The Manny 2023 / Likable characters liven up an otherwise standard will-they-won't-they romcom series

There are few surprises to be had in The Manny, and its more dramatic moments feel more like obligatory interruptions to its romcom formula rather than elements to organically ground the story in something more substantial. Still, the characters are charming because of how imperfect they are: the kids are naive but well-meaning and sweet; while the adults don’t always give advice that works, caught up in their own grown-up problems. So even if the show sort of rushes into its found family set-up, easygoing chemistry between the actors makes it easy to believe that these people would still listen to each other with respect despite any differences in background.