TV series
Comedy about one big happy family and their sometimes awkward, often hilarious and ultimately beautiful milestone moments as told by its various members. Of the three siblings, middle child Matt may have just found his true love, his co-worker, Colleen; his coddled youngest brother, Greg, and his wife, Jen, are overwhelmed by the birth of their first child; and the eldest, Heather, and her husband, Tim, are dreading their impending empty nest so much, they're considering having another baby. Their parents are Joan the family's adoring matriarch who would do anything for her kids - as long as she agrees with it - and John, the gregarious patriarch who's searching for ways to soften the blow of turning 70. As the family's lives unfold in four short stories each week, they try to savor these little pieces of time that flash by but stay with you forever, because these moments add up to what life's all about.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 1, 2026
Life in Pieces is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Comedy about one big happy family and their sometimes awkward, often hilarious and ultimately beautiful milestone moments as told by its various members. Of the three siblings, middle child Matt may have just found his true love, his co-worker, Colleen; his coddled youngest brother, Greg, and his wife, Jen, are overwhelmed by the birth of their first child; and the eldest, Heather, and her husband, Tim, are dreading their impending empty nest so much, they're considering having another baby. Their parents are Joan the family's adoring matriarch who would do anything for her kids - as long as she agrees with it - and John, the gregarious patriarch who's searching for ways to soften the blow of turning 70. As the family's lives unfold in four short stories each week, they try to savor these little pieces of time that flash by but stay with you forever, because these moments add up to what life's all about.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
In the second season opener, Heather and Tim ask Clementine's parents to convince Clementine and Tyler to get a marriage annulment; Matt moves in with Colleen, much to the dismay of her roommate; John takes the wrong dose of his daily pill, which leads to complications.
Directed by Jason WinerWritten by Justin AdlerGuest stars Fortune Feimster, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, Leith M. Burke
Episode 2
Greg lies to Jen about voting in the presidential election; Heather starts working with Tim at the office; Tim gives Joan a medical marijuana prescription; Matt takes Colleen to the emergency room.
Directed by Alisa StatmanWritten by Brad CopelandGuest stars Jonathan Marballi, Martin Mull, Pam Trotter, Russell Peters, Lucas Hazlett, Angela Malhotra, Carla Renata, Michael Strassner
Episode 3
When Tim accidentally shaves off a huge chunk of eyebrow before an important photoshoot, he hopes Jen and Colleen's grooming expertise can fix it. Also, when Gigi passes away, Greg makes an anonymous donation with the money she left him, but later realizes he wants to be recognized for it; John learns firsthand what Gigi's life was like at the nursing home; and Joan honors her mother's memory with unusual jewelry.
Directed by Chad LoweWritten by Barbie AdlerGuest stars Ann Morgan Guilbert, Wallace Shawn, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Matt Murray, Wayne Federman, Frank Birney, Phillip Jordan, Amanda Mayfield
Episode 4
When Colleen teaches Matt her frugal ways, he gets hooked when he realizes how much saving money turns her on. Also, Tim attempts to fire Heather from her receptionist position at his office, John tries to break Sophia's fear of flying by taking her for a quick flight on a small plane, and Jen plans a quiet affair for Lark's first birthday, until the family takes over the celebration.
Directed by Alex ReidWritten by Matthew Silverstein, Dave JeserGuest stars Russell Peters, Angela Malhotra, Debra Wilson, Karen Lew, Antonimar Murphy
Episode 5
When Joan's creative writing teacher, Professor Sinclair Wilde, praises her work, John assumes it is because he has a crush on her. Also, Tyler and Clementine invite Matt and Colleen over for an awkward dinner party; Jen tries to hide it from Greg when Lark takes her first steps while he's away on a business trip; and Colleen, Heather and Jen take Dougie out for ladies night when she realizes she might be gay.
Directed by John RiggiWritten by Maggie MullGuest stars Fortune Feimster, Cary Elwes, Anahi Bustillos, Sheila Carrasco, Lana McKissack, Alex Skinner, Travina Springer
Episode 6
John's plan to encourage Samantha to skip her ballet class and take up boxing with his trainer, Troy, behind her mother Heather's back has unexpected consequences. Also, Jen tries to discreetly seek a second opinion when Tim tells her she needs tonsil surgery; Joan constantly scares Matt by hiding spiders around him; and Greg grows a wiry beard that irritates Jen.
