HBO to Debut New Comedy Series TOGETHERNESS, 1/11

Brett and Michelle are struggling to rekindle the spark in their relationship, which has puttered out from the stresses of marriage and children. When Brett's friend Alex and Michelle's sister, Tina, move in with them, the foursome engage in a tragically comedic struggle to follow their personal dreams, while still remaining good friends, siblings and spouses to each other.

Created by Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass & Steve Zissis, TOGETHERNESS is the TV debut as a writing team of brothers Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass. The new comedy series begins its eight-episode season SUNDAY, JAN. 11 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Blending laughter and pathos, the show follows four adults nearing 40, living under the same roof and struggling to keep their relationships and their dreams alive.

Shot on location in and around the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, TOGETHERNESS explores deeper issues related to friendship, careers and approaching middle age, celebrating the small, everyday moments of life that feel epic.

Series regulars include writer-director-producer Mark Duplass ("The League," "The Mindy Project") as Brett Pierson, a straitlaced sound designer trying to rediscover himself as he nears his 40s; Melanie Lynskey ("Heavenly Creatures," "Two and a Half Men") as Michelle Pierson, eager to rekindle her passion for romance and life; Amanda Peet ("The Way, Way Back," "The Good Wife") as Tina Morris, desperate to get her bouncy-castle business off the ground while looking for a husband; and Steve Zissis ("Jeff, Who Lives at Home," "Baghead") as struggling actor Alex Pappas, who nearly leaves town but is convinced by Brett to give his career one last try.

Guest stars include Peter Gallagher ("The O.C.") as Larry, a movie producer; John Ortiz (HBO's "Luck") as David, a divorced dad campaigning for a charter school; and Mary Steenburgen ("Joan of Arcadia") as Linda, a free spirit who takes an interest in helping Brett come out of his shell.

TOGETHERNESS is the latest offering from filmmaking brothers Jay and Mark Duplass, who have written, directed and/or produced more than 20 films, including "Cyrus," "Jeff, Who Lives at Home," "Baghead" and their 2005 breakout hit, "The Puffy Chair," which won the Audience Award at SXSW and two Independent Spirit Awards.

January's episodes:

Episode #1: "Family Day"

Debut date: SUNDAY, JAN. 11 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: Jan. 11 (11:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 12 (10:20 p.m.), 13 (8:30 p.m., 2:25 a.m.), 14 (12:05 a.m.), 15 (10:00 p.m.) and 16 (midnight)

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 12 (11:20 p.m.), 15 (8:30 p.m.) and 17 (1:30 p.m.)

After Alex, a struggling actor, is evicted from his apartment, his best friend, Brett, a sound designer who's married and has two young kids, tries to convince him to stay in LA. Meanwhile, Brett's wife, Michelle, deals with her directionless big sister, Tina, who's visiting from Houston. Following a group outing at the beach, Michelle and Brett clash while Tina confronts an ex, with Alex's help.

Written by Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass & Steve Zissis; directed by Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass.

Episode #2: "Handcuffs"

Debut date: SUNDAY, JAN. 18 (9:30-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Jan. 18 (11:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 19 (11:55 p.m.), 20 (8:00 p.m., 2:00 a.m.), 21 (midnight), 22 (10:00 p.m.) and 23 (midnight)

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 19 (9:00 p.m.), 22 (8:30 p.m.) and 24 (1:45 p.m.)

Tina tries to shake Alex out of his funk by enlisting him to help with her business and vowing to help him get the career of his dreams. Brett gets in trouble at work when his creative instincts rub co-workers the wrong way. Tina convinces Michelle to spice things up in the bedroom.

Written and directed by Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass.

Episode #3: "Insanity"

Debut date: SUNDAY, JAN. 25 (9:30-10:00 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates: Jan. 25 (11:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 26 (12:40 a.m.), 27 (8:30 p.m., 2:05 a.m.), 28 (midnight), 29 (10:00 p.m.) and 30 (midnight)

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 26 (9:00 p.m.), 29 (8:30 p.m.) and 31 (1:30 p.m.)
Brett's invite to a movie premiere leads to an impromptu night on the town for everyone. Tina and Alex engage in a personal "mission," Brett looks to mend a work relationship, and Michelle meets David, a divorced dad who wants to start a new charter school. Brett finds a way to cheer up Alex.

Written and directed by Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass.

TOGETHERNESS is created by Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass & Steve Zissis; executive produced by Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass; co-executive producer, Stephanie Langhoff; consulting producers, Amanda Lasher, Caroline Williams and Steve Zissis; line producer, Aida Rodger.

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