Jon Cryer Hopes Extended Family Sends an ‘Inspiring Message’ That Divorcees Can Also Be Friends (Exclusive)

Jon Cryer’s new show, Extended familyit may be a light-hearted sitcom, but the actor says it has a deeper message for audiences who want to take a second look.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Cryer shared what drew him to the NBC series, which premieres Dec. 23 and revolves around a couple who have an extremely amicable divorce and child custody arrangement despite another man appearing in the film. . The series also stars Abigail Spencer as Cryer’s on-screen wife Julia and Donald Faison as her new partner Trey.

“It’s based on Wyc Grousbeck, his wife Emilia [Fazzalari] and her ex-husband George [Geyer]who really have this relationship where George and Emilia were able to find the friendship from their marriage again,” Cryer says of series executive producer Grousbeck, adding, “I wish that was more of an option in most divorces, and I thought it was kind of way inspirational message.”

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Donald Faison, Abigail Spencer and Jon Cryer in ‘Extended Family’.

Chris Haston/NBC

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Cryer, 58, also finds personal meaning in his character Jim, an imperfect guy trying to make the best of an imperfect situation. He has his own extended family, sharing son Charlie (23) with ex-wife Sarah Trigger and daughter Daisy (13) with Lisa Joyner, whom he married in 2007.

“He’s a dad who lets the sloppier parts of his life come out, and he’s more alone with his kids than most parents,” he explains.

“As parents, you try to lead by example, but I loved that Jim was so much more than for better or for worse,” he adds. “He was much more willing to show his flaws and shortcomings around his children.”

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Extended family premiering Saturday at 8:30pm ET on NBC.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education