Finally Apart Season 1 Episode 4: The Concert (Writer’s Pick)

CATHERINE [thinking to herself]
Time to get out of this apartment and head over to the Britney concert. Can't believe I'm doing this sober, but apparently that kind of stuff costs more than $1 here.

CATHERINE exits the apartment and goes to the concert. She finds her seat.

CATHERINE (thinking to herself)
Wonder if anyone I know will be here. Those museum people won't be here, right? Eh who am I kidding, I'll just pretend to not recognize them.

A man, NATE, late 30s, approaches her and sits in the seat next to her.

CATHERINE
You gonna finish that soda?

NATE
Uh huh.

CATHERINE
You gonna finish those drugs?

NATE
Don't have any.

CATHERINE
And I don't need any.

NATE
OK then...you an undercover cop?

CATHERINE
Nah, just here to have fun.

NATE
Yeah me too. Not a Britney fan by any means, I just like going to these concerts and laughing.

CATHERINE
You suck.

NATE
Never tried to make you like me.

CATHERINE
You got me all wrong. I like people who suck.

NATE
That's weird.

CATHERINE
I know.

NATE
You want to get out of here together right now?

CATHERINE
Hell no. But after.

[They both watch the concert, NATE laughing and CATHERINE singing along loudly.]

NATE
Anyone ever tell you that you can sing?

CATHERINE
Nope.

NATE
Figures, because you can't.

CATHERINE
Thanks.

NATE
Come on let's leave. 

CATHERINE
Alright, I'll book a driver right now.

NATE
Somebody's rich.

CATHERINE
Nah, I just don't have a car.

NATE
Oh. You only here for the night?

CATHERINE
Nope, I just moved here and have no money.

NATE pulls out a 1 dollar bill.

NATE
Take this, it's the least I could do.

CATHERINE [laughing]
Yeah, it actually is. 

NATE
You have family around?

CATHERINE
Nah, no family.

NATE
Me neither.

CATHERINE and NATE go to NATE's three-story, five-bedroom house.

NATE
I'm pretty rich, by the way. That a dealbreaker for you?

CATHERINE
You kidding? That's a dealmaker! 

NATE
Cool, I'll make us some coffee.

CATHERINE
Finally, haven't had one of those in weeks.

NATE
So I assume you're just getting yourself off the ground here?

CATHERINE
Yeah, I guess. I didn't really put much thought into this move actually. 

NATE
Don't worry about it, you'll find your way. You can stay here all you want.

CATHERINE
OK, thanks. I'll think about it.

Finally Together: The Christmas Season Episode 4: Christmas Day (Writer’s Pick)

FRAN
Thanks everyone for getting up early, it’s so nice to be back in my old church. Just a few more steps and we’re at the entrance!

BRIAN
Alright let’s get this over with so we can go back home and open presents. That gift swap yesterday barely went anywhere.

CHRIS
That’s not true, I got a really cool lamp!

DAVID
I didn’t know you liked lamps.

CHRIS
Sarcasm, Dad.

MARY
You never were good at picking up at that.

DAVID
Everything I do gets criticized now?

DREW
Fighting’s not going to get anyone anywhere.

JOSH [opening the door to the church]
Wow, it’s crowded in here. Are we sure we’re coming in at the right time?

BRIAN
What time is it?

MARY
9am.

BRIAN
Yeah, Mass should start any second now.

FRAN
It doesn’t look like we’re all going to be able to sit together. Why don’t we all split up into the groups we were in for dinner last night and meet back at the house when Mass is over?

BRITNEY
Yeah, and when exactly will that be?

FRAN
Nice try Britney. We’re all staying here the whole time.

NATE [to STEVE and DAISY]
Outsiders follow me, I think I see a spot in the back.

CHRIS
I think I see a spot over by the big piano.

BRITNEY 2
Unless you want to sing then I don’t think that’s a great idea. We’ll stand off to the side. Chris, Julian, and Britney, follow me.

ANDREW
I think I see an opening somewhere in the middle. William, Mary, and Drew, we’re in for an exciting time.

CATHERINE
Don’t think I see any more openings...

FRAN
There’s still an empty row front and center! We can sit there!

JOSH
Lucky us.

FRAN
Remember everyone, we meet back at the house right after Mass finishes.

[Cut to DAISY, STEVE, and NATE]

DAISY
I think the guy on the stage is staring at me. Is he into me?

STEVE
That guy’s called the altar man and he’s not allowed to marry until he’s 80, but he can have multiple girlfriends at a time.

NATE
That is not true at all. Daisy, with all due respect I’m pretty sure he’s not into you.

[Cut to BRITNEY, BRITNEY 2, JULIÁN, and CHRIS]

BRITNEY
OK so what’s our plan for how to get out of here?

BRITNEY 2
Wait for it to finish and then leave?

CHRIS
I know! We can ask for Communion early and leave after that!

JULIAN
That’s a terrible idea. But I think I know what we can do.

BRITNEY
Tell us.

JULIAN
Get up and leave. We’re further back in the church than anyone else we know. Nobody will even notice.

CHRIS
I’m kind of hungry. Who else is down for ditching this and going out to get pancakes?

BRITNEY
I’m down for the first part.

BRITNEY 2
How did I get caught up with all of you?

[BRITNEY, BRITNEY 2, JULIAN, and CHRIS get up and leave the church]

[Cut to WILLIAM, MARY, ANDREW, and DREW. MARY is singing loudly while the others are trying to contain their laughter. MARY stops after seeing their reactions.]

MARY
What’s so funny?

ANDREW
Oh nothing. Nothing at all.

DREW
Mom your singing is terrible.

MARY
I’m singing in God’s name! Sue me if there’s something wrong with that.

WILLIAM
As someone who is certified to sue other people, I’ll consider your request.

ANDREW
All I know is there better not be a singing competition in Fran’s games.

[Cut to DAVID, CATHERINE, FRAN, BRIAN, and JOSH]

FRAN
Wonderful seats.

BRIAN
You’ve said that six times now, we get it. And disagree.

CATHERINE
I typically like to not feel like the priest is staring at me the whole time.

JOSH
Yeah and that priest has already stopped Mass to yell at me personally before.

FRAN
That was 25 odd years ago.

JOSH
You’re thinking of a different time.

