-review-639289 | accessdate = January 17, 2014}}{{cite news | first = Ross | last = Bonaime | title = Sean Saves the World Review: 'Pilot' (Episode 1.01) | work = Paste Magazine | date = October 4, 2013 | url = https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/10/sean-saves-the-world-review-pilot-episode-101.html| accessdate = January 17, 2014}}{{cite magazine | first = Jodi | last = Walker | title = 'Sean Saves the World' premiere: Not exactly world-changing | magazine = Entertainment Weekly | date = October 4, 2013 | url = http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/10/04/sean-saves-the-world-premiere/ | accessdate = January 17, 2014}}{{cite news | first = Kayleigh | last = Roberts | title = 'Sean Saves the World' Series Premiere: 12 Things It Could Do to Suck Less | work = Bustle | date = October 4, 2013 | url = http://www.bustle.com/#/articles/6267-sean-saves-the-world-series-premiere-12-things-it-could-do-to-suck-less | accessdate = January 17, 2014}}{{cite news | first = Matt Zoller | last = Seitz | title = Seitz on Sean Saves the World: Winning Cast, Serviceable Sitcom | work = Vulture | date = October 3, 2013 | url = https://www.vulture.com/2013/10/tv-review-sean-saves-the-world.html | accessdate = January 17, 2014}}{{cite news | first = Matthew | last = Gilbert | title = 'Sean,' 'Millers' come through loud, unclear | work = The Boston Globe | date = October 2, 2013 | url = https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2013/10/02/sitcoms-like-blunt-instruments/xwwwJf3qHNTns3TDtpM9iL/story.html | accessdate = January 17, 2014}}{{cite news | first = Tara | last = Aquino| title = Cancellation Watch| work = complex.com | date = November 4, 2013 | url = http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/11/tv-cancellation-watch-part-5/sean-saves-the-world | accessdate = January 17, 2014}} Jodi Walker from Entertainment Weekly commented on Hayes' animated performance — dubbing it "flailing" — by saying, "flailing is key to cueing this show’s laugh track." Matthew Gilbert of The Boston Globe commented, "why would we want their jokes to succeed or fail based on their own merit when a laugh track can tell us what is funny and exactly when to laugh?" Ed Bark of National TV Reviews & News added that "Hayes seems wedded to the old-time sitcom religion, which calls for multiple cameras...and a laugh track...his is the only NBC comedy series with such additives, but Hayes gets a bit snippy when asked if it’s a format he favors." Beginning with Episode 12 ("The Wrath of Sean"), a live studio audience is utilized for scenes taking place in Sean's apartment and workplace.[http://tvtickets.com/fmi/xsl/shows/browserecord.xsl?&Show=sean+saves tvtickets.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235024/http://tvtickets.com/fmi/xsl/shows/browserecord.xsl?&Show=sean+saves |date=2013-12-02 }}
{{Clear}}
Episodes
The first two episodes of the series were directed by James Burrows, but all subsequent episodes were directed by Marc Buckland.
