Togetherness (2015–2016) User Reviews

"Some people have it all figured out, these are not those people"

[AfricanBro · 7/10 · 13 August 2021]

As I was midway through the first season I was wondering why it didn't create more buzz when it came out, it's one the best shows that are never talked about. It starts out on a lighter note, people laughing and enjoying themselves but as the series progresses it becomes bit more downcast but the progression is natural. It's very real and doesn't feel like the show was written for anything but that, not aesthetics, not for laughs, etcetera; at no point does it feel like they changed the story or dialogue to make it more interesting, deep or funny because it's such a natural flow of events. It was just made to exhibit the struggles of long term relationships, not just romantic, but between best friends, work partners and family as well, when they've each hit lows.

Before I finished the show I already knew HBO called it quits after season 2 and was a little disappointed it'll come to an end but i think they ended it in a good place, a bit rubber stamp but in a good place. Not a happy, but more of a hopeful sign off. I think it'd run its course and a third season would've felt forced after a few episodes in terms of where they were gonna take the show.

They had me at "A modern day warrior, mean, mean stride..."

[rooprect · 8/10 · 4 January 2020]

If you recognize the quote in my title, then run don't walk to your nearest tv and watch this show (particularly episode 3 "Insanity" where the song is featured in the greatest air-drumming scene since Wayne's World). If you don't recognize the song, that's ok, check out the show anyway and become a fan of the greatest rock band in Canadian history and I'm NOT talking about Nickelback.

Where was I? Who cares, let's stay on the subject of music. Often overlooked in light of the show's dramatic and comedic charms is the incredibly awesome soundtrack to this series. It's not any 1 particular genre, and in fact it straddles the entire spectrum from 80s rock (Rush, Skid Row, Fleetwood Mac) to pop (The Cure, The Proclaimers "500 Miles") to classic country (LOVED the "Devil Went Down to Georgia" dueling dance in episode 4 "Houston We Have a Problem"!) to fresh new beats I didn't recognize, and a particularly memorable season closer that ended with the powerful song (which I had never heard before but emphatically recommend) "The Wilhelm Scream" by James Blake.

I'm dwelling on the awesome soundtrack because, in my thousands of reviews on imdb (yes, I'm that pathetic), I've noticed a direct correlation between the awesomeness of a film/show and its soundtrack. From Oscar-winning "Amadeus" to cult-cheese "Zardoz", a killer soundtrack is the mark of a great production, and "Togetherness" definitely fits the bill.

Now about the show itself. The other reviews covered that admirably, so I won't waste your time. I'll just say the 4 main characters are each very memorable, quirky, lovable and at times detestable. These 4 characters are "Alex" (Steve Zissis), a self-proclaimed chubby-balding-comical-sidekick who is a failed actor looking for serious roles even though he only gets cast as "hemorrhoid #2" in a Preparation-H commercial; his love-hate buddy "Tina" (Amanda Peet), a super hot, super cocky, grown up "mean girl" who is an utter failure in all her relationships; her sister "Michelle" (Melanie Lynskey) who is stuck in a lustless marriage and dreams of wild extramarital adventures even though the closest she gets is awkwardly flirting with adolescents outside the 7-Eleven; and finally her lustless husband "Brett" (writer/director Mark Duplass) as a really quirky, complex, vegan, borderline autistic character who is incapable of being anything other than himself which amounts to having the personality of a Roy Rogers wagon wheel coffee table.

Throw all 4 of these weirdos together in cramped quarters (temporarily living under the same roof due to various personal disasters) and you have a bona fide awesome comedy about the tragedy of real life.

I bought this blu-ray set on a whim (and because there's someone on ebay selling new sets for around $5 bucks, hurry while they last) even though I had no interest in the genre, but I was instantly hooked and ended up binge watching the entire 1st season in 1 night. Sadly, the show was cancelled after 2 seasons, and even sadlier, Season 2 will probably never be released on blu-ray. And SADLIEST OF ALL, we'll never get Season 3 with an air drumming scene of Rush "YYZ". Oh well, thank your lucky stars we got this.

Duplass bros relationship sitcom

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 12 February 2018]

Brett (Mark Duplass) and Michelle Pierson (Melanie Lynskey) are an LA couple with kids. Their marriage is a little tired. He takes in his bald chubby unemployed actor friend Alex Pappas (Steve Zissis). Her sister Tina Morris (Amanda Peet) has a troubled love life with rich producer Larry (Peter Gallagher).

