Ep 16. Joan Allen Talks ABC's Riveting New Thriller 'The Family'

Joan Allen, the award-winning actress, takes a seat on the latest episode of Popcorn with Peter Travers to discuss ABC's newest television thriller, The Family. The show, which navigates the tumultuous aftermath of the sudden disappearance of a young boy, tears at the heartstrings of viewers but also leaves them on the edge of their seats.

Peter Travers delves right into the heart of the show, eager to learn from Allen's perspective what makes The Family such an engrossing piece of television. Allen begins by discussing her character Claire, the matriarch of the Warren family, who experiences a career in politics that comes with its own set of consequences. It's a character that Allen reveals is more complex than viewers may realize, embodying both strength and vulnerability. Her role is at the center of the drama, as her family tries to cope with the loss of their son and deal with the long-term ramifications of his disappearance.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Allen delves into the relationship between Claire and her husband John, played by Rupert Graves, and their son Danny, played by Zach Gilford. Allen reveals that the Warren family's struggles in the show mirror the struggles of many families in real life. The missing son has created a rift between the members of the family, and each character deals with the tragedy in their own way.

Peter Travers is clearly impressed with Allen's depth of knowledge of the show and her character, and she goes on to talk about the talented cast that appears alongside her on The Family. She talks about her on-screen daughter Willa, played by Alison Pill and how she's the only character who knows the dark, devastating secret that could bring the family down.

Allen also shares her admiration for creator and writer Jenna Bans, whose skillful storytelling keeps the audience hooked every episode. The actress calls Bans' writing in The Family "extraordinary" and says the show is one of the most "riveting" she's been a part of in a long time.

The conversation also dwells briefly on Allen's impressive acting career and the prestigious awards she's been honored with, including nominations for three Academy Awards. Travers asks Allen how she chooses her roles, and Allen admits that she looks for characters that inspire and challenge her.

The interview wraps up with a tantalizing discussion of what's to come for The Family, with Allen dropping hints about what viewers can expect in future episodes without giving anything away. Peter Travers reminds the audience that this show is a must-watch, with every episode building towards a shocking and emotional conclusion.

Throughout the conversation, it's clear that Joan Allen is thoroughly invested in the show, her character, and the fan's reactions to it. Don't miss this latest episode of Popcorn with Peter Travers, a thrilling discussion about a truly electrifying show.