Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* RecoveredAddict: Clay is one. His redemption is played surprisingly straight, as he's seen taking group therapy seriously, struggling with being sober, and apologizing to people he's wronged.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 13 (click to see context) from:
* BedmateReveal: The final scene in "Growing Pains" has a SplitScreenPhoneCall betweet Reed and Bree, where the latter is naked in bed. Once the phone call ends, we see who's in the other half of her bed: [[spoiler:Timberly]]!
to:
* BedmateReveal: The final scene in "Growing Pains" has a SplitScreenPhoneCall betweet between Reed and Bree, where the latter is naked in bed. Once the phone call ends, we see who's in the other half of her bed: [[spoiler:Timberly]]!
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* HiddenDepths: Clay, despite being a foul-mouthed comic who's had numerous troubles with the law, is shown to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and is genuinely trying to better himself and make amends with the people he's wronged, even if he doesn't quite get it half the time. He also does care about his co-stars and does his best to look out for them, such as going out of his way to pick up Bree and making sure she gets home safely when she gets high on mushrooms after attending a retreat.
Added DiffLines:
* ItOnlyWorksOnce: In one episode, Zack wants to ask out Elaine, but learns from Hannah that he can only ask her out once per HR's rules (if he asks her out again, it's considered harassment). Elaine declines, not because she doesn't like him but because of the DoubleStandard of a female executive dating an actor.
Added DiffLines:
* OddFriendship: The younger, diverse group of writers that Hannah hires and the trio of old Jewish writers that Gordon brings on have little in common and share very different ideas on how to write comedy, but they're gradually able to find middle ground with each other and form an odd but still effective team.
Added DiffLines:
* ShipperOnDeck: After finding out that Hannah might be attracted to a woman in HR she's been talking to, Gordon tries to push them together and bands all the writers together to help, which deeply annoys her. When Hannah finally gets to courage to ask the coworker out on a date, all the writers are eagerly watching it happen and cheer her on when it goes successfully.
Added DiffLines:
* TakeThat: The fifth episode throws a few jabs at Creator/ChuckLorre when Gordon and Reed come across his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and proceed to mock him, with Gordon complaining how he always struggled to get pilots off the ground because the network "put three new Chuck Lorre shows to go along with his eleven other shows". It culminates in Reed drunkenly pissing on his star.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* AnythingThatMoves: Subverted. Clay claims that Timberly is willing to have sex with anybody to get ahead, but this was just her reality show persona. She's sexually fluid, but not as promiscuous as she is on the show.
Added DiffLines:
* BitingTheHandHumor: The in-universe sitcom is produced for Hulu, just like ''Reboot'' itself, allowing the show to make fun of its corporate owners. The third episode has Disney (Hulu's owner) issue an HR complaint about Reed getting an erection during the show, but with Disney's typical whimsical tone.
Added DiffLines:
* GirlOnGirlIsHot: Clay gets very interested when he learns that [[spoiler:Bree and Timberly]] slept together, reading sexual undertones into all their interactions and dropping not-so-subtle hints that he wants the juicy details.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 7 (click to see context) from:
to:
Has nothing to do with ''WesternAnimation/ReBoot''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* BedmateReveal: The final scene in "Growing Pains" has a SplitScreenPhoneCall betweet Reed and Bree, where the latter is naked in bed. Once the phone call ends, we see who's in the other half of her bed: [[spoiler:Timberly]]!
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 32 (click to see context) from:
* SlobsVsSnobs: Not quite as drastic, but the old writers rely heavily on physical humor and corny jokes, while the younger writers want to inject social commentary and high-brow, complex themes. A big theme of the show involves Hannah (correctly) insisting that humor has developed into something more sophisticated in the decades since ''Step Right Up'' originally aired, while Gordon *also* correctly notes that you still need jokes to get people to laugh.
to:
* SlobsVsSnobs: Not quite as drastic, but the old writers rely heavily on physical humor and corny jokes, while the younger writers want to inject social commentary and high-brow, complex themes. A big theme of the show involves Hannah (correctly) insisting that humor has developed into something more sophisticated in the decades since ''Step Right Up'' originally aired, while Gordon *also* ''also'' correctly notes that you still need jokes to get people to laugh.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* IdiosyncraticEpisodeNaming: The episodes are named after the titles of other sitcoms.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* BothSidesHaveAPoint: Gordon and Hannah's conflict over the show's writing has shades of this: while Hannah is correct that humor has evolved since the original show came out and that people don't just want shallow comedy and slapstick gags anymore, Gordon is also correct that jokes have to actually make people laugh, and blending social commentary and heavy thematic elements risks that.
