To that end, Splitting Up Together’s biggest issue is that it cannot quite figure out where it wants to settle down on the comedy spectrum.
That said, whether it’s intentional or merely a consequence of existing on a network like ABC, Splitting Up Together never quite goes all the way with its edgier gags, and the outcome is a sitcom that feels awkwardly nestled between tame, family-friendly content and the more daring TV salaciousness seen on less restrictive networks.
There’s even a subplot involving Lena tackling a medical issue involving her son’s testicles that seems particularly frank for a traditional broadcast network.
From the very first episode, it is clear the series is attempting something edgier than most traditional sitcoms, at least in the way that it approaches topics of sex and parenting.