After taking the world by storm last year, Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, and the rest of the Morgan family are making a comeback.
The Family Plan 2 is officially in the works, and fans are excited. Last year, audiences flocked to Apple TV+ to watch the action-packed comedy, The Family Plan.
It became so popular that it quickly rose to be the most-watched film on the platform. The film’s success created an opportunity for a franchise, or at least a sequel.
The Story Behind The Family Plan
The Family Plan, which debuted just in time for last year’s holiday season, centers around Dan Morgan, played by Mark Wahlberg. Dan is a car salesman who seems to be living the American dream.
He has a loving wife, played by Michelle Monaghan, and three children. At first, Dan appears to be just your typical, boring suburban dad.
However, everything changes when his past as a highly skilled government assassin comes to light. This twist flips Dan’s ordinary life upside down.
Despite facing criticism, with a current 27% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the film was exactly what audiences wanted last December.
Viewers appreciated the mix of comedy and action. The chaotic family comedy struck a chord with many families looking for entertaining content during the holiday season.
What to Expect from The Family Plan 2
With the announcement of The Family Plan 2, there is a lot of excitement about what the sequel will bring. Filmmaker Simon Cellan Jones is back at the helm, reuniting with the leading cast.
Alongside Wahlberg and Monaghan, the next installment will also see the return of Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby, who play Nina and Kyle Morgan, respectively.
David Coggeshall, who wrote the first film, will also write the sequel. Mark Wahlberg will produce the film, ensuring that the same creative team continues to work together.
In a statement about the upcoming film, Wahlberg expressed his excitement: “I am beyond excited to step back into the shoes of Dan Morgan again alongside my brilliant co-stars, and with Simon and David returning to the helm.
Making The Family Plan, and seeing it become an instant success with global audiences in the way that it did, has been incredibly rewarding.
We can’t wait to collaborate with our partners at Apple and Skydance again on this next chapter for the Morgan family as their European holiday inevitably goes awry.”
Still from The Family Plan (Credit: Apple TV)
The idea of a European vacation suggests that fans will see the Morgan family in new and exciting situations.
Given Wahlberg’s description of the sequel’s plot, viewers can expect plenty of chaotic adventures as the family shows their vacation, which likely won’t go as planned.
The Significance of Family in the Franchise
Family themes are central to The Family Plan series. The original film highlighted the importance of family bonds while mixing in humor and action.
The sequel will likely continue to show these themes while introducing new dynamics. The return of the core cast ensures that the chemistry among the actors remains intact, which is essential for the family-focused story.
The Morgan family’s journey in The Family Plan was not just about the action; it was also about how they came together as a family.
The sequel promises to build on that foundation, showing how the family faces challenges together. This approach resonates with many viewers, especially during the holiday season when family connections are often highlighted.
Mark Wahlberg’s Journey in the Role
Mark Wahlberg has a diverse career, with roles ranging from serious dramas to lighthearted comedies. His portrayal of Dan Morgan in The Family Plan allowed him to showcase his comedic side while still maintaining a strong character presence.
The character’s evolution from a car salesman to a government assassin adds depth to the story, making it more than just a typical family comedy.
Wahlberg’s excitement about reprising the role indicates his investment in the character. He brings a unique energy to the role that appeals to audiences.
This enthusiasm can make the sequel even more enjoyable as viewers watch Dan faces his new challenges, particularly in a foreign setting like Europe.
The Return of the Supporting Cast
In addition to Wahlberg and Monaghan, the return of supporting cast members Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby is significant.
Colletti and Crosby, who played the children in the first film, are expected to bring their characters’ growth to the sequel. This aspect is essential as it reflects how the characters have matured since the first film.
The dynamics between the Morgan family members, especially as they deal with the chaos of a European vacation, will be crucial to the film’s appeal.
Fans loved the family’s interactions in the first movie, and the sequel will need to build on that foundation while introducing new comedic elements.
The Impact of Streaming Services on Film Releases
The success of The Family Plan highlights the changing view of film distribution. With the rise of streaming platforms like Apple TV+, traditional movie releases are being redefined.
The Family Plan’s straight-to-streaming release allowed it to reach a wide audience during the holiday season.
Streaming services provide opportunities for unique films that might not receive the same attention in theaters.
This trend opens doors for more diverse stories and creative ideas, as filmmakers are not limited by traditional box office constraints.
The success of The Family Plan shows that audiences are eager for engaging content on streaming platforms, leading to increased interest in sequels and franchises.
Audience Expectations for The Family Plan 2
With the announcement of The Family Plan 2, audiences have high expectations for the sequel. Fans are eager to see how the Morgans will face their new adventures and what challenges they will face on their European trip.