Directed by Jason WinerWritten by Lesley Wake WebsterGuest stars Taylor Coffman, Wayne Federman, Victor Ortiz, Jasmine Tookes, Calvin Tenner, Vaia Zaganas
Episode 7
When John decides to try out for "Survivor," Tim gets jealous and attempts to undermine his audition tape. Also, Colleen confesses she can't swim when she and Matt discuss Hawaii as a honeymoon destination; Jen pretends to get hooked on meditation so she can use the time to play cell phone games; and Heather gives Sophia the "sex" talk.
Directed by Jude WengWritten by Joe CristalliGuest stars Gita Reddy, Jeff Probst, Patrick Cronen, Nancy Nave
Episode 8
When Colleen goes wedding dress shopping with her future in-laws, she must deal with Joan's unfiltered opinions. Also, when Clementine feels she's overstaying her welcome at the Hughes house, she starts being extra nice to Tim who takes it the wrong way; Greg gets frustrated when Jen can't stay awake after a romantic date night; and John and Matt attempt to build a vanity for Sophia after John rips up the directions.
Directed by Helen HuntWritten by Greg MalinsGuest stars Lilly Singh, Drew Droege, Kandee Johnson
Episode 9
The Shorts take a trip down memory lane with a #TBT to Y2K, when John and Joan throw a party to celebrate the turn of the century. Also, #TBT to Heather and Tim's parenting styles before they had Sophia.
Directed by Jason WinerWritten by Marcos LuevanosGuest stars Ken Marino, Sujata Day, Gunnar Goldberg, Skylar Gray, Claude L. Stuart
Episode 10
Heather freaks out when Samantha auditions for the high school musical and the director doesn't give her the part. Also, Matt, Greg and Heather suspect Joan is having an affair, and Tyler and Clementine decide to find a home of their own.
Directed by Chad LoweWritten by Justin AdlerGuest stars Zander Faden, Gita Reddy, Cary Elwes, Andy Richter, Isabella Revel, Michael Cognata
Episode 11
When Colleen and Matt host the family tailgate party at the L.A. Rams game, they invite former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner to spice up their so far dismal event. Also, Tim's in danger of missing the game when Sophia makes him take her to the restroom.
Directed by James Alan HenszWritten by Elizabeth TippetGuest stars Kurt Warner, Clint McComb, Glenn Rockowitz, Malika Williams, Bob Wiltfong, Kim Yarbrough
Episode 12
When Greg insists on being Matt's best man at his wedding, Matt is forced to reveal his secret about their plans. Also, Colleen refers Jen to her aggressive bikini waxer in order to get a referral discount; Joan tries to prove to Heather that Sophia is ready for a little independence; and Clementine gets a job at a car rental office, leaving Tyler home alone all day.
Directed by James Alan HenszWritten by Lesley Wake WebsterGuest stars Connor Del Rio, Jackie Seiden, Annie Sertich, Christopher Avila, Mike Monteleone, Deb Snyder
Episode 13
When Greg and Jen hire Allie, a private chef, to cook for them on Valentine's Day, the evening isn't as romantic as they had hoped. Also, Matt and Colleen try to adopt a dog from Ruth, a judgmental animal advocate; John and Joan attempt to buy a classic car from dealership owner Gavin; and Sophia gets a necklace from a boy for Valentine's Day, to the chagrin of Heather and Tim.
Directed by Alisa StatmanWritten by Barbie AdlerGuest stars Leslie David Baker, Gillian Vigman, Molly Shannon, Angela Kinsey
Episode 14
When Tim gets two tickets to the GRAMMY Awards from his rock star patient, Charlie Puth, he brings Samantha to the show to impress her. Also, Matt and Colleen realize how out of control planning a wedding can get when they meet with their offbeat wedding planner, Ned Gawler; John and Joan join Facebook so they can stay connected to the kids; and Heather manically tries to save Sophia's beloved goldfish from dying.
Directed by Jaffar MahmoodWritten by Brad CopelandGuest stars Pardis Parker, Brad Grunberg, Charlie Puth, Lyle Lovett, Brenda Ballard, Jermaine Jacox, Michael Lanahan
Episode 15
Dinner gets awkward for Jen and Matt when they find themselves alone without Greg and Colleen. Also, Lark accidentally locks out Greg and Jen from the house, prompting Greg to install a complicated home automation system; Heather and Tim try to sneak wine into an ice skating show to get out of paying at the venue; and John and Joan agree to an impromptu wedding after Colleen mentions that she's an ordained minister.
