Synopsis: Bonnie Hunt brings the same accessibility she brought to the films "Jerry Maguire," "Jumanji" and "Return to Me" to her new family series "Life with Bonnie," on which she portrays Bonnie Molloy, a woman who juggles the roles of wife, mother and host of the local morning talk show "Morning Chicago."

In the series, Hunt's improvisational skills shine during unscripted interviews with real life guests (non-actors) of "Morning Chicago." In the pilot episode, Bonnie traded quips and tips with two authentic Italian chefs during an offbeat-cooking segment. The unscripted segments of the talk show, along with the talented cast of regulars, make for a truly unique comedy mix.

The "Life with Bonnie" cast includes the gifted and funny David Alan Grier as David Bellows, the producer who struggles with the daily challenge of... Bonnie. He's aided by the makeup and cue card artists, played by Holly Wortell and Chris Barnes, veterans of the famed Second City improvisational group. Anthony Russell portrays Tony Russo, Bonnie's sidekick piano player who comes straight to her show from his Vegas lounge act.

At home, Gloria (Marianne Muellerleile) is a houseguest more than a housekeeper. Bonnie's husband, John (Mark Derwin), is a hard-working family practice doctor who does his best to survive life with Bonnie. Together they are raising three young children, Samantha (Samantha Browne-Walters), Charlie (Charlie Stewart) and infant Connor, as Bonnie creatively balances family commitment and career obligations using sincerity and humor. (Courtesy ABC Entertainment, 2002)

The Cast:
Bonnie Hunt as Bonnie Molloy
Mark Derwin as Dr. John Molloy
David Alan Grier as David Bellows
Marianne Muellerleile as Gloria
Anthony Russell as Tony Russo
Samantha Browne-Walters as Samantha Molloy
Charlie Stewart as Charlie Molloy
Holly Wortell as Holly
Chris Barnes as Marv

Production Info:
Life with Bonnie is created and executive-produced by Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake (The Building, The Bonnie Hunt Show). The series films at Culver Studios and is produced by Touchstone Television.

Airdates:

The Episodes:
1- Partly Sunny--11/19/2002
Bonnie and Mark debate who in the house is really in charge, and Bonnie welcomes Johnny Volcano (David Duchovny) back to "Morning Chicago" to promote his upcoming appearance with Bonnie on the soap opera "Moments of the Day."
Written by: Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake
Directed by: Bonnie Hunt
Guest stars: David Duchovny as Johnny Volcano and Frankie Ryan Manriquez as Frankie.

1- What If?--11/26/2002
In the midst of celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, Bonnie dreams that she is married to Tom Hanks.
Written by: Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake
Directed by: Bonnie Hunt
Guest stars: Tom Hanks as himself and Ken Horner as himself.

1- The Graduate--02/11/2003
Tony goes back to school to get his high school diploma, and everyone from the Molloy family to the "Morning Chicago gang helps him study for his test -- the only way he knows how -- set to music. Meanwhile, Mark surprises Bonnie with a nightgown, which would be a lovely gift if it weren't size extra large.
Written by: Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake
Directed by: Bonnie Hunt
Guest stars: Frankie Ryan Manriquez as Frankie. The voice of Francine is performed by Holly Wortell, and the voice of Frankie, Sr., is performed by Chris Barnes.

1- Stealing Home--03/19/2003
When Bonnie notices things are missing around the house, she reluctantly suspects Gloria may be stealing to help her unemployed sister. Meanwhile, Bonnie welcomes a magician and Russian dancers to "Morning Chicago."
Written by: Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake
Directed by: Bonnie Hunt
Guest stars: Frankie Ryan Manriquez as Frankie; Joseph Will as Floyd; and David Proval as Man; Alexander Kalinin as Himself; Vladimir Lagerev as Dancer # 1; Viktor D. Kostine as Dancer # 2; Vitaly Metelsky as Dancer # 3 and Sergei Domrachev as Dancer.

1- Ding, Ding, Ding Went The Truth--03/26/2003
-­ Bonnie dings Mark's new car and is afraid to tell him, and both Rip Taylor and Martin Mull return to "Morning Chicago" -- Mull to reprise his role of a designer and to host a doll fashion show.
Written by: Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake
Directed by: Bonnie Hunt
Guest stars: are Rip Taylor as Rappin Rip and Martin Mull as Lenord.

Trivia:
Brian Kerwin originally played the part of Dr. John Molloy . He was replaced after the original pilot was finished.