The success of the first film sets a precedent, and the sequel will need to deliver both in terms of humor and action to satisfy viewers.
Audiences are particularly interested in how the film will develop its characters further. The original movie laid the groundwork for showing the family’s dynamics.
Viewers want to see how the characters have grown and what new relationships will form as they face new challenges together.
The Role of Humor in The Family Plan Series
Humor plays a significant role in The Family Plan series. The first film balanced action and comedy, appealing to a broad audience. The sequel must maintain this balance to keep viewers engaged.
With Wahlberg’s comedic timing and the established chemistry among the cast, there is a strong foundation for the sequel to succeed in this area.
The humor in The Family Plan often arises from the absurd situations the characters find themselves in. As the Morgans head to Europe, viewers can expect a variety of comedic scenarios that highlight the family’s interactions.
The sequel has the potential to deliver laugh-out-loud moments while still addressing meaningful themes about family.
The Importance of Location in Storytelling
The decision to set The Family Plan 2 in Europe opens up many storytelling possibilities. A new setting allows for fresh adventures and challenges, which can help keep the story engaging.
The cultural differences and unique experiences that the Morgans encounter in Europe will add depth to the film.
Still from The Family Plan (Credit: Apple TV)
The change of scenery can also introduce new characters, expanding the world of The Family Plan. This opportunity allows for creative storytelling, as the Morgans interact with locals and face unfamiliar environments.
The potential for humorous misunderstandings and cultural clashes adds to the excitement surrounding the sequel.
Anticipation for The Family Plan 2
As the development of The Family Plan 2 progresses, excitement continues to grow among fans. The return of Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, and the rest of the Morgan family promises an entertaining sequel that builds on the success of the original film.
With a talented team behind the project, including filmmaker Simon Cellan Jones and writer David Coggeshall, expectations are high for this family comedy.
The upcoming sequel aims to blend humor, action, and family dynamics in a new European setting, giving audiences plenty to look forward to.
As fans eagerly await more details about the film, one thing is certain: The Family Plan 2 is poised to bring laughter and joy to viewers once again.
Medical shows have been a popular genre on television for many years. They cover a wide range of styles and stories. For example, shows like General Hospital and Grey’s Anatomy focus on dramatic moments and romantic relationships.
On the other hand, shows like ER and Chicago Med present intense, hard-hitting dramas that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, comedies like Scrubs offer a lighthearted perspective on life in a hospital.
The hospital setting provides a lot of exciting opportunities for storytelling because healthcare workers often deal with life-and-death situations.
A successful medical show captures the attention of viewers by featuring a cast of attractive doctors with complicated personal lives.
These doctors work in an already chaotic environment, where they face various challenges daily. Their struggles and triumphs in the workplace create engaging narratives.
The humor in medical shows can also come from the patients themselves. Many times, the human body can be incredibly funny.
Patients bring unexpected twists to the plot, providing a necessary break from the more serious moments in the hospital. This combination of high stakes, emotional depth, and humor makes medical shows an appealing genre that attracts a broad audience.
The Rise of Mockumentaries
In recent years, mockumentaries have become a significant part of television programming. These shows use a unique filming style that mimics documentaries but often incorporates humor.
American version of The Office didn’t invent this format, but it played a huge role in popularizing it.
The show ran for nine successful seasons and featured employees of the Dunder Mifflin paper company. The characters frequently broke the fourth wall by staring directly at the camera, creating a relatable and comedic connection with the audience.
Modern mockumentaries like What We Do in the Shadows and Abbott Elementary keep the format fresh while introducing new and surprising elements to hold viewers’ interest.
These shows maintain the core ideas of mockumentaries but also find ways to keep the storytelling engaging and relevant. The combination of humor and real-life situations makes them appealing to audiences.
NBC’s upcoming sitcom, St. Denis Medical, seems ready to follow in the footsteps of these successful shows. It aims to merge medical themes with mockumentary humor, creating a unique and charming viewing experience.
What Is ‘St. Denis Medical’ About?
St. Denis Medical Center is described as an “underfunded, understaffed Oregon hospital.” Despite facing many challenges, the hospital and its staff hold big dreams for the future.
Still from St. Denis Medical (Credit: NBC)
The goal of St. Denis is to become a “destination medical facility” where all patients receive quality care, regardless of their financial situations or insurance coverage. The journey toward this ideal is slow and often filled with obstacles.
The hospital’s executive director, Joyce, played by Wendi McLendon-Covey from The Goldbergs, has big dreams and a hopeful outlook.
She believes that every patient deserves good care. Joyce’s optimism and determination shine through, even as she faces the everyday struggles of managing a hospital.