PRIEST (stopping Mass, looking directly at Josh)
Excuse me, but if you would like to talk there are plenty of exits. Those kids who were sitting in the back earlier got the message.

JOSH
Sorry Father.

BRIAN
It’s OK.

[Cut to WILLIAM, MARY, ANDREW, and DREW]

ANDREW
Is the priest yelling at Josh?

MARY
Looks it.

ANDREW
What should we do?

WILLIAM
Looks like he’s cutting off the Mass early because of this. So, leave, I guess. Come on everyone.

[Cut to DAVID, CATHERINE, FRAN, BRIAN, and JOSH]

JOSH
Father, I can’t believe I’m saying this but you can’t cut off Mass early!

BRIAN
I’m not...

JOSH
Not you!

FRAN
Christmas is ruined!

DAVID
Mom it’s not ruined, this is just an unexpected turn of events. Let’s just head back to the car and figure everything out.

[DAVID, CATHERINE, FRAN, BRIAN, and JOSH exit and drive back to the house. They walk inside.]

CATHERINE
Um, guys...Where is everyone?

FRAN
They must not be back yet, give it time.

[Cut to BRITNEY, BRITNEY 2, JULIAN, and CHRIS at a diner eating breakfast]

[Cut to DAISY, STEVE, and NATE on the side of the road with a broken down car]

[Cut to WILLIAM, MARY, ANDREW, and DREW locked inside the church with no one else around]

Finally Finale: One More Reunion

SETTING: The home of FRAN, BRIAN, JOSH, and ANDREW. Everyone in the family is present for the third family reunion.

Bidding Farewell to TVRGO’s Finally Franchise: A Retrospective

In March 2019, TVRGO premiered Finally Together. Its first season was a ten-episode story following an extended family that was meeting in person for the first time in years. It was a concept I had for a couple years at that point; in fact, originally the idea was to have a different family in every episode. Instead, I took one family and made three spinoffs about them.

I’ll always have nostalgia for the first season of Finally Together, which is the show that started the franchise. It was a unique take, in that there were so many characters that they were introduced gradually. It actually wasn’t until the end of the fourth episode when everyone in the family arrive at the place of the reunion. Those first few  episodes were meant to show a stark contrast among the family members.

One of my favorite episodes in the entire franchise was the finale of the first season. While I purposefully put in hints that the finale would see them all staying together, I had never planned on that actually being the way it ended. Instead, the family went their separate ways, but everyone displayed character growth. It was by no means a sad ending, but rather one that opened the possibility to explore small groups of characters on their own.

The first spinoff created was Finally Apart. The main character on Finally Apart, Catherine, was one of my favorite characters to write. I saw many storylines in her adult life essentially starting over. Still, I wanted to find a way to get the whole extended family back together; the finale of Finally Apart opened the door for that. It was scheduled in late December for ten consecutive days, almost as if it was taking place in real time. It provided more storylines and more laughs, and led the way to another spinoff, Finally Back Home.

Finally Back Home is a spinoff where I took a few of my favorite characters and brought them into the classic parents-move-in-with-the-kids plot. There are certainly twists along the way, though, straying from the typical formula. It saw the characters going through odd jobs and an adoption. While the situation seemed awkward at first, it turned out to be for the best.

The third and final spinoff, Finally Growing Up, focused on three third-generation members of the family. It ended up having a lot of tie-ins with Finally Apart, which also led to the decision to make the second season of Finally Apart less than the typical ten episodes. In fact, in a sense, Finally Apart and Finally Growing Up were oftentimes part of the very same episode. This is the one that relates closest to television; the kids are finding innovative ways to not only make ends meet, but also have fun along the way. The show took place in a single living room; after all, it was written and posted when everyone in the United States was under stay-at-home orders.

In short, thank you to everyone who read Finally Together, Finally Apart, Finally Back Home, and/or Finally Growing Up. It is truly appreciated. It was fun for me to write, and hopefully fun for you to read as well.

To conclude, here is a poll. Be sure to read Finally Finale, premiering tonight at 8pm Eastern time on The TV Ratings Guide!

TVRGO June News Day: Finally Finale, Bake Your Heart Out Premiere, and More

Another month means another batch of news for TVRGO. Below consists of notable premieres, finales, and scheduling moves that are set to occur over the course of the next handful of weeks.

Season and Time Slot Premieres and Finales
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1: What In The World! Season 1 Finale
FRIDAY, JULY 3: Put Me In Season 2 Premiere
SATURDAY, JULY 4: The Bullpen Season 3 Premiere
SATURDAY, JULY 4: Bar Exam Season 2 Premiere (TVRGO Exclusive)
MONDAY, JULY 6: Raymond Island New Time Slot Premiere
THURSDAY, JULY 9: Bake Your Heart Out Season 2 Premiere
SUNDAY, JULY 26: The Book of Terri Season 2 Finale

Renewals
Numb Humor Studios’ new hit What In The World! has been renewed for a second season.

TVRGO Website
The TVRGO website (http://www.tvrgo.blogspot.com) will be the exclusive home to the second season of Bar Exam, a spinoff of The Bullpen. There will often be heavy tie-ins on Bar Exam.

Soon, shows that have ended will show up after the ‘Submit Your Show’ card. These shows, as of now, are Finally Together, Finally Apart, Finally Back Home, Finally Growing Up, and Planet Z. This is in addition to the shows already there: miniseries Let’s Get Presidential alongside the pilots of Delta! and Terror In America, which did not become full series.

Shows not about to join them are Bake Your Heart Out, Bar Exam, College, Marietta, Network, Our House, Put Me In, Raymond Island, The Bullpen, The Book of Terri, What In The World!, Whoa Folks I Had Another Dream, and Writer’s Block. All of these shows are either amidst a season or are scheduled to start a new season in the future.

Finally Finale
The Finally franchise is coming to a close. Finally Together and its three spinoffs, Finally Apart, Finally Back Home, and Finally Growing Up, will bid goodbye to TVRGO on Friday, June 26.

The series finale will be posted at 8pm Eastern time. A retrospective will be posted at 7pm, featuring a discussion of the franchise and a few polls.

In anticipation of the finale, visit the TVRGO website (link above) to read any and all episodes of the shows. Click on the title cards, and you will be redirected to the respective scripts.

What do you think of this news? Tap on a reaction and leave a comment!