This is a relationship sitcom from the Duplass brothers. It has their style and sensibilities. On the surface, Amanda Peet is way out of Steve Zissis' league. The show levels them up by making her a bigger mess and him more lovable than he deserves to be. It's endearing but it strikes me as another version of the slovenly sitcom husband with the inexplicable hot wife. They do drive the show more than the troubled married couple. It's hard to root for the couple that is always on the verge of breaking apart. The four leads are compelling enough to be interesting. The show works best when they are together. In that way, I want more Togetherness.

NO im not crying.

[abdulelah-74844 · 10/10 · 9 November 2019]

I love this show so much and im so sad they canceled it, im willing to sell my car just so they can make one more episode.



please contact me if you want me to sell my car.

... season three should have been a no-brainer.. yet-wasn't

[bjarias · 9/10 · 21 September 2016]

..this is a really good series. It's truly hoped that HBO will make the right decision and go for season three. The four leads are outstanding, but in fact the entire cast is incredible. The little girl is a real star.. and AP is just captivating. There are numerous scenes in just these first two seasons which show how truly great an actor this woman really is. Sure it winds up a bit too predictable at the end of season two. But they can change that around as easily as they choose in upcoming episodes. All facets of the production are top notch, these guys have the formula down. There's a very good Vanity Fair article about them. They're a real force, and if they don't burn out, we should be seeing much great stuff continue on from them.. so look forward to it.

... after 5 years went back and watched all episodes again... it weakens marginally in second season... yet still remains one of the best of the genre.. programming today must be centered around winning-awards & big-viewership... sadly.. great-little-series with limited-viewers will always get tossed after 1-2 seasons... and yes forties Amanda Peet is awesome .

Another marriage/relationships sitcom that tries mildly to be different.

[Dr_Sagan · 23 January 2015]

The cast of "Togetherness" consists mainly of actors who are known from other comedies, playing secondary roles like Mark Duplass ("The Mindy Project"), Melanie Lynskey ("Two and a Half Men"'s Rose) and Amanda Peet who among other TV shows had a small breakthrough to the big screen with comedies such as "The Whole Nine Yards".

Nothing original about the premise of Togetherness. A married couple with kid(s), a loser (and stereotypically fat) best friend who sleeps on their couch, a sister who doesn't know what she wants to do with her life and her biological clock is ticking for a solid relationship...

So, how is this any different from the thousands other sitcoms of present, past and future? Well...it isn't...by much.

It tries to be more "sexual oriented". The problems of marital sex, secret desires, the need for ...self satisfaction etc.

You even get to see Amanda Peet's naked breasts for at least ...5 Mississippis, and Mark Duplass's ...(well the 3 last letters of his surname)!

Thankfully those nude/sex scenes aren't ridiculous. They didn't went for the laughs. The goal of the producers wasn't (obviously) to make it look "sensual" or "spicy" either. It seems to me like they are trying to bring up the loneliness everyone feels nowadays, even if he or she are surrounded by people. A symbolism of lost hopes too. I think that's why they preferred the title "Togetherness" instead of "Bret & Michelle" or something. Everyone needs someone to be close to.

Funny yet not that big of deal with more than half of the season the plot is still vaguely disoriented .. but it gets better in the last episodes

[Aktham_Tashtush · 6/10 · 23 February 2015]

So the show is weirdly funny ,, the relationship between the couple Brett and Michelle is a bit complicated to understand at first . the comedy stands between Alex and Tina ,, "Steve Zissis" is really hilarious, the Drama in the show conceal the comedy in many scenes, between a sexless marriage and a midlife crisis the show will lose the laughs, i'm a man of science so let me say that the average of laughs per episode so far is 1.02 no more ;)

i don't really get where this plot will lead to !! a cheating (i hope not)!! or maybe a new love plot between Alex and Tina !! unpredictable in a good way.... the nudity is cool but still is misplaced in some scenes "like when Tina shows her boobs to Larry (Peter Gallagher) and ask him if her top goes fine with her Jeans" !! i mean ..i was like .. okay .. then what !!!

anyway,, since the show has been renewed for 2nd season i hope the writers gives us more comedy bits , and who knows ! maybe HBO will find a way to a 3rd season. "Mark Duplass" is in FX comedy "The League" i mean he should bring us some of that ... :)

Brilliantly human

[kelly-venner · 9/10 · 17 March 2016]

This show has exceeded my expectations on every level. It has some hilariously funny moments, but is much, much more than a comedy.

Covering friendships, working relationships and romantic ones, as well as those magical relationships without a label, this show is not afraid to be dark, and delve into the (sometimes) depressing realities of marriage/any long-term relationship.

