Out of Practice
Out of Practice is an American sitcom television series that aired on CBS for one season from September 19, 2005, to March 29, 2006, consisting of 22 episodes, of which 14 were broadcast during its run.[1][2] The series, created by Joe Keenan and Christopher Lloyd, centers on Benjamin "Ben" Barnes, a therapist navigating family tensions with his accomplished physician relatives who view his profession as inferior.[1][3] Produced by Paramount Television, it stars Christopher Gorham as Ben, alongside Paula Marshall as his sister Regina, Ty Burrell as his brother Oliver, Jennifer Tilly as sister Naomi, Henry Winkler as father Stewart, and Stockard Channing as his mother Lydia.[3][4] The show's premise explores the Barnes family's professional and personal dynamics, particularly after Stewart begins dating a much younger woman, highlighting themes of familial judgment and reconciliation through humor.[3] Despite positive elements in its writing and ensemble cast, Out of Practice received mixed critical reception, earning a Metacritic score of 53 out of 100, and was canceled after its first season due to low ratings.[5][6]Premise
Plot
Out of Practice is an American sitcom that follows the Barnes family, a group of accomplished medical professionals residing in New York City whose lives are marked by dysfunction despite their expertise in healing. The central character, Ben Barnes, is a therapist and the only non-physician in the family, often feeling overshadowed by his parents—divorcing physicians Stewart and Lydia—and his siblings, a plastic surgeon brother and an emergency room doctor sister. Ben frequently attempts to mediate family conflicts and maintain unity, highlighting his role as the emotional core amid their professional successes.[3][5][7] The series explores key themes of family tensions stemming from clashing personalities and lifestyles, despite their common medical background, with Ben's therapeutic perspective often clashing against the more detached, clinical attitudes of his relatives. Romantic entanglements abound, particularly involving dating, divorce, and midlife relationships, underscoring the characters' struggles in applying their professional knowledge to personal matters. These elements create comedic situations that contrast the family's adeptness in medicine with their ineptitude in emotional and relational dynamics.[7][5]Characters
The Barnes family forms the core of Out of Practice, a dysfunctional unit of medical professionals where Ben stands out as the sole non-physician, highlighting comedic tensions from his therapeutic approach amid their clinical worldviews.[8] Ben Barnes serves as the protagonist, a marriage counselor who often feels overshadowed by his accomplished relatives, with his outsider perspective on emotional matters sparking humorous family conflicts.[8][3] His earnest efforts to apply counseling techniques to the family's chaos underscore the show's central comedy.[1] Regina Barnes, Ben's sister, is an outspoken ER doctor whose bold and direct personality frequently ignites romantic tensions and professional rivalries within the family dynamic.[8] Her high-stakes emergency medicine background amplifies her no-nonsense demeanor, tying into flaws like impatience in personal interactions.[9] Stewart Barnes, Ben's father, is a gastroenterologist depicted as a bumbling yet well-meaning patriarch whose post-divorce life adds layers of awkward humor to family gatherings.[8][10] His specialty in digestive health often mirrors his own "indigestion" over family matters, contributing to the sitcom's lighthearted mishaps. Lydia Barnes, Ben's mother, is an elegant cardiologist who is critical of the family's shortcomings, frequently mediating disputes through pointed medical analogies that heighten the comedic irony.[8][11] Her heart-focused profession contrasts with her sometimes cold family interactions, emphasizing emotional disconnects for laughs. Oliver Barnes, Ben's brother, is an arrogant plastic surgeon whose self-absorbed focus on appearances drives much of the show's superficial humor and sibling rivalries.[8] His cosmetic surgery expertise directly ties to his vanity and obsession with aesthetics, often leading to exaggerated, ego-fueled conflicts.[12] Each character's medical specialty integrates with their personal flaws, creating opportunities for wordplay and situational comedy rooted in their professional lives—such as Oliver's vanity echoing cosmetic procedures or Stewart's bungling reflecting procedural mishaps.[8][13]Cast
