Ep 1. The Pilot
- TV14
- April 8, 2005
Fran Reeves is a successful divorce attorney living in Los Angeles. She's recently divorced herself but remains friends with her ex-husband, Ted, who's moved on and is getting remarried. Feeling somewhat lonely and directionless, Fran decides to take in a renter to help pay the bills.
Enter Riley Martin, a handsome and charming 23-year-old who is looking for a place to live while he pursues his music career. Fran is hesitant at first, but her best friend Judy encourages her to give it a try. Fran and Riley hit it off right away, but Fran's teenage daughter, Allison, is not so thrilled about the new arrangement.
Allison is going through the typical teenage struggles of trying to fit in and be popular at school, so the last thing she wants is a young, cool guy living in her house. She makes her feelings known to Fran, but Fran is determined to make it work with Riley.
As the episode progresses, we see Fran and Riley bonding over music and their shared love for Frank Sinatra. Fran even offers to be Riley's manager and help him get gigs around town. Meanwhile, Allison is getting into trouble at school and clashing with her mother over the new living arrangement.
Ted, Fran's ex-husband, also makes an appearance in the episode. He's supportive of Fran's decision to take in a renter but seems a bit jealous when he meets Riley and realizes he's a potential rival for Fran's attention.
Overall, the first episode of Living with Fran sets up the show's premise of a divorced woman trying to find her footing and navigate life with a new roommate. The dynamic between Fran, Riley, and Allison is entertaining and full of comedic potential. Additionally, the show's emphasis on music, particularly the music of Frank Sinatra, adds a fun and unique element to the series.