About
Cracking Up is an American television sitcom created and written by Mike White. It aired on the Fox Network on Monday nights from March 9–May 5, 2004; it only aired six of the twelve produced episodes. Psychiatrist Dr. Bollas is assigned to examine Tanner Shackleton, a child of a Beverly Hills family, only to discover that Tanner doesn't have any problems — his family does. The story is in fact about Ben Baxter, a student who moves into the Shackletons' guest house, interacting with Tanner and his crazy family.
Cast
Jake Sandvig
as Preston Shackleton
Christopher McDonald
as Ted Shackleton
Caitlin Wachs
as Chloe Shackleton
Jason Schwartzman
as Ben Baxter
Bret Loehr
as Tanner Shackleton
Molly Shannon
as Lesley Shackleton
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
The Pilot
In Beverly Hills, Calif., a psychology student counsels a wealthy couple's introverted son.
Birds Do It
Ben decides to tell Ted and Lesley that Tanner walked in on him and his new girlfriend during an intimate moment but finds that they're uncomfortable with the subject of sex. Meanwhile, Liam learns that Preston has no experience with women so he sets Preston up on a date with a more experienced girl.
Scared Straight
Lesley and Ted hire Bruce, a substance abuse counselor, to scare their kids out of trying drugs but soon find themselves hiding from the terrifying man after they, along with Ben, accidentally eat a marijuana cake that Liam brought.
Panic House
Lesley creates a panic room after a break-in at the house and then proceeds to forget the password after accidentally locking the family in it along with Ben.
Grudge Match
Ben tries to teach Tanner that winning isn't everything while trying to show Lesley and Ted that the boy is actually a talented artist. Also, Lesley tries to teach Chloe and her cheer sqaud some of her old cheerleading moves during a game of basketball in which Ted gets very corruptive.
Prom Night
Ted invites Lesley's old high school prom date to their home after Ben learns that Ted is still jealous of him. Liam is asked to chaperone Chloe, Preston and their dates to the prom.
Daddy's Home
When Ted insists that work is more important than spending time with his family, Liam decides to throw a keg party while Ted is out of town.
Learning Disability
Lesley and Ted's lack of involvement in their children's education prompts Ben to invite Tanner's stern teacher over to dinner, but unfortunately it's the same night Lesley decides to test Tanner's new medication. Meanwhile Chloe and Preston fight for the attention of their new tutor.
Similar Shows
Shows like this one
Recommended for You
Based on this series