Main cast
The main cast of Out of Practice featured an ensemble of actors portraying the central Barnes family members, each bringing distinct comedic styles to their roles in the CBS sitcom that aired from 2005 to 2006.[14] Christopher Gorham led the series as Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Barnes, the earnest family therapist and only non-medical professional in the household, appearing in all 22 episodes.[15] Prior to this breakout lead role, Gorham was known for his supporting turn as Trevor O'Donnell in the final season of Felicity (1998–2002) and as Harrison John in the teen dramedy Popular (1999–2001).[16] His performance as Ben provided relatable everyman charm, highlighted by strong comedic timing alongside co-stars in scenes exploring family tensions.[17] Paula Marshall played Dr. Regina Barnes, Ben's older sister and an ER doctor, also appearing in all 22 episodes.[15] Marshall had built a career in comedy with roles like Dr. Claire Allen in the short-lived romantic comedy Cupid (1998–1999) and voice work in the animated series Gary & Mike (1999).[18] Her portrayal emphasized strong, fiery female leads, contributing to the show's dynamic interplay among the siblings and parents.[19] Henry Winkler portrayed Dr. Stewart Barnes, the bumbling but loving father and gastroenterologist, in all 22 episodes.[15] Iconic for his role as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on Happy Days (1974–1984), Winkler infused the character with paternal warmth and signature physical comedy, drawing on his established sitcom expertise.[20] His chemistry with co-star Stockard Channing was praised for elevating the parental duo's humorous interactions.[17] Stockard Channing depicted Dr. Lydia Barnes, the elegant yet acerbic mother and cardiologist, appearing in all 22 episodes.[15] Renowned for her Emmy-winning role as First Lady Abbey Bartlet on The West Wing (1999–2006) and her Tony-nominated performance in the film adaptation of Six Degrees of Separation (1993), Channing delivered sharp wit and sophisticated poise to the maternal figure.[21] Her elegant delivery anchored the family's highbrow comedic clashes.[5] Ty Burrell rounded out the core family as Dr. Oliver Barnes, the arrogant and self-absorbed plastic surgeon brother, in all 22 episodes.[15] Before gaining wider fame, Burrell had appeared in films like Dawn of the Dead (2004) and guest spots on series such as Law & Order (1990–2010), showcasing his talent for playing smug, unlikeable characters.[22] He proved effective in arrogant roles, adding sharp contrast to the ensemble's warmth.[23] Jennifer Tilly played Crystal, Stewart's much younger girlfriend and a receptionist, appearing in 13 episodes.[15] Known for her roles in films like Bullets Over Broadway (1994) and voicing Tiffany in Bride of Chucky (1998), Tilly brought bubbly, ditzy energy to the character, central to the show's exploration of family judgments.[24] The selection of this cast enhanced the show's portrayal of family dynamics through their varied comedic backgrounds and on-screen rapport.[5]Recurring and guest cast
Constance Zimmer portrayed Naomi, Ben's ex-wife, appearing in 2 episodes. Her role provided backstory to Ben's recent divorce and emotional struggles.[15] These performances enriched episodic subplots and extended the family narrative by introducing external characters who mirrored or contrasted the main cast's traits.[15]Production
Development
Out of Practice was created by Joe Keenan and Christopher Lloyd, writers and producers best known for their work on the long-running sitcom Frasier, where they contributed to multiple seasons as part of the writing staff.[25][26] The duo developed the series as a family-oriented comedy exploring the tensions between a therapist and his physician relatives, drawing on their experience crafting witty ensemble dynamics in professional settings.[25] Keenan and Lloyd served as executive producers, overseeing the project's creative direction with an emphasis on sharp dialogue and character-driven humor.[26] The series was picked up by CBS for its 2005–2006 primetime schedule, announced during the network's upfront presentation in May 2005, positioning it as a Monday night entry in the competitive medical-themed comedy landscape alongside shows like Scrubs.[27] CBS initially ordered 13 episodes, including a pilot, reflecting confidence in the creators' track record.