Without Dad

Starring Annie Potts as Carrie Dawson, a recently widowed mom of three young adults who love their mom with all their hearts-enough to move back in with after their father (Greg)'s tragedic death. Carrie (and Greg)'s three loving children include: Josh Dawson, 23 (Will Estes), Celeste Dawson, 21 (Ashley Johnson), and Matt Dawson, 18 (Bug Hall). Carrie is an advice columnist ("Ask Carrie") for the local newspaper. Josh is a college graduate with intentions of becoming a firefighter (like his late father). Celeste is a drama-majored college student who is thrown for a loop about what her future holds for her (ever since her dad died). Matt is a recent high school graduate who gives up his big dreams of going away to an university to attend a community college nearby (to be with his family). Carrie and the kids are consoled and comforted by Greg's younger brother (the kids's paternal uncle), Grant Dawson (Woody Harrelson)--after he announces he is going move in with his sister-in-law, nephews, and niece [because he feels it is "his brotherly duty"].

CAST:
Annie Potts as Carrie "Carrie" Burdett-Dawson
Will Estes as Joshua "Josh" Dawson
Ashley Johnson as Celeste "Celeste" Dawson
Bug Hall as Matthew "Matt" Dawson
Woody Harrelson as Grant "Grant" Dawson
Gary Cole as Gregory "Greg" Dawson (only in flashbacks)

Episodes

Ep1: Pilot Episode: (One Hour Episode)
Greg Dawson (Gary Cole) dies at age 45 due to heart complications. Widowed Carrie informs her children, their relatives and family friends about Greg's sudden death. Josh, Celeste, and Matt decide they want to by around their mom in "her time of need". To everyone's surprise, Greg's younger brother, Grant (Harrelson) decides to move in with his brother's family thinking it is "brotherly duty".

Ep2: No Fun In Funerals:
Carrie, Grant, and the kids plan Greg's funeral. Greg and Grant's parents, Bill and Bonnie (James Garner, Gena Rowlands) arrive in town to help their daughter-in-law, son, and grandchildren with the funeral arrangements. Meanwhile, Matt contemplates giving up his plans of attending an university and going to the community college (where Celeste attends).

Ep3: Just Like Dad:
Josh decides he wants to become a firefighter (like Greg, who always wanted him to become one). The true drama-queen herself, Celeste is having a very hard time dealing with her late dad's death. Celeste is thrown for a loop about what her future holds for her, and decides to make a list of things she wants to do before she dies.

Ep4: Bye-Bye Grandparents:
Bill and Bonnie decide to head back to Texas, but give Carrie and the kids a check for $5,000 to help them get off to a great start. Carrie and Matt don't want to accept the check, as Josh and Celeste gladly want to accept the check. Bill and Bonnie insist they take the check and won't leave until they accept it. After hours of bickering, they all agree to accept the check, as Bill and Bonnie head home.

Ep5: Carrie's Best Friend:
Carrie and family gets a visit from Carrie's best friend from high school and college, Victoria Sherwood (Jean Smart). Victoria shares her sympathy with Carrie and the family. Victoria and Carrie go out for lunch just the two of them, and catch up on old-times, including Victoria's miscarriage and divorce (her husband divorced her after she had a miscarriage). The two friends make a pact to get together more often.

MORE EPISODES TO COME LATER....