The essential episodes of Life in Pieces
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Life in Pieces — each pick states its reason.
- 01
As the Short family's lives unfold in four brief stories each week, they try to savor the moments that add up to what life's all about.
- 02
Interruptus Date Breast Movin'
Matt and Colleen have the most enjoyable bad date ever, and Heather and Tim move to a new home with the help of a moving company that employs ex-cons.
- 03
When Matt invites Colleen to brunch with the family, he coaches her through the difficult task of connecting with them. Also, John, Matt and Greg try to prove their masculinity by cutting down a tree in Greg's backyard, Tim has an adverse reaction to espresso, and a sleep-deprived Greg has a run-in with the cops.
- 04
Jen and Greg vow not to become germaphobes, and John buys Sophia a cell phone behind her parents' backs.
- 05
Hospital Boudoir Time-Out Namaste
When Jen cuts her finger and Greg takes her to the hospital, they finally have the first quality alone time they've had in months. Also, John takes Samantha and Sophia to a restaurant where everything is named after feelings, Heather gives Tim a sexy anniversary gift, and Sophia is punished after Heather hears her swearing.
- 06
John and Joan reveal a shocking secret they've kept from their kids for 35 years. Also, Greg quits his job after creating a public funding campaign for his own invention, Heather and Tim try to make up for missing Samantha's Student of the Month Ceremony at school, and Matt's plan to make a big announcement at his and Colleen's book party keeps getting delayed.
- 07
Heather freaks out when Samantha auditions for the high school musical and the director, Julius Black, doesn't give her a part. Also, Matt, Greg and Heather suspect Joan is having an affair; Tyler and Clementine decide to find a home of their own; and, Jen, Colleen and Tim secretly play "Short Family Bingo" to pass the time during the weekly Sunday brunch.
- 08
Testosterone Martyr Baked Knife
When Heather, Clementine and Jen offer to save Joan from the stress of preparing the Thanksgiving meal, the free time leaves Joan even more frazzled. Also, Greg has a boost of self-confidence after learning he has high levels of testosterone; Samantha keeps a secret from her family during Thanksgiving dinner; and John is determined to continue the tradition of using his old, unsafe knife to carve the turkey.
- 09
The Twelve Shorts of Christmas
The holiday spirit is alive, well and wildly different for each member of the Short family.
- 10
#TBT: House Destiny Introduction Retirement
The Short family's quirky history is revealed with stories of when Tim met Heather's family for the first time; when Jen and Greg bought their dream home; when Matt got sidetracked after he saw Colleen while waiting for a blind date; and John's last flight before retiring.
- 11
Lingerie Cookbook Gamble Surrogate
Tyler and Tim realize they are in over their heads when Heather tasks them with buying a bra for Samantha. Also, Joan asks Jen to submit a recipe for the family cookbook, prompting Jen to steal one from her favorite restaurant; John gets Samantha and Sophia hooked on gambling while babysitting for them; and Colleen and Matt obsess about their surrogate's unhealthy lifestyle.
- 12
Jen and Greg learn a surprising piece of news. Also, Sophia wants a second piercing in her ear much to the dismay of Heather and Tim; Colleen and Matt send out a video thank you message for their weddinggifts, which irritates the family; and John takes a modeling job but is horrified when his image is used to endorse a product for the elderly.
- 13
Tim and Heather plan a surprise birthday party for Samantha, but the night takes an unexpected turn when she doesn't come home alone. Also, Matt and Colleen learn their surrogate can no longer carry their baby; John and Joan decide to learn Spanish for their next adventure; and Jen and Greg have to find a way to keep their secret from the family.
- 14
When Heather and Tim get an emergency text from Samantha to pick her up in the middle of the night, they try not to freak out so she'll still think they're the "cool" parents. Also, at the circus, Tim endures an embarrassing public situation; John accidentally walks in on Jen breastfeeding the baby; and Greg and Matt get competitive over their children's accomplishments.
- 15
Reverse Burden District Germany
When Tim and Heather realize that being grandparents is very far off in the future, they decide to have another baby. Also, Joan gets frustrated when she keeps getting tasked with watching the grandkids; Jen and Greg decide to look for a new house; and Matt gets a job offer in Germany, which is problematic for Colleen and Lucas.
Shows like Life in Pieces
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
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- 06Comedy·FamilyThe essential episodes of Mom2013–2021Same network — CBS·