Added DiffLines:
* FormerChildStar: Zack has been an actor since he was four and played the child character in ''Step Right Up'', but since the show's cancellation all he's done are direct-to-video kids' movies and no one, not even his old costars, recognizes him at first. However, unlike many examples of this trope, he seems to be decently well-adjusted and harbors no bitterness towards the entertainment industry, still being proud of his career.
Added DiffLines:
* {{Kayfabe}}: After [[spoiler:Bree sleeps with Timberley]], Clay and Reed become convinced that Timberley is actually manipulating her based on some things she did on the reality TV show she starred in. When Bree confronts Timberley on this, she has to tell her that everything on that show was actually fake and that the producers just told the contestants what to do. Bree promptly calls out Reed and Clay for making her look like an idiot in front of Timberley.
Added DiffLines:
* LGBTAwakening: [[spoiler:Bree sleeping with Timberley causes her to question her sexuality for the first time in her life since she's never had a sexual encounter with a woman before.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* MsFanservice: Bree goes topless in the first episode.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 26 (click to see context) from:
* SlobsVsSnobs: Not quite as drastic, but the old writers rely heavily on physical humor and corny jokes, while the younger writers want to inject social commentary and high-brow, complex themes. A big theme of the show involves Hannah (correctly) insisting that humor has developed into something more sophisticated in the decades since Step Right Up originally aired, while Gordon *also* correctly notes that you still need jokes to get people to laugh.
to:
* SlobsVsSnobs: Not quite as drastic, but the old writers rely heavily on physical humor and corny jokes, while the younger writers want to inject social commentary and high-brow, complex themes. A big theme of the show involves Hannah (correctly) insisting that humor has developed into something more sophisticated in the decades since Step ''Step Right Up Up'' originally aired, while Gordon *also* correctly notes that you still need jokes to get people to laugh.
Changed line(s) 31 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Reed''': Are you...telling us...Gordon is your father?
to:
-->'''Reed''': Are you... telling us...us... Gordon is your father?
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* {{Expy}}: Hannah and Gordon are this to Maya and Jack on Steve Levitan's '90s sitcom ''Series/JustShootMe''. Maya was an "edgy" journalist who reluctantly ended up having to work at her estranged father's fashion magazine, which she viewed as beneath her, and resented him for making time for his new family but never being there for her when she was young.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
* OldShame: Inuniverse for all the actors, but mostly Bree, who was relegated to low-budget sci-fi shows. Subverted with Zack, who is proud of and won't stop talking about the corny children's straight-to-video projects he's done.
to:
* OldShame: Inuniverse In-universe for all the actors, but mostly Bree, who was relegated to low-budget sci-fi shows. Subverted with Zack, who is proud of and won't stop talking about the corny children's straight-to-video projects he's done.
Changed line(s) 27 (click to see context) from:
* TomHanksSyndrome: InUniverse, Reed quit his sitcom career to take serious roles in dramatic films and plays, and only returns to the show when he believes it's going to be more high-brow. When Gordon wants it to be shallow comedy again, he nearly quits again.
to:
* TomHanksSyndrome: InUniverse, In-Universe, Reed quit his sitcom career to take serious roles in dramatic films and plays, and only returns to the show when he believes it's going to be more high-brow. When Gordon wants it to be shallow comedy again, he nearly quits again.
Changed line(s) 31,33 (click to see context) from:
* WriteWhatYouKnow: InUniverse, many events of the show came from Gordon's life with his step-family. Hannah also vents her relationship with her father into the script by giving Lawrence, her dad's self-insert, an estranged daughter.
* WriteWhoYouKnow: InUniverse, Gordon says he based the character of Lawrence off himself, and the other members of the family seem to be based off his second family, something his first daughter resents.
* YoungerAndHipper: Inuniverse, realty TV star Timberly is not-so-subtly brought in to attract younger viewers, much to the chagrin of the rest of the cast. Could also apply to the writers, as the newer, more diverse, and much younger writers clash with the old hands brought in.