Finally Back Home Season 1 Episode 2: First Day on the Job

Open: JOSH and ANDREW enter a waiting room at a pediatrician’s office.

RECEPTIONIST
May I help you?

JOSH
Yes, I’m Josh, he’s Andrew, and today is our first day.

RECEPTIONIST
Oh congratulations! Although, you seem a little old for this place, have you really yet to see a doctor?

DOCTOR (approaching, addressing the receptionist)
They volunteer here now, I must have forgotten to tell you. They’ll be entertaining the kids while they wait.

ANDREW
Volunteer?

DOCTOR
It’s a paid volunteer opportunity.

JOSH
I don’t think those exist.

ANDREW
Also is this the kind of place where kids with colds come in, or is everyone just here for their yearly checkups?

DOCTOR
Both.

JOSH
And there won’t be any blood around, right?

DOCTOR
I would hope not.

JOSH
Good. I—I mean, I know kids are afraid of blood.

DOCTOR
Uh huh. Look, just do your best to not scare the kids, OK?

ANDREW
We’ll try.

CUT to FRAN and BRIAN, walking into the mattress store where they just received jobs as salespeople.

BRIAN (yelling)
Hello? Anyone in here?

MAN
I’m standing right in front of you.

BRIAN
Oh, hey. Do you know where I can find the manager?

MAN
You’re looking at him. We met earlier at the interview, remember? I’m Bob, the manager.

BRIAN
Uh huh.

FRAN
Don’t mind him, he’s just a little nervous.

BRIAN
I am?

FRAN
So what do we do? Ask people if they want to buy a mattress?

BOB
Most people are here to buy a mattress.

BRIAN
Not all of them?

BOB
No, some are looking for the video rental store next door. Others know that it’s now a yoga studio and are looking for that. Then there’s the few who say they’re going to buy a mattress, end up taking it, go to the yoga studio next door to use it as a yoga mat, and then return it. We don’t talk about those people though.

FRAN
So which part of the store should I start in? Also, where is my office? I assume I get one as Senior Salesperson.

BOB
I think you misunderstood. You’re Senior Salesperson because you’re the oldest.

FRAN
Least young.

BOB
You’re holding up the sign outside.

FRAN
That doesn’t seem like it’ll be very effective. Why would you want me to be the face out there?

BOB
Oh! Almost forgot. You’ll be the person standing next to Ms. Frog.

FRAN
Ms. Frog? You mean THE Ms. Frog??

BOB
Yes, our mascot.

FRAN
Sounds flattering. And what does Brian do?

BOB
Brian does another interview because I’m not sure he knows he signed up for this.

BRIAN
Really?

BOB
No, I don’t feel like doing that. You can start over by the section where no one’s working.

CUT to JOSH and ANDREW at the pediatrician’s office. A patient walks in with her mother.

PATIENT
Hi.

JOSH
Do you want to see a magic trick?

ANDREW
We don’t know any magic tricks Josh.

JOSH
I’m banking on her saying no.

PATIENT
No, I don’t. You’re talking very loud by the way, I could hear all that.

ANDREW
What do you want to see?

PATIENT
You’re creepy.

ANDREW
No! We work here, we’re supposed to entertain all the sick kids.

PATIENT
I’m not sick, I’m just getting my throat checked out because it’s all red and I’ve had a nasty cough for a week. [PATIENT coughs]

JOSH
Are there face masks around here anywhere?

ANDREW
Yeah but they only have enough for the doctors, nurses, and that one guy in that office typing away on his computer.

RECEPTIONIST
Hey, Dandrew and other guy, you don’t seem like you’re entertaining the kid.

ANDREW
OK. Look at me, I can run around in circles!

JOSH
Don’t mind him. I can do 20 jumping jacks!

PATIENT
How entertaining. [PATIENT coughs and doesn’t cover it.]

JOSH
That was on purpose, wasn’t it?

PATIENT
You figured it out!

DOCTOR
You guys are not doing good. I expect better tomorrow.

CUT to FRAN and BRIAN at the mattress store

BRIAN
Hey, you, want a mattress?

CUSTOMER
Sure.

BRIAN
OK. How much are you willing to pay.

CUSTOMER
Well it says $1100 on the tag so I guess that much plus tax.

BRIAN
OK.

CUSTOMER
What’s your name?

BRIAN
Rian. I mean, Brian. Sorry, first day.

CUSTOMER
Guess you’re getting some commission today.

BRIAN
I am?

CUSTOMER
Yeah. I just said I’m buying that mattress.

BRIAN
Oh. Thanks.

CUSTOMER
You’re...welcome?

FRAN [running in]
Ms. Frog hates me!

BRIAN
I’m sure Ms. Frog doesn’t hate you.

CUSTOMER
I’m out of here. Consider yourself lucky.

BRIAN
Yeah OK whatever. So what did Ms. Frog do?

FRAN
She...hit me!

BRIAN
Really?

FRAN
Yeah! But it was an accident. I’m only here because our shift is over.

BRIAN
That was quick.

FRAN
First day.

BRIAN
Oh. Right.

FRAN and BRIAN drive home. They open the door to their house.

ANDREW
You’re back early.

FRAN
You are too!

JOSH
This schedule isn’t working, is it?

BRIAN
Nope.

JOSH
Well I guess we have to stick with it. Wouldn’t want to get fired. Even though our job sucks.

Finally Back Home Season 1 Episode 1: The Agreement

BRIAN
So let me get this straight. Neither of you have jobs?

ANDREW
Nope.

BRIAN
And you can still afford to pay rent?

JOSH
There’s no rent on this house Dad, remember?

FRAN
Brian, I told you that already!

BRIAN
And which one of you is having the kid again?

JOSH
Dad, we’re adopting. Neither of us are pregnant.

FRAN
And I’m going to be the first person in the family to see the kid, right?

ANDREW
We already agreed on that. Legally, Josh and I will be the first ones, but then you can see him.

FRAN
Oh. Him?

ANDREW
Yeah.

FRAN
Ok.

JOSH
Are you mad?

FRAN
No, just thought you’d be adopting a girl. Maybe around 10 to 12 years old.

ANDREW
Oddly specific. But no, he’s a four-year-old boy named Evan.

FRAN
You know, my grandmother’s name was Evelyn. Is that why you picked him?

