Breeders

(FX)

Network: FX
Episodes: 40 (half-hour)
Seasons: Four

TV show dates: March 2, 2020 — September 25, 2023
Series status: Ended

Performers include: Martin Freeman, Daisy Haggard, George Wakeman, Jayda Eyles, Stella Gonet, Joanna Bacon, Alun Armstrong, Patrick Baladi, Tim Steed, and Michael McKean.

TV show description:
An irreverent and honest comedy series, Breeders explores the paradox that every parent knows but will never admit — you would willingly die for your children, but quite often you also want to kill them.

Paul (Freeman) is a caring father who’s in the process of discovering that he’s not quite the patient man that he thought he was. His parenting partner is Ally (Haggard). She’s a nurturing mother, a loving wife, a loyal daughter, and a skilled businesswoman but sometimes, something out of her control throws everything out of whack.

Paul and Ally juggle full-time careers, aging parents, a mortgage, upheavals in their relationship, and the unenviable curveballs of parenting their young children — anxious seven-year-old Luke (Wakeman) and Ava (Eyles), a happy and spirited four-year-old.

When Ally’s estranged father, Michael (McKean) appears on their doorstep, the family essentially takes on a third child — but this one comes with baggage and opinions. Ally’s mom, Leah (Gonet), is glamorous, unreliable, and polar opposite of her daughter.

Meanwhile, Paul’s own parents — happily married Jackie (Bacon) and Jim (Armstrong) — are on hand to help out with the kids. Unfortunately, their generation does parenting a little differently.

Series Finale:
Episode #40 — No Matter What: Part Two
Jackie’s health is continuing to worsen; Paul helps out a distressed Luke but finds himself in more conflict with Ally; at Baby Jay’s naming party, Ava declares her love, and Paul makes an offer that will take him and Ally back in time.
First aired: September 25, 2023.

What do you think? Do you like the Breeders TV show? Do you think it should have ended or been renewed for a fifth season?