Not Dead Yet
Not Dead Yet is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from February 8, 2023, to April 8, 2024. Created by David Windsor and Casey Johnson, the series is loosely based on the book Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter. It stars Gina Rodriguez as Nell Stevens, a journalist who sees and converses with the ghosts of people recently deceased, helping them find closure while navigating her own life struggles.) The show received mixed reviews for its humor and Rodriguez's performance but was canceled after two seasons due to declining viewership.[1]Plot
Season 1
In the first season of Not Dead Yet, Nell Serrano, a 37-year-old journalist, returns to Pasadena, California, after ending her five-year engagement to Phillip in London and leaving behind her stalled career aspirations. Broke and newly single, she moves in with her old college friend and roommate Edward, an organized but socially awkward accountant, and accepts the only available job at her former workplace, the SoCal Independent newspaper, where she writes obituaries from a cramped closet cubicle.[2][3][4] Nell's life takes a supernatural turn when she discovers she can see and interact with the ghosts of the deceased individuals featured in her obituaries, who appear to offer quirky life advice and push her to confront her personal stagnation. This ability debuts with her first assignment on Monty, a recently deceased local bar owner whose ghost encourages her to reconnect with his widow, Cricket, leading to a new friendship and highlighting the ghosts' role in helping Nell rebuild her social circle.[4][2] Subsequent encounters, such as with an influencer acquaintance and a professional organizer, force Nell to navigate workplace rivalries and her own insecurities, while the ghosts' unresolved issues mirror her struggles with vulnerability and change.[4][3] Amid these ghostly interactions, Nell grapples with financial pressures, including crashing on friends' couches before settling with Edward, and emotional fallout from her breakup, including a hidden miscarriage that amplifies her sense of failure. At the newspaper, she clashes with ambitious editor Lexi, who assigns her menial tasks, and bonds tentatively with mild-mannered colleague Dennis, whose marital tensions provide comic relief. Her friendship with optimistic homemaker Sam, mother of twins, offers support but also envy, as Nell witnesses Sam's seemingly stable life while attempting awkward dates arranged by her circle.[2][3][4] Romantic entanglements emerge tentatively, including ill-fated crushes and a rekindled pull toward Phillip during his unexpected visit, complicating her efforts to move forward.[4][2] Key plot developments revolve around Nell aiding ghosts in resolving unfinished business, such as spreading ashes or mending family ties, which parallel her own growth in assertiveness—like standing up to Lexi during performance reviews or helping Dennis with fertility decisions. Conflicts at the newspaper, including Edward's investigative pursuits that inspire Nell's dormant journalistic fire, underscore workplace dynamics, while personal milestones, like her father's visit revealing his quiet pride in her resilience, deepen her self-reflection.[4][3] The season arcs toward resolution as Nell gains confidence through her ghostly mentors, organizing her chaotic life and embracing her quirks, culminating in a rooftop dinner party where she definitively ends her reconciliation with Phillip, choosing independence over comfort. This decision restores her ability to see ghosts, symbolizing her acceptance of emotional risks, while her friends experience parallel growth: Sam reignites passion in her marriage, Lexi softens her edges, and Dennis confronts a pivotal adoption choice with Nell's encouragement.[2][3][4]Season 2
In the second season of Not Dead Yet, the narrative shifts to deeper interpersonal and professional challenges at the SoCal Independent, introducing Duncan Rhodes, portrayed by Brad Garrett, as Lexi's estranged father and the newspaper's owner who assumes a more hands-on role as interim boss. Duncan's arrival disrupts the office dynamics, as he favors Nell and implements cost-cutting measures that heighten tensions, particularly with Lexi, who struggles with his dismissive attitude and favoritism toward her colleague. This paternal interference exacerbates existing workplace insecurities, setting the stage for broader conflicts within the team.