I found it pulling at my heartstrings more and more each episode, as my understanding of the characters grew organically. None of the situations felt forced or particularly unrealistic, and always relatable.

I can only surmise that any negative reviewers don't have much relationship experience, because to me, there is so much to recognise in these characters and their bonds.

The writing is superb. The acting is even better, all the main characters blew me away. Mark Duplass, with an amazing portrayal of a man struggling with the fallacy of being normal, Melanie Lynskey, as the wife and mother who wants more, and especially manchild Steve Zissis, playing a complex funny man.

Cannot recommend it enough! Would usually leave room in a review for the downsides, but I can't really think of any.. please watch it! (I really want more seasons!!)

Well written but dislike characters

[forcommentingonblogs · 6/10 · 5 August 2020]

Brett Pierson is especially annoying. He's a whiny pansy who makes lousy decisions and Michelle is weak too. The rest of the writing is well done, though.

In a world where dumb series often get renewed

[RileyOnFilm · 9/10 · 20 January 2017]

After watching two series of this show, I find myself quite invested and almost sad it was not renewed for a third season. The Duplass brothers really created a touching world here that takes us into the lives of its characters.

In a marriage, things can get stale and it's up to the 2 spouses to breathe life back into it. It can be challenging. That's the position we see Mark Duplass' character go through with his wife. Both actors play these topics incredibly well. They are believable and I almost felt as if I was there with them playing Mark's role, trying to get the sparks back into my marriage and failing.

There is a lot of ridiculous stuff here that's wonderful as well. A puppet show based on 'Dune' is one example. The Duplass brothers have a way of making childlike fun out of real world serious situations.

Amanda Peet is at an all time career high here. I would have loved to see more episodes from her character alone. All the characters left me deeply invested and hers was equally so. I've seen her in several films and I think this was her best character yet.

I recommend this for anyone with small kids or just getting into a relationship. Apart from that, you may or may not like it. As for me? I'm almost sad it's been cancelled but I sure enjoyed the 2 seasons they managed to produce.

And a half

[Headturner1 · 7/10 · 13 May 2022]

If the husband wasn't soooo annoying I'd have given an 8 but 7s are also high for me. I passed by this many times but last night I did a search for similar shows and this came up as one. I had exhausted all the ones I had n the list so I started this. Let me tell you I must have liked it enough because the HBO max app kept doing that oops thing( does it like 4 times a night recently) and anyone who knows what a PIA that is to get out of and back to whatever you were watching so I must have liked it. I didn't realize Mellaie Lynsky's in it. She usually plays the same ole but here I really liked her( she does the best American accent) tho I'd love to see her in some NZ shows. Everyone is decent in this but I could not stand the husband character. Tho SPOILERS He was hilarious in the episode where he drank " the tea' and video calls Alex. I had to play that over a few times. I know I'm somewhere on season 2 I had to stop after the husband has a breakdown. I know there isn't many episodes left so I'll probably finish tonight. Give it a shot if you like drama/comedies where everyone's basically a total mess and trying to figure their lives/ purpose out. Can be very Poignant at times.

Why was this canceled?

[febangel30 · 9/10 · 2 October 2019]

I just finished watching both seasons and enjoyed doing so. The character development is amazing. As a 40 year old who is married and a parent, I empathized with Michelle. When you are in your 20s, you have goals and a vision of what your life is going to be like. Once you get married and have kids, all of that is put on a shelf, on hold. As a woman, we are taught from a very young age by our mothers and grandmothers that our immediate family comes first. If for a moment we think of ourselves, we might get guilt trips or we may feel like we are being selfish. Mind you having an affair is not a quick fix. It is one of the major reasons for divorce. However, as a married woman for over 18 years, there are cycles you go through as a couple. There are moments you are in sync and others that you cannot remember what brought you together in the first place. All I know is that it definitely takes work. I love that Tina and Alex finally slept together at the end. I loved their onscreen chemistry. Baby Frank is adorable and I can see how Tina was crazy about him.

10 (season 1) to 2 (season 2) so fast

[rachellexicon · 5/10 · 7 September 2019]

Ahhhh Duplass brothers....man his hurts. Season one had me riveted by a story that painted complex and funny characters onto the canvas of an unpredictable and touching narrative. But I would call season 2 a traitorous redirection of storyline. You let the hints of the best twists and turns just fade away, and made it a show about....kids? Wanting kids, a charter school for kids, staying together for kids? From s2 e4 on it's just baffling.

sad to see it go

[jfelger · 9/10 · 10 April 2016]

Too bad that this was canceled. It was really just getting it's legs in season 2. Always with the Duplass brothers a bit of a slow burn....took a season to get into the characters, but I had high hopes for future seasons. Really hoping Netflix or Amazon will pick it up like they've done for other shows to give it another chance. Not sure it was ever meant for HBO....maybe Showtime even would have been a better fit. Great cast and fun, creative stories each episode. I don't even have kids but didn't mind that much of the show was centered around parenting because the characters were strong and ring true to their age group and genre. I hope that the energy is resurrected in another Duplass project or that someone else picks it up.