[8] Due to strong early ratings after its September 19, 2005 premiere, the network expanded the order to a full season of 22 episodes on November 1, 2005. The original concept centered on a dysfunctional family of medical professionals—parents who are prominent doctors and grown children specializing in various fields—united by their careers but divided by personal conflicts, with the protagonist as the outlier couples counselor.[26] This setup allowed for quick-witted banter and interplay among the ensemble, inspired by the interpersonal clashes in high-stakes professions, much like the ensemble humor in successful medical sitcoms.[25] Produced by Paramount Network Television, the series aimed to blend family drama with comedic contrasts between emotional therapy and clinical medicine.[26]Casting and filming
The casting for Out of Practice began with Christopher Gorham securing the lead role of Benjamin "Ben" Barnes, the relatable family therapist at the center of the dysfunctional Barnes family of doctors.[3] As a relatively young actor with prior series experience including Odyssey 5 and Jake 2.0, Gorham's selection emphasized his ability to anchor the ensemble with charm and comedic timing.[28] Paula Marshall was cast as the sharp-tongued ER physician Regina Barnes after auditioning just one week after giving birth to her daughter, having been drawn to the script's witty family dynamics despite her initial intention to take a year off from acting.[29] The production team rounded out the main cast with Ty Burrell as the self-centered plastic surgeon Oliver Barnes, Jennifer Tilly as Crystal, Stewart's much younger girlfriend and receptionist, Henry Winkler as the bumbling gastroenterologist Stewart Barnes, and Stockard Channing as the no-nonsense cardiologist Lydia Barnes, leveraging their star power and proven sitcom pedigree to attract viewers and elevate the show's appeal.[30] Auditions across the board prioritized performers with strong improvisational skills and ensemble chemistry, essential for the multi-camera format's rapid-fire dialogue.[15] Principal photography took place at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, utilizing Stages 11 and 17 to construct the primary sets, including the Barnes family home and hospital environments designed to evoke authentic Los Angeles medical settings through detailed props and layouts.[31] [32] The series employed a traditional multi-camera setup filmed before a live studio audience, capturing the energy of real-time reactions to heighten the sitcom's comedic rhythm.[17] The pilot episode was directed by Kelsey Grammer, who brought a seasoned hand to establishing the show's tone of familial dysfunction and humor.[33] Over the course of the 2005–2006 season, 22 episodes were filmed, with principal production spanning from late summer 2005 through early spring 2006 to align with CBS's broadcast schedule.[34] The process faced logistical challenges, including script adjustments for pacing to maintain tight 22-minute episodes amid the demands of live tapings, but the writers' room—led by creators Joe Keenan and Christopher Lloyd—iterated efficiently to refine humor.[35] Integrating frequent guest stars, such as Amy Yasbeck and Bob Newhart, was seamless due to the cast's welcoming environment; the ensemble maintained a pre-taping ritual of holding hands in a circle, often led by Winkler, to foster unity and support newcomers.[36] Additional accommodations addressed personal needs, like providing on-set space for Marshall to care for her newborn during shoots, ensuring the production remained family-friendly while delivering consistent output.[29]Episodes
Season overview
Out of Practice aired its sole season from September 19, 2005, to March 29, 2006, on CBS, consisting of 22 produced episodes of which only 14 were broadcast due to declining ratings that prompted the network to pull the series from the schedule.[37][3] The eight unaired episodes were later included in the complete series DVD release.[38] The series initially occupied the Monday 9:30 p.m. ET time slot, positioned between strong lead-ins like Two and a Half Men and CSI: Miami, where the pilot episode attracted 13.2 million viewers and an 8.6 household rating.[39][40] As viewership dropped, the show was moved to Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET in late March 2006, with the season finale drawing 5.94 million viewers and a 4.1 household rating.[37][41] Production occurred primarily in Los Angeles from fall 2005 through spring 2006, under a full-season order issued by CBS prior to the premiere, reflecting early network confidence in the family-centric sitcom created by Christopher Lloyd and Joe Keenan.[42][3] This mid-season commitment allowed for the completion of all 22 episodes despite the eventual cancellation announcement on May 15, 2006.[6] Episodes featured loose serialization centered on the Barnes family's interpersonal dynamics, incorporating ongoing romantic developments and shared crises, such as holiday gatherings and professional conflicts, while maintaining a primarily episodic structure focused on the non-therapist son's integration into his physician relatives' world.[3]Episode list