[5] A central arc revolves around the looming threat of the newspaper being sold by Duncan, which sparks job anxieties among the staff and galvanizes collective efforts to impress potential buyers and preserve the publication. Nell takes a proactive role in these initiatives, navigating Duncan's unpredictable leadership while confronting her own career uncertainties. Concurrently, Nell's romantic involvement with TJ deepens, but it faces significant strain due to his firm stance against having children, prompting her to reflect on her long-term aspirations, including freezing her eggs as a step toward future family goals. These personal deliberations intertwine with her professional struggles, highlighting her growth in prioritizing self-determination.[6][7][8] The season advances Nell's supernatural encounters, featuring ghosts whose unresolved issues demand more intricate investigations, such as probing potential foul play in a death, which mirror and amplify her personal dilemmas around love, commitment, and legacy. These interactions evolve beyond simple advice-giving, requiring Nell to mediate complex emotional closures that parallel her evolving relationships and career choices. In the finale, the newspaper's fate culminates in a dramatic resolution when Lexi independently buys back the publication from Duncan following his health scare, during which Nell briefly engages with him as a spirit, unaware of his survival, ultimately reinforcing her resolve in both her professional path and decision to end her relationship with TJ over irreconcilable differences on parenthood.[9][8]Cast and characters
Main
Gina Rodriguez portrays Nell Serrano, the protagonist of Not Dead Yet, a 37-year-old journalist who returns to Pasadena after a failed five-year stint in London pursuing a relationship, only to take a job writing obituaries at the struggling SoCal Independent newspaper where she discovers she can see and converse with the ghosts of her subjects, using their insights to craft their eulogies and help them find peace.[10][11] Nell's character arc centers on reviving her stalled career while navigating personal growth, confronting her past mistakes, and embracing her unique supernatural ability as a catalyst for self-discovery amid the chaos of her professional and social life.[12][10] Hannah Simone plays Sam, Nell's optimistic and supportive best friend from college who serves as her roommate and provides much-needed comic relief and emotional grounding throughout the series, while working as the Life & Style editor at the SoCal Independent.[13][10] Sam's upbeat personality often lightens tense moments at the office or in their shared apartment, offering Nell candid advice on relationships and life challenges drawn from her own experiences as a busy professional balancing work and marriage.[14] Lauren Ash depicts Lexi Rhodes, the ambitious and sharply competitive features editor at the SoCal Independent who frequently clashes with Nell over story ideas and workplace dynamics, driven by her desire to prove herself as the daughter of the newspaper's wealthy owner.[10][11] Lexi's character embodies a mix of entitlement and insecurity, pushing innovative but sometimes out-of-touch initiatives to save the paper, which often heightens the newsroom's comedic tensions.[15][16] Rick Glassman embodies Edward, the quirky and socially awkward IT specialist at the SoCal Independent whose tech-savvy expertise keeps the outdated office running, though his peculiar habits and blunt demeanor frequently lead to humorous misunderstandings with his colleagues.[11][10] Edward's arc involves gradual social integration within the team, evolving from a peripheral oddball to a more involved friend, particularly as he navigates unrequited feelings and personal quirks that mirror the show's themes of unexpected connections.[17] Joshua Banday stars as Dennis, the enthusiastic yet somewhat hapless assistant editor at the newspaper who was Nell's former roommate and old friend, hiring her out of loyalty despite the office's precarious state and often fumbling through managerial duties with wide-eyed optimism.[10][11] Dennis's promotion from a more junior role highlights his growth into a fuller staff position, where his eager but error-prone approach adds levity to the newsroom's daily struggles. Angela Elayne Gibbs brings to life Cricket, the wise and straightforward human resources representative at the SoCal Independent who acts as a mentor figure to the staff, offering no-nonsense guidance rooted in her recent widowhood and spiritual outlook on life.[11][10] As the widow of the first obituary subject Nell encounters, Cricket forms a deep bond with her, providing emotional support and sage advice that influences Nell's journey without ever suspecting her ghostly secret.[18] Brad Garrett appears as Duncan Rhodes, Lexi's father and the newspaper's new owner introduced in season 2, whose entitled attitude and corporate mindset introduce sweeping changes to the SoCal Independent, often oblivious to the staff's realities and straining his relationship with his daughter.[19][20] Duncan's arrival amplifies workplace conflicts, pushing the team toward modernization while his overbearing presence forces Lexi to assert her independence and Nell to adapt to heightened professional pressures.[10]Recurring
