Imaginary Mary is an ABC sitcom centering on Alice (Jenna Elfman), an independent career woman, whose life is turned upside down when she reunites with Mary (voice of Rachel Dratch), her childhood imaginary friend. As Alice tries to establish a relationship with Ben, a divorced father with three kids, Mary tries to give her helpful (or unhelpful) advice.
The series was created by Adam F. Goldberg, David Guarascio (The Goldbergs), and Patrick Osborne (Academy Award winner for Feast). It premiered on March 29, 2017, as a Midseason Replacement, with nine episodes ordered. Unfortunately, poor ratings and difficulties producing the show meant ABC couldn't imagine themselves keeping the show around. It was cancelled on May 11, 2017.
Tropes:
- All Men Are Perverts: Andy, the oldest of Ben's children.Andy: I have this folder marked "Math Homework", but it's just boobs.
- Boyish Short Hair: Alice had a short hairdo when she was little.Mary: You're gonna be fierce, and independent, and you'll never rely on any boy...or girl. Your haircut makes things confusing.
- Dance Party Ending: "Prom-Com" is during a high school prom, though it also has the cast minus Bunny dancing at the prom.
- Groin Attack: When Ben tries to flirt with Alice, Mary tells her to "kick him in the nuts and run".
- High-School Dance: "Prom-Com" is a prom themed episode with Andy and Dora asked or being asked to prom.
- Imaginary Friend: Mary is Alice's childhood imaginary friend. Only Alice can see and talk to Mary.
- Music for Courage: Alice gets herself pumped up by playing Alicia Keys' "Girl on Fire". She does the same for Andy, who's utterly afraid of driving, getting him to pass his driving exam.
- Roger Rabbit Effect: Mary is a CGI character moving about in a live-action world.
- Super Window Jump: In the first episode, Alice, whose relationship with Ben was still a secret from his kids, chooses to leap out of the second-story window rather than meet them when they come home.Alice: At worst, I break an ankle. (leaps out the window and lands) STUCK IT!
- Through the Eyes of Madness: Now and then you get a glimpse of someone seeing Alice interacting with Mary through everyone else's view and see Alice talking to nobody.
