Watch Family Reunion

Family Reunion is a wholesome American sitcom about the McKellan family, whose members have just moved from Seattle to Georgia in order to reconnect with their extended family. The titular name of the show is derived from the series being based on the idea of family reunions that take place every summer. Created by Meg DeLoatch, this family-friendly television series premiered on Netflix in 2019 and continued running for four seasons, concluding in 2022.

The show's main protagonist is Moz (Anthony Alabi), a former NFL player who moves his family, including his wife Cocoa (Tia Mowry-Hardrict) and their four children, Jade (Talia Jackson), Shaka (Isaiah Russell-Bailey), Mazzi (Cameron J. Wright), and Ami (Jordyn Raya James), from big city life in Seattle to the small town of Columbus, Georgia. The McKellans choose to move to Georgia to reconnect with their family's roots and spend more time together. Along with their children, Moz and Cocoa also bring along Moz's traditional mother, M'Dear (Loretta Devine), who holds on to the values of their family legacy and culture.

Despite the giant shift in their lifestyles and environments, the McKellans embrace the family reunion tradition and try to fit in with the rest of their Georgia relatives. The show's plot mainly revolves around the everyday dramas of a big family - from sibling rivalries, taking care of extended relatives, to attempts to fit in with the local community.

Talia Jackson, who plays the role of Jade, a 14-year-old teenager navigating her social life in a new town, is the breakout star of the series. Jade’s storyline is central to the plot, and the budding actress holds her scenes well opposite seasoned actors such as Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Loretta Devine. Jackson's character is your typical teenager in many ways, but she also embodies a resilient spirit, showcasing her strong personality and standing up to whatever challenge comes her way.

Mazzi (Cameron J. Wright), who is the McKellan's 11-year-old son, is portrayed as the comic relief of the show, providing humor consistently throughout every episode. Isaiah Russell-Bailey, who stars as the show’s oldest son, Shaka, gives a solid performance and plays the role of the family's responsible older son in a convincing way.

Meanwhile, Cocoa (Tia Mowry-Hardrict), Moz's wife, tries to balance things as a full-time mother and an aspiring actress. The show carefully manages to explore Cocoa's goals and ambitions, such as her desire to pursue her acting career, while treading the awkward territory of trying to fit in with Moz's tight-knit family. Despite facing a host of challenges, she showcases her resilience and determination through her work as a mother, wife, and an aspiring actress.

One of the most intriguing parts of Family Reunion is the relationship between Moz and his mother, M'Dear (Loretta Devine). M’Dear is a wise matriarch who's unafraid to speak her mind, give advice that nobody asked for, and impart life lessons to her family members whenever she sees fit. The character is bold, entertaining, and is at the center of many of the show's memorable moments.

Each episode revolves around an array of individual storylines and subplots that all come together at the end for a satisfying conclusion. However, the show is not without its flaws. At times, the writing can feel predictable, and the humor may feel forced, but this is likely because the series tries to juggle the weight of being both wholesome and entertaining for younger and older viewers alike.

Overall, Family Reunion tells a heartwarming story of the McKellans, a big family with big dreams who, despite their differences, come together to celebrate their traditions and forge new ones. It's a show about family, its complexities, and its unshakeable love that holds them together. While it may not break new ground in terms of its storytelling, it does provide a feel-good show that is suitable for families and audiences of all ages.

Family Reunion is a series that ran for 5 seasons (45 episodes) between July 10, 2019 and on Netflix