Maile Flanagan portrays Tina, the gruff and somewhat antisocial receptionist at the SoCal Independent newspaper, whose sarcastic commentary often provides comic relief amid the office dynamics.[12][21] Flanagan recurs throughout both seasons, appearing in multiple episodes to highlight the quirky interpersonal tensions at the workplace.[22] Jimmy Bellinger plays Mason, a laid-back intern at the newspaper known for his humorous and easygoing attitude, which frequently lightens the mood during high-pressure journalistic assignments.[23][10] Bellinger's character appears across several episodes in Seasons 1 and 2, serving as a supportive foil to the main reporters without driving the central plots.[24] In Season 2, Jesse Garcia recurs as TJ, a charming sportswriter and Chicago native who becomes Nell's love interest, though his hesitance toward commitment adds layers to their budding relationship.[10][25] Garcia's portrayal emphasizes TJ's diehard Cubs fandom and professional camaraderie at the paper, appearing in key episodes that explore romantic subplots.[26] The series features various ghostly apparitions that recur thematically across episodes, manifesting as the spirits of obituary subjects who interact only with Nell to impart life lessons, though these are not fixed characters but episodic guests like Martin Mull and Brittany Snow.[27] These recurring supernatural elements reinforce the show's core premise without establishing ongoing personalities.[28]Guest stars
The first season of Not Dead Yet featured several notable guest stars portraying ghosts encountered by Nell Serrano, each providing unique insights into their lives that influenced her personal growth and obituary writing process. Martin Mull appeared as Monty Waxberg, the inaugural ghost Nell meets, who is the late husband of her landlady Cricket; his appearance in the pilot episode helps Nell navigate her chaotic return to Pasadena by sharing humorous anecdotes from his own regrets.[29] Rhea Perlman guest-starred as Janice, a dedicated postal worker whose ghost in the season finale urges Nell to embrace relaxation after a lifetime of rigid routine, contributing to Nell's reflection on work-life balance during a pivotal moment of closure with her ex-fiancé.[30] Brittany Snow played Piper Ashford, Nell's high school bully turned social media influencer, whose ghost in episode three prompts Nell to confront past insecurities while uncovering Piper's hidden vulnerabilities, enhancing Nell's empathetic approach to her ghostly consultations.[31] Other prominent season one ghosts included Ed Begley Jr., Telma Hopkins, Paula Pell, and Julia Sweeney, each embodying obituary subjects with distinctive backstories—such as environmentalists, community leaders, or comedic figures—that offered Nell tailored life lessons on resilience and authenticity, often tying into her evolving relationships at the SoCal Independent.[32] In season two, guest appearances continued to spotlight one-off ghosts with impactful narratives. Wendie Malick portrayed Mary Sue Manners, a etiquette TV host who died from choking on crudités due to excessive politeness; her ghost encourages Nell to express unfiltered emotions, aiding Nell's assertiveness in professional challenges.[33] Jenifer Lewis appeared as Donna, a former newspaper editor whose belief in journalism's power inspires Nell during a tense episode about the press's role, reinforcing themes of legacy in Nell's work.[34] Rob Corddry guest-starred as Andrew, an accountant claiming foul play in his death, leading Nell and her boss Lexi into a lighthearted investigation that highlights Nell's problem-solving skills through supernatural guidance.[33] No guest performances from the series received Emmy nominations.Episodes
Series overview
