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Bored of the same old superhero stories where a shy, humble person transforms into a dashing hero when duty calls? ThenNo Ordinary Familymight just be the change you need! This 2010 series brings a mix of drama, action, and even some relatable teenage struggles. Sounds like a complete package, right?
Despite its unique approach and intriguing premise, the show sadly lasted only one season. Fans were left disappointed when it was abruptly canceled. So, what went wrong?
No Ordinary FamilyPlot
No Ordinary Family, created byGreg Berlantiand Jon Harmon Feldman, tells the story of the Powell family: dad Jim played byMichael Chiklis, mom Stephanie played by Julie Benz, son JJ played by Jimmy Bennett, and daughter Daphne played by Kay Panabaker. Hoping to reconnect as a family, the Powells plan a trip to Brazil. Things take a dramatic turn when their plane crashes, nearly killing them.
After returning home, the Powells discover they’ve gained superpowers. Jim is incredibly strong and almost indestructible, Stephanie can run faster than ever imagined, JJ becomes a genius, and Daphne can read minds. While the family learns to navigate these newfound abilities, they also stumble upon a bigger mystery. It turns out their powers are linked to Stephanie’s job at Global Tech, where her boss, Dayton King played by Stephen Collins, has some shady plans to replicate what happened to them.
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The show blends superhero excitement with family drama, making for a unique take on the genre.No Ordinary Familyreceived fairly positive reviews, boasting a 71% rating onRotten Tomatoesand a 6.9 score onIMDB.
No Ordinary FamilyWas Not Your Typical Superhero Show
No Ordinary Familystood out by focusing on everyday struggles rather than just superhero battles. While the Powells did face other superpowered individuals, the heart of the show was about their family dynamics and how they juggled ordinary life with their extraordinary abilities.
The pilot set this tone perfectly. Before their trip to Brazil, Jim and Stephanie’s marriage was strained. Stephanie’s demanding job left her little time for family, and Jim felt stuck in his role as a police sketch artist. After gaining their powers, they decided to work on their relationship, even attending couples therapy. Using coded language to discuss their superpowered experiences added a fun twist. Unfortunately, this storyline didn’t last long in the series.
The Powell kids also faced their own challenges. Daphne, who was popular at school, struggled with her mind-reading ability. It created tension in her social circle, especially when she learned her boyfriend was cheating on her with her best friend. Sometimes, Daphne misused her powers, like trying to impress her crushes or sneak into parties.
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Things shifted when she met Chris Minor during detention. Their relationship had its ups and downs, especially when Chris’ father gained powers from a serum created by Global Tech, becoming stronger than Jim. Daphne also made a heartbreaking mistake by using her powers to make Chris forget about her family’s abilities, accidentally erasing all his memories of their time together.
By mixing relatable family issues with superhero themes,No Ordinary Familybrought a new take to the genre, offering a story about connection, growth, and the challenges that come with great power.
What Went Wrong With the Series?
No Ordinary Familypremiered in 2010 with a promising concept: a relatable family with a clumsy but lovable dad, his brilliant wife, and their two moody teenagers who suddenly gain superpowers. While the idea wasn’t groundbreaking, the show’s strong cast and playful tone made it stand out. Early episodes balanced superhero adventures with family drama, showing how powers like telepathy and super-intelligence didn’t make navigating high school or relationships any easier.
No Ordinary Familystarted off strong with impressive ratings, but over time, viewership declined. The show’s future seemed uncertain when ABC decided to cut the season’s episode count to 20. Adding to the speculation, actor Michael Chiklis, one of the show’s stars, joined the cast of a new pilot produced by Conan O’Brien, titledVince Uncensored.
However, as the season progressed people started to lose interest as the show lost its way. The family dynamic, which was its strongest element, was overshadowed by increasingly convoluted sci-fi plots. The focus shifted from the Powells’ relationships to an overcomplicated mythology involving amnesia, time travel, and shapeshifters. The final episodes leaned heavily on these tropes, sidelining the family’s emotional core.
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The show’s attempt to imitate the style ofHeroesdidn’t work in its favor. It introduced far-fetched scenarios, like a shapeshifter being revived by a magical serum or death being rendered meaningless through convenient plot devices. One particularly absurd moment involved an electricity-wielding character being defeated by an electric attack which was a glaring inconsistency that highlighted the writing issues.
The cast’s talents were underused as the story veered into predictable sci-fi territory. What could have been a fresh mix of family drama and superhero fun, something likeModern Familywith superpowers ended up feeling like a missed opportunity.
In trying to do too much,No Ordinary Familylost what made it special. By focusing less on the family and more on over-the-top adventures, it failed to connect with audiences and ultimately couldn’t sustain its initial charm.
Sohini Mukherjee
Content Writer
Articles Published :331
Sohini Mukherjee is an Evergreen writer at FandomWire, specializing in pop culture, all things sitcoms, and, of course, Harry Potter. She has a soft spot for shows like Modern Family and pretty much any movie that knows how to tell a good story. You’ll find her name on listicles and long form articles that feel more like fun conversations than stiff articles. Having published over 300 articles, Sohini always brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the stories she covers.