* WriteWhoYouKnow: InUniverse, Gordon says he based the character of Lawrence off himself, and the other members of the family seem to be based off his second family, something his first daughter resents.
* YoungerAndHipper: Inuniverse, realty TV star Timberly is not-so-subtly brought in to attract younger viewers, much to the chagrin of the rest of the cast. Could also apply to the writers, as the newer, more diverse, and much younger writers clash with the old hands brought in.
to:
* WriteWhatYouKnow: InUniverse, In-Universe, many events of the show came from Gordon's life with his step-family. Hannah also vents her relationship with her father into the script by giving Lawrence, her dad's self-insert, an estranged daughter.
* WriteWhoYouKnow:InUniverse, In-Universe, Gordon says he based the character of Lawrence off himself, and the other members of the family seem to be based off his second family, something his first daughter resents.
* YoungerAndHipper:Inuniverse, In-universe, realty TV star Timberly is not-so-subtly brought in to attract younger viewers, much to the chagrin of the rest of the cast. Could also apply to the writers, as the newer, more diverse, and much younger writers clash with the old hands brought in.
* WriteWhoYouKnow:
* YoungerAndHipper:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Deleted line(s) 18 (click to see context) :
all of his hair since the 2000s, and Gordon seizes the opportunity to add some bald jokes to the reboot's script.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* HairTodayGoneTomorrow: Everyone notices that Reed has lost all of his hair since the 2000s, and Gordon seizes the opportunity to add some bald jokes to the reboot's script.
Changed line(s) 17 (click to see context) from:
* HairTodayGoneTomorrow: Everyone notices that Reed has lost all of his hair since the 2000s, and Gordon seizes the opportunity to add some bald jokes to the reboot's script.
to:
Added DiffLines:
* MoreDiverseSequel: Well, reboot, and behind the scenes: Hannah brings in three diverse writers, just to have Gordon bring in some old hands when things weren't progressing to his liking.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 15 (click to see context) from:
* InhumanResources: After an embarrassing moment with the leads in bed together where Reed gets an erection, it prompts a mandate from HR, including a clueless letter being read to the cast and, preventative measures that Reed must now wear.
to:
* InhumanResources: After an embarrassing moment with the leads in bed together where Reed gets an erection, it prompts a mandate from HR, including a clueless letter being read to the cast and, and preventative measures that Reed must now wear.
Changed line(s) 20 (click to see context) from:
* OldShame: In-universe for all the actors, but mostly Bree, who was relegated to low-budget sci-fi shows. Subverted with Zack, who is proud of and won't stop talking about the corny children's straight-to-video projects he's done.
to:
* OldShame: In-universe Inuniverse for all the actors, but mostly Bree, who was relegated to low-budget sci-fi shows. Subverted with Zack, who is proud of and won't stop talking about the corny children's straight-to-video projects he's done.
Changed line(s) 32 (click to see context) from:
* YoungerAndHipper: In-universe, realty TV star Timberly is not-so-subtly brought in to attract younger viewers, much to the cagrin of the rest of the cast. Could also apply to the writers, as the newer, more diverse, and much younger writers clash with the old hands brought in.
to:
* YoungerAndHipper: In-universe, Inuniverse, realty TV star Timberly is not-so-subtly brought in to attract younger viewers, much to the cagrin chagrin of the rest of the cast. Could also apply to the writers, as the newer, more diverse, and much younger writers clash with the old hands brought in.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* OhCrap: The actors when they discover Hannah is Gordon's daughter and realized they just signed on for a major dysfunctional family feud.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 26,27 (click to see context) from:
* WhamLine: At the end of the first episode, the cast tries to talk Hannah into coming back for the show and work with Gordon. Hannah launches into a long speech on how she can't work for Gordon.
-->'''Hannah''': Oh, I got to know him pretty well for about seven years until he dropped my off at ballet class one time and he started flirting with my super-skinny teacher. And then he moved in with her and her super-creepy son Seth. And then he created a ''television show'' all about his new step-family that acted like his ''daughter'' never existed.
