With so much focus on streaming services, it's easy to gorget that linear networks are still releasing great television series. ABC's Home Economics, which also streams on Hulu, has attracted the attention of viewers thanks to its interesting and relatable story about family dynamics combined with a star-studded cast that includes the likes of That '70s Show's Topher Grace, YouTuber-turned-actor Jimmy Tatro, and Karla Souza, best known for her role as Laurel on How To Get Away With Murder.
The series actually only has five main characters – all siblings and their significant others – along with their respective children. With it still in its first season, chances are that the family sitcom will introduce plenty of other characters should it continue on. With that said, there have still been some memorable characters from the first few episodes alongside the main five and their kids.
Spags
Dustin Ybarra plays the childhood friend and old neighbor of the family who had a longstanding crush on Caitlin, prior to discovering she was lesbian. Yet even at his own wedding, to which he invited the family, he weirdly still made a point to flirt with her, in front of her wife and a few feet away from his own new bride.
He seemed like the slimy, lazy guy who had a ridiculous idea – a belt that could hold snacks or a drink at your hip - got an investment from Jimmy and made millions. Aside from the fact that he only appeared in a single episode, he would likely remain the least likable even if he was a recurring character.
Muriel
The only reason Muriel, played by Nora Dunn, ranks low on the list is that she has only appeared in a few scenes of a few episodes. As the mother of the kids, she seems like the typical out-of-touch, old-fashioned mother.
She does gain points for being accepting of her daughter coming out and marrying a woman even though it's obvious she wasn't initially comfortable with it. But she still makes comments that prove she is from a completely different generation, including veiled racist remarks towards her Latina daughter-in-law Marina.
Marshall
As the kids' father, Marshall, Phil is the typical dad who hasn't yet figured out video calling and talks behind his kids' backs without realizing that he hasn't yet ended the call. Judging from the children's reactions when he does it in one scene, it's something he does often. The scene in question sees him and Muriel release their anger about Connor not taking them on a trip anymore for Thanksgiving after having just told him they were good with the decision. This might just be revisited in an epic Thanksgiving-themed episode down the road.
Nonetheless, there's something oddly likable about Marshall, played by Phil Reeves. Though since, like Muriel, he has only appeared in a few scenes, he ranks lower on the list.
Lupe
Lupe is Connor's housekeeper who seems to handle everything from cooking and cleaning to helping care for Connor's daughter Gretchen. The character, played by Lidia Porto, rarely says anything at all, which makes it difficult to like or dislike her.
Rather, she seems to just be interested in doing her job while biting her tongue at some of the ridiculous things Connor asks her to do, from making him a massive ice cream sundae in the middle of the night to cleaning up after a Jell-o fight. The fact that she does it without ever losing her temper or rolling her eyes (at least in front of him) is admirable.
Sarah
Of the three siblings, Sarah, played by Caitlin McGee, is the most uptight. Living in a tiny home with her wife and their two kids, she recently lost her job, which has put more pressure on her, especially in the face of her younger brother's massive success.
She tends to overstep boundaries, often trying to psychoanalyze every person and situation which leads to many of their moments of sibling rivalry. This could simply be a manifestation of her trying to prove her worth as a child therapist while searching for work. Nonetheless, her attitude makes her the least likable of the siblings. But she means well, which means she is still middle of the pack overall in terms of likability.
Tom
How can Topher Grace not rank high? His character is a bit like Eric from That '70s Show in that he's very straightlaced and sarcastic, making him easy to both like and dislike at the same time. He's an author and struggling to write his next book. And until he does, is he forced to swallow his pride and approach his wealthy little brother for financial help to pay the bills.
There's something endearing about Tom's anxiousness and practicality – he is not the fun uncle, despite his best efforts. However, the fact that he is secretly writing a book about his extended family without revealing this to them isn't cool.
Marina
There are so many mothers who can relate to Marina. She is clearly a talented businesswoman, formerly a lawyer, who left her career behind to care for her two children while Tom pursued his passion for writing.
Karla Souza brilliantly captures the character, who is seemingly fully aware that she will have to, and is waiting to be able to, go back to work one day. But she's simply waiting for her husband to finally realize that it makes the most sense for her to do so. Given this, she bides her time by tending to the kids, dreaming of a night out, and sitting back with a glass of wine (or two or three) when they all get together to watch all of the family drama go down.
Connor
Even though he's the goofy younger brother who, much to the surprise of the entire family, somehow managed to make loads of money running his own private equity firm, it's tough not to love Connor. Played by Jimmy Tatro, who himself was a YouTuber who rose to fame after appearing in the movie 22 Jump Street, Connor might be clueless at times. But he is never intentionally rude or overtly trying to flaunt his wealth in his family's face to make them feel bad.
Viewers can't help but feel for Connor, knowing that, despite all of his money and material things, he doesn't have the thing he wants the most: his family back together. Rather, he is using his wealth to try and get his siblings and their families to visit him more and help him deal with the fact that his wife has left him and he is now a single, and lonely, dad.
Denise
Without a doubt, Denise is the most likable character on the show. Like Marina, she is a member of the family by marriage, so she is removed from most of the drama. She is the most level-headed of the bunch, always there to reign Sarah in when she goes too far, or to warn her not to do or say something because she already knows that it will end in the siblings fighting…again.
Played by Sasheer Zamata, who is among the many Black actors who were Saturday Night Live cast members, what's interesting is that while Sarah is the therapist, Denise seems to have a calmer, more controlled attitude. This might be thanks to her occupation as a teacher, which gives her the patience to deal with her wife and the constant bickering between her and her brothers. She's the type of person fans would want to sit at a cafe with, have a coffee, and share fun stories about the family with.