Not Dead Yet is an American sitcom starring Gina Rodriguez as Nell Serrano, a journalist who sees and receives advice from the ghosts of the people whose obituaries she writes.[35] The series comprises two seasons totaling 23 episodes, with each episode running approximately 22 minutes.[36] It aired on ABC, with Season 1 consisting of 13 episodes from February 8 to May 3, 2023, and Season 2 featuring 10 episodes from February 7 to April 24, 2024.[37] The original run concluded after ABC canceled the series following the second season.[38]| Season | No. of episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | February 8, 2023 | May 3, 2023 |
| 2 | 10 | February 7, 2024 | April 24, 2024 |
Season 1 (2023)
The first season of Not Dead Yet consists of 13 episodes, which originally aired on ABC from February 8 to May 3, 2023.[37] It premiered with a back-to-back airing of the first two episodes.[39] Viewership for the season ranged from 1.78 million to 3.61 million total viewers per episode, with an average of 2.26 million viewers.[40]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | Dean Holland | Casey Johnson & David Windsor | February 8, 2023 [41] |
| 2 | Not a Tiger Yet | Todd Holland | Marc Firek | February 8, 2023 [42] |
| 3 | Not Out of High School Yet | Gail Mancuso | Josh Greenberg | February 15, 2023 [43] |
| 4 | Not Dating Yet | Melanie Mayron | Maggie Mull | February 22, 2023 |
| 5 | Not Moving on Yet | Dean Holland | Chelsea Devantez | March 1, 2023 [44] |
| 6 | Not Ready to Share Yet | Chris Koch | Becky Mann & Audra Sielaff | March 8, 2023 [45] |
| 7 | Not Out of the Game Yet | Shahrzad Davani | Eddie Quintana | March 15, 2023 |
| 8 | Not Friends Yet | Gail Lerner | Michael J. Feldman & Debbie Jhoon | April 5, 2023 [46] |
| 9 | Not Scattered Yet | Dean Holland | Eddie Quintana & Michael J. Feldman & Debbie Jhoon | April 12, 2023 [47] |
| 10 | Not Well Yet | Michael McDonald | Josh Greenberg | April 19, 2023 [48] |
| 11 | Not Feeling It Yet | Anya Adams | Mattie Bayne | April 26, 2023 [49] |
| 12 | Not a Fairytale Yet | Claire Scanlon | Marc Firek | May 3, 2023 [50] |
| 13 | Not Just Yet | Dean Holland | Teleplay by: Becky Mann & Audra Sielaff | May 3, 2023 [51] |
Season 2 (2024)
The second season of Not Dead Yet comprises 10 episodes and aired from February 7 to April 24, 2024, on ABC, marking the series' final season before its cancellation.[52] This season introduced Brad Garrett as a new series regular in the role of Duncan Rhodes, the newspaper's owner, adding a dynamic to the ensemble. Production credits featured recurring director Dean Holland for multiple episodes, alongside contributions from directors such as Michael McDonald and a notable directorial debut by actress Melissa Fumero for the penultimate episode; writers included core team members Casey Johnson and David Windsor (often credited for the story), with teleplays by various staff like Alexandra Potter.[22][53] The episodes are detailed below, including titles, air dates, and U.S. viewership figures, which ranged from a high of 2.59 million for the second episode to a low of 2.11 million, averaging approximately 2.3 million viewers per episode.[54]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 1 | Not Owning It Yet | Dean Holland | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by Alexandra Potter | February 7, 2024 | 2.56 |
| 15 | 2 | Not a Valentine Yet | Dean Holland | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by Alexandra Potter | February 14, 2024 | 2.59 |
| 16 | 3 | Not in the Cards Yet | Michael McDonald [55] | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by various staff | February 21, 2024 | 2.28 |
| 17 | 4 | Not Polite Yet | Michael McDonald | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by various staff | February 28, 2024 | 2.33 |
| 18 | 5 | Not Solved Yet | Dean Holland | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by Becky Mann & Audra Sielaff [56] | March 13, 2024 | 2.19 |
| 19 | 6 | Not Going Home Yet | Dean Holland | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by various staff | March 20, 2024 | 2.22 |
| 20 | 7 | Not in the Game Yet | Michael McDonald | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by various staff | April 10, 2024 | 2.20 |
| 21 | 8 | Not You Yet | Dean Holland | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by various staff | April 17, 2024 | 2.11 |
| 22 | 9 | Not the End Yet | Melissa Fumero | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by Grace Condon [57] | April 24, 2024 | 2.15 |
| 23 | 10 | Not a Ghost Yet | Dean Holland [58] | Story by Casey Johnson & David Windsor; teleplay by various staff | April 24, 2024 | 2.15 |