On the other hand, Joyce’s staff is constantly trying to find a balance between their work and personal lives. This can be very challenging in a profession that often takes up all of their time and energy.
The staff at St. Denis often work long hours and earn low salaries. They deal with unexpected medical emergencies and must face the drama that comes from working with strong personalities.
What Makes ‘St. Denis Medical’ Unique?
St. Denis Medical brings a fresh perspective to the mockumentary format. The show is created by Eric Ledgin, known for his work on Superstore and American Auto, along with co-creator Justin Spitzer, who also worked on The Office.
Based on the six episodes provided for review, their collaboration captures the chaos and unpredictability needed for a successful weekly mockumentary.
For each complicated medical case the staff faces, there is often a funny subplot that adds an extra layer of humor to the show.
Ledgin and Spitzer have experience with this format, and it shows in the way they develop the storylines. The show starts strong, moving quickly with a sense of confidence that keeps viewers engaged.
Many of the situations faced by the staff at St. Denis are either common in the healthcare industry or relatable aspects of workplace culture.
This balance between the serious and the silly makes St. Denis Medical enjoyable to watch. Joyce’s hopeful goals often clash with the realities of running a hospital.
For instance, when she insists that St. Denis install an expensive 3D mammogram machine, only for it to cause significant issues with the hospital’s computer system, viewers can relate to the humor in the chaos.
Character Dynamics and Humor
The relationships between characters at St. Denis are a key element of the show. The social dynamics can be tricky to face, with some characters resembling high school cliques.
Tension exists between doctors and nurses, with nurses feeling overlooked and overworked due to their higher patient load.
Meanwhile, doctors often complain about the tedious paperwork that takes up their time, making it harder for them to provide patient care.
These interpersonal dynamics lead to humorous moments that can quickly spiral into chaos. The characters sometimes create their own problems, while other times, their challenges arise from the demands of their busy profession.
No one at St. Denis Medical is immune to making mistakes, acting petty, or having their plans go awry. However, the show does not mock healthcare workers; instead, the characters use humor to cope with the stresses of their jobs. This approach humanizes their flaws, making them relatable and endearing.
A Talented Ensemble Cast
The success of St. Denis Medical can be attributed in large part to its talented cast. Ledgin and Spitzer’s experience in the mockumentary genre helps the show shine, but the performances of the actors upgrade the material.
The characters’ humorous reactions to various situations — whether they are disbelieving, pleading, or giving a stink-eye — add depth to the comedy.
Wendi McLendon-Covey plays Joyce, who embodies awkward enthusiasm and idealism. Her character is earnest and relatable, and despite making decisions that can frustrate her staff, her genuine care for her team sets her apart from typical sitcom bosses. She faces her role with humor and heart, making Joyce a character viewers can root for.
Allison Tolman portrays Alex, a newly promoted supervising nurse who stands out as a voice of reason. As an empathetic character, she struggles to manage her increased responsibilities while balancing her role as a mother.
Alex tries to address the problems created by her colleagues while also attending her daughter’s school play, which adds depth to her character.
Mekki Leeper plays Matt, the naive new floor nurse whose inexperience often leads to mistakes. His blunders create chaos in the hospital, earning him some good-natured teasing from the more experienced nurses, Serena and Val, played by Kahyun Kim and Kaliko Kauahi, respectively.
David Alan Grier takes on the role of Ron, the grumpy emergency doctor, who is quick with a sarcastic remark and has little patience for nonsense.
Lastly, Josh Lawson plays Bruce, the serious trauma surgeon obsessed with rare diseases, which complicates his ability to focus on patient care.
As the show progresses, there is still much to learn about the characters. While they have not fully distinguished themselves from other mockumentary characters yet, the talented ensemble cast shows great potential for development.
With 18 episodes planned for the season, viewers can look forward to deeper character scheme in future episodes.
The Promise of ‘St. Denis Medical’
Although St. Denis Medical has just begun its journey, it has already established a strong identity. The blend of humor, relatable workplace challenges, and a diverse cast creates a foundation for success.
The show’s ability to tackle serious issues while maintaining a comedic tone is a formula that has worked well in the past for other mockumentaries.
Still from St. Denis Medical (Credit: NBC)
The interactions between characters and the ways they face their complex work environment make St. Denis Medical a promising addition to the television show.
With its unique take on the medical genre and a talented creative team behind it, the show has the potential to capture the hearts of viewers.
St. Denis Medical is set to premiere on November 12 on NBC in the U.S. Viewers can also stream new episodes the following day on Peacock.
Fans of medical dramas and mockumentaries alike will want to tune in to see how this new series unfolds.