Hilarious and touching.

[ian80 · 10/10 · 26 February 2015]

I love it. Each episode leaves me wanting more (and wishing the episodes were a full hour).

The creators juggle a wonderful mix of laugh-out-loud moments interspersed with poignant, authentic drama. It seems effortless, but I can't think of anything else on television that pulls it off so expertly.

All four leads are fantastic. Peet deserves a special shout out. Her character is so fully realized - flaws and all - you can't take your eyes off of her.

Definitely worth checking out!

Sexy, funny and cool drama comedy series about life, relationships and family!

[blanbrn · 9/10 · 26 January 2015]

HBO has scored another winner with this new series from brothers Mark and Jay Duplass it's called "Togetherness" and it's about the life and relationships of two couples one married one not all living under the same roof. It's a funny comedy drama that shows how people differ in life and true life is up and down with struggle and uncertain. Set in Los Angeles married couple Brett(Mark Duplass) and Michelle(Melanie Lynskey) have two small children and their marriage is rocky especially in the bedroom as Michelle is insecure and a little different and it's tough for Brett to come home after his hard work on movie sound stages and make hot passion! Now enter Brett's best friend from school Alex(Steve Zissis)a guy who's near 40 and he's watched his acting dreams fade away to nearly no jobs at all after getting out of shape as now only off beat advertisement companies call for his service! Now enter the sugar and spice of the series and that's Michelle's younger sister Tina(the always hot and sexy Amanda Peet)who follows big sister out to L.A. and this blunt free spirited colored bra wearing woman still can not find the right guy for some reason! Will Alex be her man? Overall wonderful series that's funny showing that life, sex, love, and family is all a challenge and a struggle that's worth it and it shows how each person is so different still different people have to interact with one another to find love. "Togetherness" is one series that should keep all together in a fun happy way!

Lovely, Amazing, Funny.

[steve1480 · 8/10 · 8 March 2015]

It's sad that so many people can't appreciate this show. We're apparently miles apart...in sensibility. To my mind there is a unique, original kind of imagination behind it. I see it pointing the way toward a new maturity in pop filmmaking. In fact it brings the best of indie film sensibility to the small screen. It's significant that Nicole Holofcener directed one of the episodes, because her 2001 film "Lovely and Amazing" can be seen as a progenitor of the Duplass brother's capacities and interests here. I also don't think I have ever seen filmmaking that had me laughing so gratefully at such odd moments. The show's comic sensibility is very restrained and subtle. The brothers see a direction thru yearning and frustration that avoids despair and violence at all costs. It's obvious that parenthood has played a major role in getting them to this point. The portraits of the infant, for instance, are stunning.

They are keeping it real

[FatTwin · 9/10 · 23 February 2015]

This series is about 4 characters that need one another to grow as individuals. It's about how important it is to take care of oneself to be able to find happiness together, that playing it save doesn't work out sometimes, and that people change for the good and the bad.

I majorly disagree with one of the negative reviews: From the nude scenes to the emotional meltdown clashes, none of it feels fake or inappropriate. It would be fake if there was no nudity. Amanda Peet plays a character pretty much cut out of real life with a history of bad choices for the wrong reasons. I hope the series is here to stay and that I don't forget about it as always - IMDb is an attempt of leaving myself a note!

Annoying, uninteresting dramedy

[Fernando857483 · 5/10 · 26 January 2015]

First of all, I don't ever have to see another glance of Melanie Lynskey's bosom. The director seems to want to throw that in every 2 minutes. It is inappropriate and has nothing to do with the story, only seems there to bump ratings.

Second, what is Amanda Peet doing in a mediocre TV series like this? Apart from having much more star power her character is not very plausible. She gets dumped in the first episode by some loser schmuck although - with a better makeup artist - she is still a stunning woman that can have her pick of any man she wants.

Then finally, the story arch's are not interesting. I don't care about these people and there little problems. Producers: please stop wasting money on bad scripts and show runners that want to make a quick buck.

I love this show please don't be over !