-->'''Hannah''': Oh, I got to know him pretty well for about seven years until he dropped my off at ballet class one time and he started flirting with my super-skinny teacher. And then he moved in with her and her super-creepy son Seth. And then he created a ''television show'' all about his new step-family that acted like his ''daughter'' never existed.
to:
* WhamLine: At the end of the first episode, the cast tries to talk Hannah into coming back for the show and work with Gordon. Hannah launches into a long speech on how she can't work for Gordon.
Gordon, insisting "he's not so bad once you get to know him."
-->'''Hannah''': Oh, I got to know him pretty well for about seven years until he droppedmy me off at ballet class one time and he started flirting with my super-skinny teacher. And then he moved in with her and her super-creepy son Seth. And then he created a ''television show'' all about his new step-family that acted like his ''daughter'' never existed.
-->'''Hannah''': Oh, I got to know him pretty well for about seven years until he dropped
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* RichesToRags: Bree shows up acting like she's still living it up as a duchess. Turns out, she's divorced after discovering her husband cheating on her and, thanks to his country's quirky laws, is flat broke.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 18 (click to see context) from:
* LeaningOnTheFourthWall: The actors are confused when Hannah gets upset at Gordon wanting to reveal a "deep secret" for the reboot's pilot. When they discover Hannah is really Gordon's never-mentioned daughter, Bree says "the big twist at the end of the pilot..." with Reed adding, "is you."
to:
* LeaningOnTheFourthWall: The actors are confused when Hannah gets upset at Gordon not wanting to reveal do her plot revealing a "deep secret" for the reboot's pilot. When they discover Hannah is really Gordon's never-mentioned daughter, Bree says says, "the big twist at the end of the pilot..." with Reed adding, "is you."
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* TheEndingChangesEverything: At first, the pilot indicates Hannah wants to reboot the show just because she was a fan and is upset at Gordon returning as he's ignoring her new vision for it. But the pilot ends with the revelation Hannah is mad because she's Gordon's daughter who he abandoned at the age of seven and created this entire show about his new step-family while never mentioning her. Thus, she wanted to tell "her" story and upset her dad is once more trying to make it about his own life.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* ExactWords: When Bree divorces her husband, she figures she can at least get a good settlement out of it under "The Kettle System" which she assumes is named after some lawyer. It turns out that it's a law of the country saying a divorced woman can only leave with what she can fit into a kettle, meaning Bree is flat broke.
Changed line(s) 16 (click to see context) from:
* LeaningOnTheFouthWall: The actors are confused when Hannah gets upset at Gordon wanting to reveal a "deep secret" for the reboot's pilot. When they discover Hannah is really Gordon's never-mentioned daughter, Bree says "the big twist at the end of the pilot..." with Reed adding, "is you."
to:
* LeaningOnTheFouthWall: LeaningOnTheFourthWall: The actors are confused when Hannah gets upset at Gordon wanting to reveal a "deep secret" for the reboot's pilot. When they discover Hannah is really Gordon's never-mentioned daughter, Bree says "the big twist at the end of the pilot..." with Reed adding, "is you."
Changed line(s) 24 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Hannah''': Oh, I got to know him pretty well for about seven years until he dropped my off at ballet class one time and he started flirting with my super-skinny teacher. And then he moved in with her and her super-creepy son Seth. And then he created a ''television show'' all about his new step family that acted like his ''daughter'' never existed.
to:
-->'''Hannah''': Oh, I got to know him pretty well for about seven years until he dropped my off at ballet class one time and he started flirting with my super-skinny teacher. And then he moved in with her and her super-creepy son Seth. And then he created a ''television show'' all about his new step family step-family that acted like his ''daughter'' never existed.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* LeaningOnTheFouthWall: The actors are confused when Hannah gets upset at Gordon wanting to reveal a "deep secret" for the reboot's pilot. When they discover Hannah is really Gordon's never-mentioned daughter, Bree says "the big twist at the end of the pilot..." with Reed adding, "is you."
Added DiffLines:
* WhamLine: At the end of the first episode, the cast tries to talk Hannah into coming back for the show and work with Gordon. Hannah launches into a long speech on how she can't work for Gordon.
-->'''Hannah''': Oh, I got to know him pretty well for about seven years until he dropped my off at ballet class one time and he started flirting with my super-skinny teacher. And then he moved in with her and her super-creepy son Seth. And then he created a ''television show'' all about his new step family that acted like his ''daughter'' never existed.