ANDREW
Um...sure.

JOSH
Anyways, we need to come up with a living agreement if we’re going to live together. I think we should either separate the house in two or agree to keep the time we’re in the house together to a minimum.

FRAN
Oh, I understand. Your Dad and I got jobs so we should be gone for a good portion of the day.

ANDREW
You what?

FRAN
Got jobs. We’re both going to work at salespeople at a local mattress store. What’s the name of it again?

ANDREW
I think I know which one you’re talking about.

BRIAN
Andrew, what we’re saying is, I think you and Josh should think about not working there.

ANDREW
Shouldn’t be a problem.

JOSH
Any chance all four of us can live off that income?

FRAN
No way. Being the Senior Salesperson gets me a better salary than Brian, but I’m not sharing it completely.

JOSH
You’re the Senior Salesperson?

FRAN
Yeah, does that surprise you?

JOSH
Yes! I mean, no.

ANDREW
So what are the hours of this job?

FRAN
We leave at 8am and come home at 6pm. Bed time no later than 9pm.

JOSH
OK, so from 6pm to 9pm, Andrew and I have to be out of the house. Got it.

ANDREW
What are we supposed to do then?

JOSH
Not sure. Maybe eat a really long dinner or drive aimlessly?

BRIAN
And in the meantime, you’ll be looking for jobs. I don’t care what kind of job it is, just something that pays the $3 minimum wage.

ANDREW
Actually minimum wage is higher than—

JOSH
No it’s not!

ANDREW
Oh, right. $3 an hour it is!

BRIAN
I actually happen to know a guy who’s looking for workers right now.

ANDREW
Oh? Who is it?

BRIAN
A doctor’s office.

JOSH
We’re not doctors.

BRIAN
That doesn’t mean you don’t know how to entertain kids while they’re in the waiting room.

JOSH
We’re screwed.

Finally Together: The Christmas Season Episode 10: New Years’ Eve (FINALE)

JOSH
Happy last day in our house everyone!

ANDREW
We’ve really appreciated you being here, but today’s the last day!

CHRIS
You sound a little too excited.

ANDREW
Don’t take this personally but it’s not exactly how we anticipated our holiday break going.

JOSH
Please tell me everyone made plans to get back home.

DAVID
I did. And my whole family is actually coming back with me! Mary, Chris, AND Julian!

DREW
And me.

DAVID
And Drew!

BRITNEY 2
Mom, I assume you’re ditching Nate to keep up with your track record of breaking up with guys at family reunions?

CATHERINE
No, I’m staying with Nate.

BRITNEY 2
And we’re sure Nate’s fine with that?

NATE
It’s either her or my mom living with me, so the choice is obvious.

BRITNEY 2
Was it really though?

NATE
Actually no.

BRITNEY
I know I’ve made travel plans too. Steve’s moving in with me!

WILLIAM
I would assume so. Where are you moving in to?

BRITNEY
I’m not moving anywhere. He’s moving in with us.

WILLIAM
I’m not sure that’s going to work.

DAISY
It’ll be fun! A step-mom and her step-daughter going through pregnancies and engagements at the same time and in the same house!

JULIAN
What happened to this family?

STEVE
I know, right?

CATHERINE
I don’t even care how complicated things are getting, this is going to do great for that blog of mine. Time to actually make some money!

JOSH
Can we join once the adoption is finished? We’re kind of out of money as well.

BRIAN
Does anyone in this house have any money?

DAISY
Me!

BRIAN
Do I want to know why?

DAISY
I was a performer.

BRIAN
So I didn’t want to know why then.

DAISY
What? I played some key parts in some really high-paying gigs;

WILLIAM
Daisy, we went over this, saying you were a “performer” suggests something else.

DAISY
Oh. Right.

DAVID
I’m getting by financially, but not by much.

FRAN
Your Dad and I are broke too. Brian, I would love to go back to Poland but we just can’t afford to live on our own there.

JOSH
Uh oh.

FRAN
I feel terrible about asking this but—

JOSH
No you don’t.

FRAN
I think we need to move in with someone.

BRIAN
I’ve already decided it’s not going to be with William, Daisy, Britney, Steve, Britney 2, and the two babies.

FRAN
And David, we should give you your space while you’re trying to keep your marriage together. Plus, Mary is a pro at raising kids!

MARY
I’ve done it two or three times.

DREW
You’ve done it three times.

FRAN
Catherine has no grandchildren for us to take care of—

CATHERINE
Yet.

FRAN
—And Josh and Andrew did promise me that I’d get to be the first to see their adopted child if they ever had one...

ANDREW
We did?

JOSH
I am so sorry Andrew.

FRAN
We’re moving in!

BRIAN
To this house? The one we just left?

FRAN
Yes.

JOSH
That’s it, we’re leaving.

ANDREW
Josh, maybe we could work something out? Split the house into two sections, maybe? We could use the money.

JOSH
That’s true. Alright, I’ll make you a deal. You can move in, but don’t expect us to be doing everything together with you.

FRAN
I can’t believe this! We’re finally back home!

BRIAN
Yay.

JOSH
Alright, now that this is settled, everyone take some leftover pizza pockets. Happy New Years’ everyone! Goodbye for now!

Finally Together: The Christmas Season Episode 8: New Years’ Decorations

JULIAN
I need to ask this question: What are New Years’ decorations?

ANDREW
They’re basically just Christmas decorations, but without them.

JULIAN
So...nothing?

ANDREW
You got that right. Come on everyone, help me take down the decorations?

DAISY
What if we don’t want to?

ANDREW
It would be nice if you could help anyways.

DAISY
Sorry Brian, I guess you have to help.

BRIAN
Thanks for trying.

JOSH
How about everyone takes the ornament off the tree that they put up.

CHRIS
I have absolutely no idea which one that was.

DREW
I know what mine was.

BRITNEY
What was it?

DREW
Fine. I don’t know.

JOSH
That settles it, I’m taking them all down myself.

MARY
Thanks for helping him, David!

DAVID
What’s your problem?

MARY
That you didn’t help him!

DAVID
Or maybe you just hate me.

MARY
That’s right.

ANDREW
Everyone stop fighting! Can somebody take down the manger!

BRITNEY
I’ll do it! The baby in there gives me a resemblance of what I think Hannah will look like when she’s born.

