Life on a Stick Information

Life on a Stick (previously known as Related by Family) is an American sitcom that premiered on Fox on March 24, 2005. Thirteen episodes of the show were completed, but Fox only showed the first five before pulling the show due to poor ratings.

Premise

The show centers on several teen characters who work and hang out at the mall food court. The main characters are Laz (Zachary Knighton), his 16-year-old angst-ridden and angry stepsister, Molly (Saige Thompson), Laz's best friend Fred (Charlie Finn), and Laz's new girlfriend Lily (Rachelle Lefevre). Additionally, Laz's parents also play a large role in the show, consisting of his dad, Rick (Matthew Glave), and Molly's mom, Michelle (Amy Yasbeck). Rick and Michelle love all of their children, but their clear favorite is the only product of their union together: the sweet, perfect and wise 8-year-old Gus (Frankie Ryan Manriquez).

Laz and Fred both 18, have been friends forever. Just out of high school, and unsure what they want to do with their lives, they take jobs at a mall food court, at the lame "Yippee, Hot Dogs" run by the always yelling Mr. Hut (Maz Jobrani). There, Laz meets the girl of his dreams, the lovely and strong-willed Lily. Optimistic but not ambitious, Laz cuts a deal with his well-meaning but superficial dad Rick and equally superficial stepmom Michelle which allows Laz to continue living rent-free at home. All Laz has to do is keep an eye on his stepsister the angry, angst-ridden, 16-year-old Molly. Michelle and Rick hope that Laz will help socialize Molly and get her on the right track with the boy she likes; the sweet but awkward Jasper.

Development

The show was originally called Related by Family. It was created by Victor Fresco, who had also created the short-lived sitcom Andy Richter Controls the Universe.

However, like the prior show, it was canceled after a very short time frame due to poor ratings. The show only lasted five episodes due to low ratings even though the premiere episode had American Idol for a lead-in. All together there were a total of 13 episodes made; the remaining eight were only shown in syndication. Yasbeck took this role as part of the healing process following the death of her husband John Ritter.

Episodes

See List of Life on a Stick episodes for more information