Back in the late 60-mid 70s, family acts were all the rage—like the family band The Cowsills. These acts were so popular in fact, that they even made a TV show about one, and that became The Partridge Family. But did you know that The Partridge Family was based on The Cowsills? And what’s more, did you know that The Cowsills auditioned for The Partridge Family, the show based on them? Well, they didn’t get it.

You probably don’t know this, but I do, because I’m a freak for this era. I return time and time again, especially to the extravagant sights and sounds of 1970s variety shows in particular. With their splashy sets and gonzo musical numbers, these shows go all out. They’re not afraid to be artificial and gaudy—it’s about putting on an amazing show. Our protagonist, single mom Jill, dreams of taking her kids and their family band to this next level, but are they good enough to fit into this world? And is she willing to change their family to be a TV family?

Growing up with my own single mom plus my two siblings, I always felt like we got to be our own little authentic family band. Luckily we weren’t trying to play one on TV…With this film, I hope to use a world I love to explore something I and many of us struggle with—authenticity, the search for approval, and how to balance that with our hopes and dreams. Thanks for tuning in to The Hicks Happy Hour, let’s see how Jill and the kids navigate it all!