-->'''Reed''': Are you...telling us...Gordon is your father?
-->'''Hannah''': Oh, I got to know him pretty well for about seven years until he dropped my off at ballet class one time and he started flirting with my super-skinny teacher. And then he moved in with her and her super-creepy son Seth. And then he created a ''television show'' all about his new step family that acted like his ''daughter'' never existed.
-->'''Reed''': Are you...telling us...Gordon is your father?
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* CluelessBoss: Elaine Kim comes across as this; well-intentioned, but doesn't really "get" humor despite being the head of the humor department at the network.
Added DiffLines:
* InhumanResources: After an embarrassing moment with the leads in bed together where Reed gets an erection, it prompts a mandate from HR, including a clueless letter being read to the cast and, preventative measures that Reed must now wear.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
* WriteWhoYouKnow: InUniverse, Gordon says he based the character of Lawrence off himself, and the other members of the family seem to be based off his second family, something his first daughter resents.
to:
* WriteWhoYouKnow: InUniverse, Gordon says he based the character of Lawrence off himself, and the other members of the family seem to be based off his second family, something his first daughter resents.resents.
* YoungerAndHipper: In-universe, realty TV star Timberly is not-so-subtly brought in to attract younger viewers, much to the cagrin of the rest of the cast. Could also apply to the writers, as the newer, more diverse, and much younger writers clash with the old hands brought in.
* YoungerAndHipper: In-universe, realty TV star Timberly is not-so-subtly brought in to attract younger viewers, much to the cagrin of the rest of the cast. Could also apply to the writers, as the newer, more diverse, and much younger writers clash with the old hands brought in.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* OldShame: In-universe for all the actors, but mostly Bree, who was relegated to low-budget sci-fi shows. Subverted with Zack, who is proud of and won't stop talking about the corny children's straight-to-video projects he's done.
* RomanceOnTheSet: In-universe. Leads Reed and Bree had a rocky relationship during the show's original run; this causes a few issues with the reboot when they meet up again.
* RomanceOnTheSet: In-universe. Leads Reed and Bree had a rocky relationship during the show's original run; this causes a few issues with the reboot when they meet up again.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 15 (click to see context) from:
* SlobsVsSnobs: Not quite as drastic, but the old writers rely heavily on physical humor and corny jokes, while the younger writers want to inject social commentary and high-brow, complex themes. A big theme of the show involves Hannah (correctly) insisting that humor has developed into something more sophisticated in the decades since Step Right Up aired, while Gordon *also* correctly notes that you still need to get people to laugh.
to:
* SlobsVsSnobs: Not quite as drastic, but the old writers rely heavily on physical humor and corny jokes, while the younger writers want to inject social commentary and high-brow, complex themes. A big theme of the show involves Hannah (correctly) insisting that humor has developed into something more sophisticated in the decades since Step Right Up originally aired, while Gordon *also* correctly notes that you still need jokes to get people to laugh.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* JewsLoveToArgue: After Gordon brings in a trio of experienced (ahem, old) Jewish writers, just figuring out what to order for lunch takes a long time.
Added DiffLines:
* SlobsVsSnobs: Not quite as drastic, but the old writers rely heavily on physical humor and corny jokes, while the younger writers want to inject social commentary and high-brow, complex themes. A big theme of the show involves Hannah (correctly) insisting that humor has developed into something more sophisticated in the decades since Step Right Up aired, while Gordon *also* correctly notes that you still need to get people to laugh.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/reboothulu.png]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
''Reboot'' is an American {{sitcom}} created by Steven Levitan of ''Series/ModernFamily'' fame. It premiered on Creator/{{Hulu}} on September 20, 2022.
Indie screenwriter Hannah Korman (played by Creator/RachelBloom) gets an invite to pitch an original series to Hulu, but surprises them when she chooses a seemingly simple idea: a reboot of her favorite childhood sitcom, ''Step Right Up''. However, the cast have all moved on to different life paths: Reed Sterling (Creator/KeeganMichaelKey) quit the show to become a serious actor, Bree Marie Jensen (Creator/JudyGreer) became the duchess of a small country, Clay Barber (Creator/JohnnyKnoxville) became a troubled comedian, and child actor Zack Jackson (Creator/CalumWorthy). Despite their unresolved interpersonal conflicts, they agree to return when they hear Hannah's script is a more complex re-imagining of the original series. But when the original showrunner, Gordon Gelman (Creator/PaulReiser) returns to the scene, they have second thoughts, especially when they learn why Hannah won't work with Gordon.