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | US viewers (millions) | Short summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Pilot | Kelsey Grammer | Joe Keenan & Christopher Lloyd | September 19, 2005 | 13.2 | The Barnes family, a group of doctors and one therapist, gather for a divorce party, highlighting their dysfunctional relationships.[33] |
| 2 | 2 | We Wanna Hold Your Hand | James Widdoes | Joe Keenan | September 26, 2005 | 11.5 | Ben tries to move on from his divorce while dealing with his family's interference in his love life.[43][44] |
| 3 | 3 | And I'll Cry if I Want To | Sheldon Epps | Tucker Cawley | October 3, 2005 | 9.85 | Lydia hosts a party to prove she's over her divorce, but things go awry when she hires a gigolo.[45] |
| 4 | 4 | The Truth About Nerds and Dogs | Sheldon Epps | Liz Feldman | October 10, 2005 | 9.12 | Ben and his brothers navigate family dynamics when a patient's dog causes chaos.[46] |
| 5 | 5 | Brothers Grim | Mark Cendrowski | Joe Keenan | October 17, 2005 | 8.76 | Oliver moves in with Ben after losing his apartment, straining their brotherly bond. |
| 6 | 6 | The Heartbreak Kid | Sheldon Epps | Neil Goldman & Garrett Donovan | October 24, 2005 | 8.45 | Ben encourages his mother to date again, but it backfires on his own romantic prospects. |
| 7 | 7 | Key Ingredients | Joe Regalbuto | Joe Keenan | November 7, 2005 | 9.34 | Ben signs up for a cooking class to meet women, but ends up with Stewart instead. |
| 8 | 8 | The Wedding | Sheldon Epps | Liz Feldman | November 14, 2005 | 10.23 | Stewart and Lydia attend a wedding as their divorce finalizes, while Oliver tries to impress an ex. |
| 9 | 9 | Thanks | Mark Cendrowski | Sivert Glarum & Michael Jamin | November 21, 2005 | 13.3 | The family gathers for Thanksgiving, reflecting on past holidays and current tensions.[47][48] |
| 10 | 10 | Guilt Trip | Joe Regalbuto | Joe Keenan | November 28, 2005 | 12.99 | Lydia feels jealous of Stewart's new girlfriend and plans a birthday surprise for their old housekeeper.[49] |
| 11 | 11 | New Year's Eve | Sheldon Epps | Neil Goldman & Garrett Donovan | December 19, 2005 | 11.01 | The siblings plan a big New Year's party, but their parents crash it.[50] |
| 12 | 12 | Yours, Mine or His? | Mark Cendrowski | Liz Feldman | January 9, 2006 | 13.7 | A snowstorm strands the family at a cabin, leading to revelations about a pregnancy test.[51] |
| 13 | 13 | Model Behavior | Joe Regalbuto | Sivert Glarum & Michael Jamin | March 22, 2006 | 6.9 | Oliver pursues Ben's neighbor, while Stewart asks Lydia to dog-sit.[52] |
| 14 | 14 | Hot Water | Sheldon Epps | Joe Keenan | March 29, 2006 | 5.94 | Valentine's Day brings mishaps for the family, including Stewart's hospital visit.[53] |
| 15 | 15 | You Win Some, You Use Some | N/A | N/A | Unaired | N/A | Ben hires a housekeeper to help with chores, while Oliver dodges a family outing.[34] |
| 16 | 16 | Doctor of the Year | N/A | N/A | Unaired | N/A | The family competes for Doctor of the Year awards, and Stewart faces an old rival.[34] |
| 17 | 17 | Restaurant Row | N/A | N/A | Unaired | N/A | The family attends Uncle Ned's funeral, where Ben and Oliver reconnect with an old crush.[34] |
| 18 | 18 | Losing Patients | N/A | N/A | Unaired | N/A | Ben and Oliver compete over patients, while Stewart and Lydia deal with an IRS audit.[34] |
| 19 | 19 | Doctors without Bidders | N/A | N/A | Unaired | N/A | Oliver joins a bachelor auction, and Lydia sets up Regina with a doctor.[34] |
| 20 | 20 | If These Floors Could Talk | N/A | N/A | Unaired | N/A | Lydia's kitchen remodel uncovers an old family secret that Ben and Oliver must hide.[34] |
| 21 | 21 | The Lady Doth Protest Too Much | N/A | N/A | Unaired | N/A | Ben is set up with his neighbor Danielle by his siblings.[34] |
| 22 | 22 | Breaking Up Is Hard to Do. And Do. And... | N/A | N/A | Unaired | N/A | Oliver deals with an assertive woman, and the family faces unexpected plans.[34] |