BRITNEY 2
You think your daughter is gonna look like Jesus?

BRITNEY
I...guess. Why not?

BRITNEY
Just a hunch, but I think they’ll look very different.

STEVE
I told you this already Britney, Jesus didn’t have a biological father. Hannah does, and he’s here to stay.

MARY
Why can’t you be like that?

DAVID
I’ve stayed for decades! Why don’t you ask Catherine!

CATHERINE
I only regret not leaving earlier.

DAISY
I regret that you stayed so long too! And so does William!

CATHERINE
You’re cutting it close there.

WILLIAM
I do like Daisy better.

CATHERINE
Aw thanks!

NATE
Catherine, don’t get jealous.

CATHERINE
I’m not jealous!

BRITNEY 2
You sound it.

FRAN
Everyone, stop!

ANDREW
What is it Fran?

FRAN
I finished taking down all the decorations while you were busy fighting. Happy almost new year everyone.

Finally Together: The Christmas Season Episode 7: Silence Night

FRAN
Family games time!

DAVID
Why?

MARY
Because she said so.

JOSH
Seriously though, what incentive do we have to win this?

FRAN
You’ll see.

BRIAN
We really aren’t going back to Poland, are we?

FRAN
You’ll see.

BRIAN
So no.

FRAN
Let’s break into the groups we were in for baking cookies. Really there’s only one challenge in these family games.

DREW
What is it?

FRAN
The silence game. If your team has the person who has been silent the longest in it, they win! Let’s start!

CATHERINE
Let’s not.

MARY
OK Catherine’s out.

DAVID
That means you are too, Mary.

BRITNEY
She is?

BRITNEY 2
Yes Britney, she is.

JULIAN
Did we start yet?

STEVE
Yes, we started.

DAISY
When does it end?

WILLIAM
Not sure, I kind of missed the rules.

DREW
Me too.

BRIAN
Fran, can you explain the rules again?

FRAN
No, you’re all out now because you weren’t quiet!

CHRIS
That means you are too.

FRAN
Crap! You’re right! Looks like only Josh and Nate are left.

NATE
And Britney.

FRAN
No, Britney already talked. Josh, our team wins! Congratulations to me, Josh, Brian, Catherine, and David!

CATHERINE
How fun.

BRIAN
Fran, this truly was boring.

FRAN
It doesn’t matter if you had fun as long as you won.

JOSH
Do I even want to know what we win?

FRAN
This house!

DAVID
Yeah no thanks.

CATHERINE
Same, I can’t afford another lifestyle change.

JOSH
Andrew and I already won this house the last time around, remember?

FRAN
Yeah, but this time Brian and I also won it.

ANDREW
So what you’re saying is...

FRAN
Oh I don’t know, maybe I want to move back in.

BRIAN
Or maybe you want to go back to Poland?

JOSH
Yeah, you probably want to move back to Poland.

FRAN
No I think I want to stay here.

ANDREW
You can’t stay here.

FRAN
Why not?

ANDREW
Because...Josh help me out.

JOSH
Not sure what to say.

DAISY
Parents moving back in with the kids sounds like a good idea to me!

BRITNEY 2
How about kids moving back in with the parents?

DAISY
Step-moms count!

BRITNEY 2
Huh?

JOSH
Everyone, we have some sorting out to do. I never knew it would be an issue to figure out who is living with who, but apparently with this family it is.

CHRIS
Or we could put up New Years’ decorations.

JOSH
Not sure if there’s such a thing but I would actually rather do that.

Finally Together: The Christmas Season Episode 3: One Day Before Christmas

FRAN
Merry Christmas everyone!

CATHERINE
It’s not Christmas.

FRAN
Close enough.

BRIAN
What are all those bags, and did you use our money?

FRAN
Presents and yes.

BRIAN
They better be good and all for me.

FRAN
We’re doing a gift swap!

JULIAN
Huh?

FRAN
A gift swap! I am going to put all the bags in a pile and we take turns opening them. You get what you get!

JOSH
Can’t we at least trade with others like a normal family does once we open our gifts and hate them?

FRAN
We can. But we won’t. Come on, it’ll be fun!

CHRIS
OK. But I call opening the first gift.

MARY
Chris, it doesn’t matter, you don’t even know what’s inside.

DAVID
Who cares if he doesn’t know what’s inside, let the kid open a present!

FRAN
No, not yet! We have to eat first!

ANDREW
I can make the food if you’d like.

JOSH
You can?

ANDREW
Sure.

FRAN
That would be great Andrew!

ANDREW
Alright, I’ll go in the kitchen now.

DAISY
What should we do in the mean time?

ANDREW
Gift swap I guess.

FRAN
There goes eating first.

CHRIS [opening present]
Is this a small lamp?

NATE
Looks like it.

CHRIS
Lucky me.

WILLIAM [opening present]
Wow! A new computer! I could use this!

FRAN
Did I put a computer in there?

CATHERINE
Apparently.

ANDREW
Food’s ready.

FRAN
Already??!

ANDREW
Yep.

NATE
Where should we sit?

ANDREW
Anywhere. Let’s see,  there are two chairs in the kitchen and 15 of us...

DREW
16. And I know I’m the 16th.

DAVID
We can improvise. I’ll sit in the living room.

MARY
Then I won’t.

STEVE
There really aren’t any spaces here, are there? The way things are looking I’ll be sitting in the basement!

JOSH
That’s a great idea! Steve, why don’t you, Nate, and Daisy sit in the basement, get to know one another?

ANDREW
Kids can be together upstairs. The two Britneys, Julian, Chris, take some food and follow me.

CATHERINE
I can go in the living room with David. Mom, Dad, and Josh, how about you come too?

MARY
Put me with Andrew, William, and whoever’s left.

DREW
That would be me.

FRAN
We should do family games again with these groups as our teams!

JOSH
Which country are you moving to this time?

FRAN
Let’s put the idea on the back burner for now.

ANDREW
Come on everyone, the pizza pockets aren’t going to stay warm much longer!

BRIAN
OK, let’s eat!

[Everyone takes pizza pockets and sit down.]

FRAN
Before we begin, I want to say Grace. Lord, bless over our food and our family, bless over—

CHRIS (from upstairs)
CAN’T HEAR YOU UP HERE.