!!Tropes:
* DarkerAndEdgier: The initial appeal of Hannah's reboot of ''Step Right Up'' is that it's more serious and less shallow than the original, introducing "dark secrets" to the characters. However, when Gordon returns as showrunner, he wants it to go back to its shallow roots, much to Reed's dismay.
* FirstEpisodeTwist: Near the end of the first episode, it's revealed that the new showrunner Hannah is the abandoned daughter of the original showrunner Gordon.
* HairTodayGoneTomorrow: Everyone notices that Reed has lost all of his hair since the 2000s, and Gordon seizes the opportunity to add some bald jokes to the reboot's script.
* SirSwearsALot: Clay has such a foul mouth, he had to use a SwearJar on the set of the original show because he kept cursing in front of the child actor.
* SmallNameBigEgo: Zack Jackson pretends he never lost his cute "child star" appeal and assumes he's quite famous, but even his old costars don't recognize him immediately.
* TomHanksSyndrome: InUniverse, Reed quit his sitcom career to take serious roles in dramatic films and plays, and only returns to the show when he believes it's going to be more high-brow. When Gordon wants it to be shallow comedy again, he nearly quits again.
* WriteWhatYouKnow: InUniverse, many events of the show came from Gordon's life with his step-family. Hannah also vents her relationship with her father into the script by giving Lawrence, her dad's self-insert, an estranged daughter.
* WriteWhoYouKnow: InUniverse, Gordon says he based the character of Lawrence off himself, and the other members of the family seem to be based off his second family, something his first daughter resents.
Indie screenwriter Hannah Korman (played by Creator/RachelBloom) gets an invite to pitch an original series to Hulu, but surprises them when she chooses a seemingly simple idea: a reboot of her favorite childhood sitcom, ''Step Right Up''. However, the cast have all moved on to different life paths: Reed Sterling (Creator/KeeganMichaelKey) quit the show to become a serious actor, Bree Marie Jensen (Creator/JudyGreer) became the duchess of a small country, Clay Barber (Creator/JohnnyKnoxville) became a troubled comedian, and child actor Zack Jackson (Creator/CalumWorthy). Despite their unresolved interpersonal conflicts, they agree to return when they hear Hannah's script is a more complex re-imagining of the original series. But when the original showrunner, Gordon Gelman (Creator/PaulReiser) returns to the scene, they have second thoughts, especially when they learn why Hannah won't work with Gordon.
!!Tropes:
* DarkerAndEdgier: The initial appeal of Hannah's reboot of ''Step Right Up'' is that it's more serious and less shallow than the original, introducing "dark secrets" to the characters. However, when Gordon returns as showrunner, he wants it to go back to its shallow roots, much to Reed's dismay.
* FirstEpisodeTwist: Near the end of the first episode, it's revealed that the new showrunner Hannah is the abandoned daughter of the original showrunner Gordon.
* HairTodayGoneTomorrow: Everyone notices that Reed has lost all of his hair since the 2000s, and Gordon seizes the opportunity to add some bald jokes to the reboot's script.
* SirSwearsALot: Clay has such a foul mouth, he had to use a SwearJar on the set of the original show because he kept cursing in front of the child actor.
* SmallNameBigEgo: Zack Jackson pretends he never lost his cute "child star" appeal and assumes he's quite famous, but even his old costars don't recognize him immediately.
* TomHanksSyndrome: InUniverse, Reed quit his sitcom career to take serious roles in dramatic films and plays, and only returns to the show when he believes it's going to be more high-brow. When Gordon wants it to be shallow comedy again, he nearly quits again.
* WriteWhatYouKnow: InUniverse, many events of the show came from Gordon's life with his step-family. Hannah also vents her relationship with her father into the script by giving Lawrence, her dad's self-insert, an estranged daughter.
* WriteWhoYouKnow: InUniverse, Gordon says he based the character of Lawrence off himself, and the other members of the family seem to be based off his second family, something his first daughter resents.
