(ABC / Bob D’Amico)

Network: ABC
Episodes: Eight (half-hour)
Seasons: One

TV show dates: March 29, 2017 — May 16, 2017
Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Jenna Elfman, Stephen Schneider, Nicholas Coombe, Matreya Scarrwener, Erica Tremblay, Marin Page, Jilena Cori, Jason Cermak, Kadence Roach, Marci T. House, Jamie Schneider, and Rachel Dratch.

TV show description:
A live-action/CGI hybrid comedy, Imaginary Mary centers on single career woman Alice (Jenna Elfman). She owns her own PR firm which represents professional athletes.

As a six year old little girl, Alice (Marin Page) first imagined Mary, when her mother and father (Jilena Cori and Jason Cermak) were breaking up. At the time, Mary told the child she would grow to be fierce, independent, and should never rely on any boy (or girl) for her happiness.

Years later, adult Alice is dating Ben (Stephen Schneider), a divorced father of three children. At first, this new couple keeps their relationship private, but eventually, Ben wants Alice to meet his kids.

His children Andy (Nicholas Coombe), Dora (Matreya Scarrwener), and Bunny (Erica Tremblay) are at first underwhelmed at the prospect, but do agree to meet Alice.

Once Andy a.k.a. “Blandy” realizes a PR rep might be able to spiff up his image at school, he grows enthusiastic about getting to know her. So, during a date at a Mexican restaurant, Ben cautions Alice that his eldest child may come on a bit too strong.

Meanwhile, he describes daughter Dora as a classic middle child and a big time fan girl. Ben advises Alice not to try and fake her way through a Harry Potter conversation with this one.

Finally, there is little Bunny, who likes to ask a lot of philosophical conversations about death. Andy warns Alice not to engage her.

As he finishes his rundown, Mary (voiced by Rachel Dratch) materializes, just as the waiter is preparing the table-side guacamole. She’s there to help Alice transition from her structured single existence to hectic family living — or possibly to avoid it and mom-dancing — completely. Either way, Mary promises she’s real as Hell and here to stay.

As a child, Alice delighted in her imaginary friend but the return of manic Mary dials the chaos up to overdrive. Even just simple parental tasks, like picking up Bunny from dance class, feel insurmountable to Alice, and Mary’s not much of a help.

It all comes down to fear. Alice is scared to death that she’ll mess up Ben’s kids, they way her own parents messed her up.

When their first meeting is a disaster, she bails and makes some alcohol-fueled bad choices. Although the next morning Alice is certain she has ruined everything, Ben assures her they can make it work.

Will Alice be able to hack life and love with a family man? Will she and the kids learn to live together? How long will Mary continue to manifest and how much mischief will she make?

Series Finale:
Episode #8 — Last Dance with Mary
Ready to take their next steps as a couple and get engaged, Ben hides the ring in a pair of shoes that the kids donate to a charity drive, and the situation quickly gets complicated. Alice, not knowing the ring is lost, is concerned Ben has cold feet, and she takes matters into her own hands.
First aired: May 16, 2017.

What do you think? Do you like the Imaginary Mary TV show? Should it have been cancelled or renewed for a second season on ABC?