Directed by Rebecca AsherWritten by Matthew Silverstein, Dave JeserGuest stars Martin Starr, Miranda De Meo, Ashli Haynes, Jeff Houkal, Jemar Michael, Tema Louise Sall, Tracy Weisert
Episode 16
Greg stirs up an old family feud when he finds money he accused Matt of stealing from him when they were younger. Also, Joan takes offense when Heather writes off her forgetfulness as "old age"; Colleen confronts a mechanic she believes is sexist; and Tim makes the kids go through an impromptu earthquake drill to see if they could figure out how to get home without money or cell service.
Directed by Jonathan JudgeWritten by Greg MalinsGuest stars Ty Barnett, Susan James Berger, Ruben Dario, Denell Johnson, Jessica Jones, Jillian Peterson, Todd Sandler
Episode 17
Matt and Colleen experience crazy sleepwalking adventures after taking a sleep aid; Jen tells Greg she had a sex dream about a family member; Tim wants to help Sophia get through a slumber party; John installs a motion-sensor light in the yard.
Directed by Ken WhittinghamWritten by Elizabeth TippetGuest stars JB Smoove, Fortune Feimster, Christopher Cho, Beth Crosby, Marnie Crossen, Dutch Johnson, Ruby Matenko
Episode 18
Greg becomes frazzled when Lark rebuffs him and only wants to be held by Jen. Also, Heather refuses to get the reading glasses she desperately needs; Colleen introduces Matt to her eccentric father so he can get his blessing for their upcoming nuptials; and when Cousin Mikey goes through a tough breakup, Joan tries to set him up on a date.
Directed by Chris KochWritten by Marcos LuevanosGuest stars Ashley Wolff, Greg Grunberg, Daniel Zacapa, Artemis Pebdani, Duncan Calladine, Addison Carroll, Amrita Dhaliwal, Marla Mindelle
Episode 19
Matt and Colleen have a disastrous time babysitting Lark while Jen is at work. Also, Sophia is far from pleased when John buys her a butterfly kit for her birthday; Tim and Heather rehash an old fight from the early days of their relationship; and Greg gives Samantha questionable advice about being an entrepreneur for her school project.
Directed by Eric Dean SeatonWritten by Maggie MullGuest stars Ashley Wolff, Jean Villepique, Stone Eisenmann, Gabrielle Skye Goodman, Taylor Mosby, Zack Michael
Episode 20
When Colleen goes to Tim for help with an embarrassing ailment, she begs him not to tell the family. Also, Dougie enlists Joan to help her buy a gift for Matt and Colleen's wedding. Heather gets jealous when her friends want to include Jen in their group.
Directed by Alisa StatmanWritten by Joe CristalliGuest stars Fortune Feimster, Cary Elwes, Majandra Delfino, Kiva Jump, Arianna Ortiz
Episode 21
When Greg and Jen take Lark on her first airplane trip, their parental skills are upstaged by another couple travelling with their baby. Also, Joan and John attempt to smuggle their dog, Tank, onto the plane; Matt and Colleen miss their flights when they accept travel vouchers for airline credits; and Heather and Tim run into countless obstacles when trying to get to the airport on time.
Directed by Angela BarnesWritten by Brad CopelandGuest stars Todd Sherry, Cary Elwes, Brian Baumgartner, Bianca Haase, Peter Banifaz, Mark Beltzman, Tammy Dahlstrom, Keeshan Giles
Episode 22
In the season finale, when Colleen and Matt miss all the flights to Mexico for their wedding, they question if they will ever get married. Also, Greg and Jen get into trouble when they share a cookie with a fellow plane passenger who has a severe allergic reaction to it, Joan and John rush their dog to the vet after he swallows Matt's wedding ring, and the Hughes family moves into Tyler and Clementine's tiny house when a fire breaksout in their kitchen.
Directed by Jude WengWritten by Barbie AdlerGuest stars Richard Marx, Todd Sherry, Michael Lanahan, Mark Beltzman, Leslie Jordan, Tatiana Carr, Frank Crim, Nikiva Dionne
Episode information updated Sep 16, 2026
Thomas SadoskiMatt Short
Dianne WiestJoan Short
James BrolinJohn Short
Zoe Lister-JonesJen
Colin HanksGreg Short
Betsy BrandtHeather Short
Dan BakkedahlTim Hughes
Angelique CabralColleen
CBSUnited States
Kapital EntertainmentUnited States
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