{{Episode table |total_width= |background=#3698FF |overall= |title= |writer= |airdate= |viewers= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| Title = Pilot
| WrittenBy = Victor Fresco
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|10|03}}
| ShortSummary = Sean Harrison, a single gay father, is now stuck with the task of raising his 14-year-old daughter Ellie. On the night he wants to bond with Ellie at dinner, he and his friends Liz and Hunter are stuck at work by Sean's new boss, Max. After several failed attempts to escape, Sean finally does, but Max finds out, leaving Sean at risk of being fired.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| Title = Busted
| WrittenBy = Claudia Lonow
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|10|10}}
| ShortSummary = When Ellie needs a bra, Liz offers to take. But, when the bra Liz got Ellie is inappropriate, Lorna takes her only to creep Ellie out. Liz and Lorna end up finding out, Sean is left to clear the air. Meanwhile, Max bans Sean from the break room after he overhears him talking to Liz about Ellie's problem.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 3
| Title = Date Expectations
| WrittenBy = Michael A. Ross
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|10|17}}
| ShortSummary = Lorna sets Sean up on a date without his knowledge, forcing Sean to let Ellie go to a party. But, the date goes awry when Sean worries about Ellie the entire time.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 4
| Title = Shut Your Parent Trap
| WrittenBy = Rick Wiener & Kenny Schwartz
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|10|24}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| Title = Nobody Puts Sean in a Corner
| WrittenBy = Aseem Batra
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|10|31}}
| ShortSummary = Sean is unhappy when Lorna takes Hunter to dancing classes after he refuses.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| Title = Sean Comes Clean
| WrittenBy = Matt Ward
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|11|7}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 7
| Title = The Good, the Bad and the Sean
| WrittenBy = Mike Rosolio
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|11|14}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 8
| Title = Of Moles and Men
| WrittenBy = Joe Keenan
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|11|21}}
| ShortSummary = When company secrets leak out, Max forces Sean to play detective, but this backfires when Sean's secret one-night stand with their old boss Andrew (Craig Ferguson) is revealed, and everyone now thinks Sean might be the company mole.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 9
| Title = Best Friends for Never
| WrittenBy = Seth Raab & Nicholas Darrow
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2013|12|12}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 10
| Title = Sean the Fabulous
| WrittenBy = Claudia Lonow
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2014|1|2}}
| ShortSummary = In order to be more involved at Ellie's school, Sean tries to be more flamboyant to impress a group of snobby women.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 11
| Title = Trapped in the Closet (Part 2)
| WrittenBy = Michael A. Ross
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2014|1|9}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 12
| Title = The Wrath of Sean
| WrittenBy = Matt Ward
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2014|1|16}}
| ShortSummary =
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 13
| Title = I Know Why the Caged Bird Zings
| WrittenBy = Joe Keenan
| OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2014|1|23}}
| ShortSummary = Sean decides to go on a date with his ex-boyfriend Collin. Meanwhile, Max's hotel will not let him keep his birds, and he tries to get someone to take care of them.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 14
| Title = The Joy of Ex
| WrittenBy = Matt Ward
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|3|24}} (online)
| Viewers =
| ShortSummary = Sean's ex-wife Jill (played by Portia de Rossi) returns on a political campaign with her new partner. Both Jill and Sean compete to win over Ellie. Lorna and Lee meet up in the same hotel that Jill booked, and Sean continually interrupts them to help Jill smooth things over with her partner, who has a nervous breakdown after getting drunk.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 15
| Title = The Dark Sean Rises
| WrittenBy = Seth Raab & Nicholas Darrow
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|3|24}} (online)
| Viewers =
| ShortSummary = Sean meets Max's fencing coach, Liam (played by Guy Pearce), who secretly likes being a superhero. Sean tries to meet his every demand, which often ends up with him being hurt, and Lorna becomes vocal in trying to stop the two of them. Meanwhile, Liz gets mad at Sean for stealing her man and tries to sabotage their relationship.
| LineColor = 3698FF
}}
}}
Release and home media
On March 24, 2014, the last two filmed episodes became available on iTunes.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
The entire series is available as a made-on-demand DVD set from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
Reception
The show has received mixed reviews from critics. Glenn Garvin of The Miami Herald gave the series critical acclaim saying "Sean Saves the World is like a comedy cruise to self-discovery, with both Sean and his daughter learning of strengths and weaknesses they didn't know they had, the process punctuated with keenly funny dialogue and precision timing". David Hinckley of the New York Daily News gave the show 2 out of 5 stars.{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/sean-saves-world-tv-review-article-1.1474131 | title='Sean Saves the World': TV review |last=Hinckley|first=David| work=New York Daily News | date=October 3, 2013 | accessdate=October 4, 2013}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.nbc.com/sean-saves-the-world/}}
- {{IMDb title|2715776}}
Category:2010s American LGBTQ-related sitcoms
Category:2010s American multi-camera sitcoms
Category:2013 American television series debuts
Category:2014 American television series endings
Category:American English-language television shows
Category:Gay-related television shows
Category:Television series by Universal Television
Category:Television shows set in Chicago
Category:Television series by Hazy Mills Productions