NATE (from the basement)
Wow, these pizza pockets are good!

ANDREW (from the kitchen)
Should one of us say Grace?

FRAN
Never mind. Amen.

Finally Together: The Christmas Season Episode 2: Two Days Before Christmas

FRAN
You picked up a Christmas tree two weeks ago and still haven’t decorated it?

JULIAN
That doesn’t make any sense.

ANDREW
We just never got around to it, we’ve been busy trying to get—I mean, doing our jobs that make us work 65 hours a week except for this one.

CHRIS
And also, why are there so many ornaments here?

FRAN
We didn’t exactly remember to take everything with us when we went to Poland.

WILLIAM
Can we decorate the tree already so we can be done decorating the tree?

BRITNEY
I agree, this is all getting to be a little too much.

MARY
Decorating a tree?

BRITNEY
Was that a bad excuse?

MARY
Yep, very.

JOSH
Alright everyone, if you could all just form a line or circle or square or some kind of shape, we can get started. You hang up the ornament you get.

[Everyone starts taking ornaments without lining up.]

CATHERINE
Wow, I got a REALLY bad picture of Britney 2.

BRITNEY 2
Let me see...Mom, that’s a picture of you.

CATHERINE
Oh. This isn’t going on the tree.

BRIAN
Yeah it is.

[BRIAN hangs up the ornament.]

DAISY
Why do you have a daisy as an ornament and how did I get it?

DAVID
By reaching into the pile.

DAISY
I’m putting it front and center.

WILLIAM
That ornament has special meaning to me. You see, I made it in first grade myself.

DAISY
Aw, that’s so sweet!

BRITNEY
Yuck.

MARY
How come you’re not romantic like that, David?

DAVID
Leave me alone.

DREW
Oh look! I got...this.

BRIAN
What is it?

[DREW shows the ornament to BRIAN.]

BRIAN
Oh. Yeah, put that back.

CATHERINE
So my ugly picture goes up and yours doesn’t?

BRIAN
You got that right.

FRAN [reaching into the pile]
Wow! I didn’t know we still had this ornament!

ANDREW
You’re gonna have to be a little more descriptive there.

FRAN
The one of the whole family together. I’m in there with Brian, David, Josh, and Catherine. How sweet.

BRIAN
We should take another one!

STEVE
I’ll take the picture.

[STEVE takes a picture of them. They look.]

CATHERINE
That’s...actually not bad.

STEVE
Why would it be bad?

CATHERINE
I just figured you weren’t on the brighter side, Britney isn’t exactly known for being into the smart ones.

STEVE
That’s not nice!

BRITNEY
It’s true.

STEVE
Oh. Should I feel honored?

BRITNEY
Maybe. Tough to say.

BRITNEY 2
Tough for you to say, at least.

NATE
Wow Catherine, your kids are exactly how you described them.

JULIAN
Are there presents involved? Tomorrow is Christmas Eve after all...

BRIAN
Of course!

ANDREW
We don’t have any presents right now. Two days ago, we had no clue any of you would even be here.

FRAN
I can make that change. I’m going to the store.

Finally Together: The Christmas Season Episode 1: Three Days Before Christmas

JOSH opens the door. BRIAN and FRAN are standing outside.

FRAN
Josh! You’re here!

JOSH
Of course I’m here! You gave me and Andrew the house, remember?

FRAN
Yes, I remember. I thought maybe you’d sell it though.

BRIAN
See Fran, they didn’t sell the house. Can we go back to Poland now?

ANDREW [in the background]
THAT’S what this is about? Seriously??

FRAN
Pretty much. Also we’re not liking Poland.

BRIAN
I think it’s fine but you just had to come back here.

ANDREW [inviting them inside]
You scared the crap out of us. I called everyone in the family and they’re all heading down now!

JOSH
You did what?

ANDREW
Don’t blame me, it was Nate’s idea.

BRIAN
Who the hell is Nate? Are you two divorced now?!

JOSH
Nate’s a friend of ours, Catherine’s boyfriend.

BRIAN
How is that possible?

JOSH
He’s a friend! Not romantically!

BRIAN
So it’s just like a—

JOSH
NO!

ANDREW
You didn’t let him finish.

JOSH
I know what he was going to say.

[They hear a knock on the door. ANDREW opens it.]

NATE
You talking about me?

ANDREW
Nate! How’s everything?

JOSH
Great to see you Nate! Hey Catherine.

CATHERINE
Thanks, you too.

NATE
It’s going good. What’s going on here?

JOSH
Well for one it looks like Britney is trying to come in through the window. Also William just walked in the door with a girl.

WILLIAM
That’s right! Her name is Daisy.

CATHERINE
Right, can someone tell my daughter to come in through the door?

BRITNEY 2 [walking in]
I tried, she thought it would be bad for the baby. Don’t ask.

CATHERINE
How would walking through a door be bad for the baby?

BRITNEY 2
I said don’t ask. And it’s more like she just didn’t want to walk near me in general.

CATHERINE
Oh. Well that makes sense, I’m with Britney on that one.

BRITNEY
Seriously?!

FRAN [Yelling]
Britney! Come through the door and stop avoiding your sister!

DAVID [Running in]
Yeah, I’ve stood near Catherine many times before and look at me now! You can do the same with Britney 2 too.

BRIAN
Why are you running, the cops onto you?

DAVID
Yeah. I mean, no. I mean, it’s complicated. Mary and I got into a fight on the way here.

FRAN
Sorry. Do you need a hug?

DAVID
No, actually it’s been two days since our last fight, so we were overdue.

MARY [walking in]
Catherine, you are my inspiration.

ANDREW
Yikes.

BRITNEY [walking in]
It’s not fat, it’s a baby bump. Also these are not my kids.

JOSH
Nobody asked. And we know who Julian, Drew, and Chris are.

BRIAN
Yeah but who’s the fourth one?

BRITNEY
Steve, my boyfriend and future father of Hannah.

CHRIS
Let me guess, after the show with that singer?

BRITNEY
You got it.

CATHERINE
I’m so proud of you.

BRITNEY
Ew.

DREW
Not to sound rude or anything but are you all going to let me talk more this time?

MARY
Screw you David.

DAVID
Huh? What did I do?

MARY
Just a general comment.

FRAN
Oh dear.

