Groundbreaking Pilot Showcases Diverse Ensemble in Hilarious House Arrest Comedy

The proof of concept pilot for the highly anticipated television series "The House Arrest Rooneys" has been released on Amazon Prime TVOD, offering viewers a glimpse into a world of family dynamics, personal reinvention, and the comedic complexities of house arrest.

Prepare for a Hilarious Homecoming with the Rooneys

Broadway Talent Shines in Quarantine Comedy

The pilot episode of "The House Arrest Rooneys" boasts an impressive ensemble of Broadway alumni, including Tony-winning actress Maryann Plunkett, acclaimed playwright and actor Charles Busch, and veteran television character actor Greg Mullavey. This talented cast brings to life the story of the Rooney family, a once politically influential clan from Albany, New York, who find themselves reunited under the most unexpected of circumstances.

A Faked Death, a Fraudulent Scheme, and a Homecoming Gone Wrong

The series' central conflict begins with the play "Don't Tell Mother," which had a successful developmental run at Theater For The New City in 2013. In the pilot, we learn that retired high school teacher William Rooney (Greg Mullavey) has faked his own death in order to escape his overbearing wife, Margaret (Charles Busch). However, William's plan backfires when he becomes lonely and decides to return to Albany, only to be caught by the authorities. Adding to the chaos, William's black sheep son, Paul (Peter Welch), is also arrested for masterminding the fraud from his basement apartment in New York City.

Navigating the Complexities of House Arrest

The pilot picks up with William and Paul being sentenced to home confinement, setting the stage for a hilarious exploration of how the Rooney family navigates this "too close for comfort" reality. As they grapple with their newfound circumstances, the series will delve into the dynamics between Margaret, William, and Paul, as well as their interactions with the extended family, friends, neighbors, and business associates – a diverse ensemble of recent immigrant and longtime resident oddballs.

Joining the Ranks of Iconic Family Comedies

The producers of the pilot are using the Amazon Prime release as a catalyst to secure the backing for a full season, which is slated to be shot in the fall of 2025 and spring of 2026. With a full slate of episodes already written for season one, "The House Arrest Rooneys" has drawn comparisons to beloved family-based comedies such as "Arrested Development," "Modern Family," "Blackish," "The Jeffersons," "Soap," and "All in the Family." The series aims to join the ranks of these top-notch, family-centric shows, while adding a fresh and unique twist to the ever-evolving American comedy tradition.