[bound-nico · 10/10 · 4 April 2016]

It's funny and it IS different .... I really love the cast and characters and Amanda P. is so cute @ being silly and funny ! I love it ! Please don't let this be the series finale ? The setting is "real Los Angeles" Great acting by all ... It took a few episodes to get me hooked now I'm hooked and it said series finale !? Thank you for a great show and great directors ... I love that they're so silly at the end "inside the episode" I don't have air to say just How much I enjoy it and I can't say much, without having a spoiler so I don't want to write to much ... Thank you to the creators and actors ... If this the last one .. Please reconsider and bring it back ! Give it a chance .. When I binge watched season 2 I was rolling ... Crying ... And just a perfect setting for a perfect show !

Great show! Will be missed!

[betomf · 10/10 · 21 October 2021]

One of those shows that makes you feel good after watching. Great acting and character development, portraying various aspects of real life problems, even if through different situations. Funny and at the same time emotional. Great show.

"Togetherness" in it for the long haul

[MissWikedB · 8/10 · 9 March 2016]

I am a huge fan of Mark Duplass who portrays Brett Pierson in this show so "Togetherness" was an awesome way to observe his extraordinary talents in action. Mark along side Melanie Lynskey who plays Michelle Pierson,portray a married couple. The relationship between the two on screen is remarkably unremarkable. It explores the things we never tell our friends or tell our significant others, how we get through our days and nights being with only one person. The sometimes torturous routines of sex, raising kids, work, friends and family. The negative ruts we find ourselves in which to some of us seem overwhelmingly mundane and depressing. The other end of the scale is that sometimes we just need to realize how good we have it. I see a lot of "real life" in every episode and perhaps the subtlety of this story is the only thing that may deter a viewer. The relationships between the main characters are not perfect and the story lines are somewhat complex issues of the heart and soul of the proverbial "normal" human being. I think this is well written and well cast. "Togetherness" might not be for everyone but it hits the spot with me.

Funny, real and Dup(c)lassy

[sad_peter_pan · 10/10 · 4 April 2016]

As a big fan of the Duplass brothers I consider this to be their - and longtime friend/collaborator Steve Zissis - greatest production yet. Me and the Ms. really long for the episodes to get released, and savor the experience once we get to follow the life of the Piersons and their friends.

"Togetherness" feels real, on every level. From laughter to sorrow I feel with all of the characters in everything that happens in their lives. I haven't seen a relationship portrayed this real since Blue Valentine with Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams.

The relationship between the Piersons is what keeps the show together, its gravity if you will. But it takes the turbulent relationship between Alex (Zissiz) and Tina (Amanda Peet does the role of her life here) to really make the show shine. The chemistry between the actors is almost magical, and the balance between the characters so well scripted it hurts.

At the time of writing this there's only one episode left of the second season, and all of the ones released so far have been fabulous. I read in an interview that the script for the third season is pretty much done, as long as HBO is interested to renew. I really hope that this'll happen, 'cause shows don't get any better than this.

Can't Pretend That Growing Older Never Hurts

[asc85 · 9/10 · 20 February 2015]

Although the critics loved this show, I was a little wary of watching it, due to the fact that I strongly disliked Mark Duplass both in "Safety Not Guaranteed" and "Your Sister's Sister." The fact that he wasn't just acting in it but was one of the creator's made me feel like this wasn't going to be a fit for me. However, the show is fantastic. Amanda Peet, as the wild, unmarried sister is the best of the four leads, in my opinion.

One of my favorite songs in college was the song, "Slit Skirts" by Pete Townshend. Although I liked it, it was difficult for me to understand everything that the song meant until I revisited the lyrics 20 years later. It's about growing older and more specifically, dealing with love and sex as you get older. I've heard lots of different theories about what best describes "Togetherness," but for me, that's what this show is primarily about. Actually, working "Slit Skirts" into one of these episodes down the road would be serendipitous. Are the Duplass brothers listening?

In the deep recesses of heaven, a light shines and the TV god says

[ajr-50312 · 4/10 · 20 December 2016]

Somewhere in the deep recesses of heaven a light shines, and the god of TV says, "Man, I knew I should've sterilized that character at birth!" At its heart, this show is about a man too selfish to get out of his own way. His selfishness infects everyone, and they become hyper-needy. There's a lot of talent in this show. I hope the main character grows up soon, because I'm losing my patience. This show provides the view of life you don't want to explore, a life so selfish all joy gets smothered. In my opinion this show needs a female EP, and a sharp-witted female co-write. It's proof positive that men really DO NEED female friends. Darn, and I was really going to try and use humor to soften the blow. The characters are lovable... if you've got the patience of a saint!. ;-)