JULIAN
It’s not out of the ordinary.

FRAN
Nothing a reunion can’t fix.

STEVE
Hope it’s better than the first one, based on what I’ve heard.

FRAN
It will be. Trust me.

Finally Apart Season 1 Episode 1: The Move-In

SETTING: OUTSIDE APARTMENT BUILDING, CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATES.

JOSH
Here we are: our apartment.

ANDREW
Catherine's apartment now.

CATHERINE
Alright whatever let's just go inside. I can't hold these things much longer.

JOSH
You're carrying Britney CDs. Andrew and I are carrying this huge fridge you insisted on buying.

ANDREW
Yeah, and we already have a fridge too.

CATHERINE
Ew I don't want your fridge.

ANDREW
I know, you've made a point to say that plenty of times already.

[They enter the apartment building.]

CATHERINE
What floor is my unit on?

ANDREW
7th.

CATHERINE
Seriously?? I'm not walking all that way.

JOSH
We have an elevator.

CATHERINE
Oh. Why didn't I think of that for my old house...

[They ride up the elevator. ANDREW and JOSH are still holding onto the fridge, while CATHERINE dropped her CDs all over the floor.]

CATHERINE
I hate elevators. And hands. 

JOSH
I think you're just nervous. [The elevator door opens.] Follow me.

[They walk to the apartment unit and open the door.]

ANDREW
This is it!

CATHERINE
This is it?

JOSH
Why what'd you expect?

CATHERINE
It's just different than I thought. There's practically nothing in here.

JOSH
Yeah, we took all our stuff to Mom and Dad's—-or really, our house now. But we left the fridge for you.

CATHERINE
I told you I don't want your fridge.

JOSH 
We know!!! 

[CATHERINE explores the apartment unit a bit.]

CATHERINE
At least there's a bed here.

ANDREW
Crap did we forget to take the bed Josh?

JOSH
Apparently. It's OK we'll just buy another.

CATHERINE
Looks like I have a lot of stuff to buy. Good thing I have William's credit card info.

JOSH
I don't think that's a good idea. If you want to move on from your ex-husband, you should make the purchases yourself.

CATHERINE
Yeah, I guess I should...eh, what would he care? I'm the one who did the bills, when I remembered at least, and we all know he's not the one who will take over for that.

ANDREW
Yeah OK...is there anything else we can do for you Catherine?

CATHERINE
Nah you're good. Thanks for bringing the fridge guys!

JOSH [to ANDREW]
I can't believe we came all this way to bring her a new fridge when our fridge is the only thing we left behind on purpose.

JOSH [to CATHERINE]
We'll be on our way then. You know where to find us! 

ANDREW [to JOSH]
She won't actually come down to our house, right?

JOSH [to ANDREW]
Probably not. 

JOSH and ANDREW exit. 

CATHERINE [to herself]
Now, time for some me time. 

CATHERINE looks at her phone and plays her favorite Britney songs from it. She dances and sings poorly.

CATHERINE [thinking to herself]
That was some nice time with my favorite Britney. I wonder what my daughters Britney and Britney 2 are up to...and also, why does water cost money? Hmm...I'm thirsty. Got nothing to drink though. I guess I'll go to the store and buy some.

CATHERINE [out loud]
WHY AM I TALKING TO MYSELF IN MY HEAD!

CATHERINE grabs her car keys to drive out to the grocery store. She soon realizes she doesn't have a car and will have to walk. She gets one bottle of water, realizes she didn't bring any money, then runs out and back to her apartment unit, after getting lost a few times. She runs out of breath and drinks the entire bottle as soon as she gets back to her apartment unit.

CATHERINE [thinking to herself]
That was useless, now I'm more thirsty than I was when I left to get the water. And why is water more expensive than soda? I should drink more soda. The kind with the sugar. Sugar is good. It's unhealthy but I like it.

CATHERINE [out loud]
WHY AM I TALKING TO MYSELF IN MY HEAD AGAIN! 

CATHERINE [thinking to herself]
Maybe they do ride-sharing around here. I need to get some stuff. Toiletries, food, drinks, something to play those Britney CDs on. Didn't really think that one through. 

CATHERINE goes out and buys the necessities, talking to nobody. She arrives back at her apartment unit.

CATHERINE [out loud]
I'm screwed.

TVRGO December News Day

Welcome to TVRGO’s December News Day! News about many TVRGO shows can be found below. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Finally Together: The Christmas Season
The first season of Finally Apart was written start to finish in late July-early August with individual episodes published weekly in the fall. As has been the plan since writing the finale, Finally Together will return for a second season after all.

The 10-episode Season 2 premieres on Sunday, December 22 and will wrap on Tuesday, December 31. One episode will be posted every day, with the events of the series taking place on the same day that the corresponding episode is posted.

Additionally, Finally Apart has been renewed for a second season.

Christmas Specials
Bake Your Heart Out and The Bullpen will be returning from hiatuses for Christmas specials. The dates for these specials are:

Bake Your Heart Out: Thursday, December 19
The Bullpen: Saturday, December 21

New Show Alert
TVRGO’s new comedy, Bar Exam, will be the first new entry in 2020. It premieres Tuesday, January 7 with two episodes. The first includes character crossovers from The Bullpen, while the second introduces the characters that will be followed throughout the season.

A preview of Bar Exam will be posted on Tuesday, December 17. It will feature short excerpts from episodes 2 through 6.

Winter Premieres
TVRGO is starting off 2020 with some shows from fall 2019, as well as others. Here are the winter premiere dates for returning shows.

Planet Z: Wednesday, January 1 (Season 2 Premiere)
Bake Your Heart Out: Thursday, January 2
Network: Sunday, January 5
Marietta: Monday, January 6
Writer’s Block: Thursday, January 9
College: Wednesday, January 29

Our House will return on Thursdays when Bake Your Heart Out finishes its winter run.

Finally Apart Season 1 Episode 10: Changing Times [SEASON FINALE]

CATHERINE [thinking to herself]
My life is kind of going awesome right now. I'm spending more time than ever with Nate--crap, I was supposed to come over to his house like 10 minutes ago. He's probably waiting outside. Or maybe another person who works for that driving company. I'll have to see.

CATHERINE exits her apartment building to find a new driver waiting for her. They ride in silence until she gets to NATE's house.

CATHERINE
Thanks Bill.

BILL
I never told you my name. 

CATHERINE
Bye now.

CATHERINE walks up to NATE's door.

NATE
Hey Catherine, come on in.

CATHERINE
That was my plan.

NATE
I'm glad we're getting to spend more time together. Sometimes it's almost like you live here.

CATHERINE
Yeah, I should keep my apartment though.

NATE [laughing]
Of course, wouldn't want to take that beautiful thing out of the family! 

CATHERINE
Or I could also sell it. I need money somehow.

NATE
You're right about that.

CATHERINE
So what do you say?

NATE
What?

CATHERINE
Where do you think we go from here?

NATE
Would we be moving too fast if I asked you to move in with me?

CATHERINE
Nah, that's exactly my speed. Did you know I wanted to date around until I met you?

NATE [laughing]
No? I'll take that as a compliment, unless you mean you changed your mind about men after me.

CATHERINE
Already tried that, was very fun until it wasn't. Not that I'd want to go back, for some reason I actually do like having kids a little. Just, the ones I have now came way too early with the wrong guy, and one of them kind of sucks. She's all sane and everything. 

NATE
OK then. I have to admit, I don't think I understand your old family dynamic at all. 

CATHERINE
Eh, you don't have to. I'm sure the stories I have of them is more than enough if you ever want to hear about them.

NATE
From what you've said, I'm actually not sure I do want to hear about them. I mean, I guess I could talk to the kids a little bit, up to you.

CATHERINE
Let's focus on getting me out of that apartment first. I mean, I'm grateful Josh and Andrew let me stay in that place, but how else do I make money? And don't say a job. 

NATE
That mom blog of yours.

CATHERINE
That gets no visitors, but thanks for the reassurance I guess. Anyways, let's talk logistics. Which bedroom do I get.

NATE
Mine, if you think that's appropriate.

CATHERINE
Then where would you sleep?

NATE
Same bed...

CATHERINE
Ew no. I need my own bed. Tell you what: we put two beds in the same room. 

NATE
That's weird, but then again,

CATHERINE
I'm weird too, I know. 

NATE
You know, I actually know a woman who might be interested in purchasing your apartment unit.

CATHERINE
Oh yeah? Who? 

NATE
My mom. She'd do anything to get me to move in with you. 

CATHERINE
How did I not see that coming?

NATE
Not sure but you'll get used to it. In fact, let me call her now.

NATE calls his mom, MEG, on the phone.

NATE
Hi Mom, I have a question for you: would you pay to move into Catherine's apartment full-time? I think she's going to move in with me but wants some money, which she can get by selling that apartment unit...Yeah, I know, the unit has been in the family for years...No not that long, not even a decade!...Oh awesome! Talk to you later. Bye.

NATE [to CATHERINE]
She's moving in.

CATHERINE
This is great!

NATE
I know!

CATHERINE
Just to be clear--she's moving into my apartment unit, not here?

NATE
Yes, don't worry.

CATHERINE
Hey, we both have different family dynamics. I wasn't ruling out her misinterpreting what you were saying.

NATE
I couldn't be more happy for us.

CATHERINE
Me neither. I get to move in with a guy with money, and not have to have the commitment of marriage just yet. And I actually like him, for an added bonus!

NATE
We are talking about me right?

CATHERINE
Of course.

NATE
This really is great.

CATHERINE
Hold on, I'm getting a call from Josh right now. 

NATE
Oh wow, I can't believe my mom actually called him about this!

CATHERINE answers the phone.

CATHERINE
Hey Josh.

JOSH
Catherine, huge news.

CATHERINE
I know! Thanks!

JOSH
What? No--Mom and Dad are at our front door. They're back from Poland.

CATHERINE
OK, why?

JOSH
I have no clue. Andrew has no clue. I think we might need to either stay with you for a while or redirect them there. 

CATHERINE
That's not happening. I'm moving in with my boyfriend, and his mom is gonna buy my unit. Oh also it's Nate, who apparently was a friend of yours for some time.

JOSH
Your boyfriend is Nate? Wow I thought he'd never get a girl, good for him. 

ANDREW [yelling to JOSH]
GET BACK TO TALKING ABOUT BRIAN AND FRAN, WILL YOU? I'M FREAKED OUT RIGHT NOW.

JOSH
OK yeah, so Catherine, what do I do?

CATHERINE
Open the door and pray they come in peace with no bad news, I guess. 

JOSH
As if realizing neither I nor Andrew can find a job down here is painful enough. Wish me luck, bye.

NATE
Everything OK?

CATHERINE
Apparently my mom and dad are back--wait, getting a call from my daughter, sorry.

CATHERINE answers the phone.

CATHERINE
Hi Britney 2. Why are you calling and do I want to know?

WILLIAM
Hey.

CATHERINE
William?

WILLIAM
Yeah, that's right, I actually did call you. Just doing my due diligence to let you know I'm getting remarried. Aren't you happy for me?!

CATHERINE
I'm not sure I care, we had a good run but when you think about it, that kind of ended a day less than nine months before Britney was born.

WILLIAM
Yeah speaking of her, she's also getting married. The guy has a kid. 

CATHERINE
What?!

WILLIAM
I'll leave you to whatever you're doing now.

WILLIAM hangs up.

CATHERINE
What the hell is going on with my life? 

NATE
Everything OK?

CATHERINE
Everything between you and me is going great. Hold on, getting another call. 

CATHERINE answers the phone.

CATHERINE
Hello?

MARY
Catherine! So, I was thinking about that mom blog of yours. You seem so happy over where you are, and it's got me thinking that maybe I should get a divorce from David. Start over, right? Think of the possibilities.

CATHERINE
Don't do it. Or, do it. I'm really not sure since we barely talk, I wish I could tell you more but our extended family is kind of a mess right now. You'll get the calls soon.

MARY [sarcastically]
Can't wait. 

MARY hangs up.

CATHERINE sums up everything that just happened to NATE.

NATE
Wow. I think there's really only one way this can be solved?

CATHERINE
I know, I know, ignore them and focus on me and you.

NATE
No. Well, yeah, focus on me and you. But also--[NATE pauses]

CATHERINE
What?

NATE
I think there should be a family reunion.

CATHERINE
I think you're right.

[TO BE CONTINUED]