Instant Mom

Instant Mom is an American sitcom developed by Howard Michael Gould and starring Tia Mowry as a stepmother of three children alongside her husband. It aired on Nick at Nite and TV Land from September 29, 2013 to December 19, 2015. The series produced the block's best debut ratings in the channel's history. On November 22, 2013, the series was renewed for a second season of 20 episodes. The series was renewed for third season on September 9, 2014. Nickelodeon announced on October 21, 2015 that "Instant Mom" would not extend beyond its third season and would end its run with the 65 episodes produced.
Premise.
Set in Philadelphia, Stephanie Phillips is a food blogger and party girl, who has to drastically tone down her lifestyle when she marries Charlie Phillips, an older man with three children. She now has to be a mother to Charlie's teenage daughter, Gabrielle, and his grade school-age sons James and Aaron. Stephanie has to quickly learn how to be a full-time stepmom with the help of her overbearing mother, Maggie, while attempting to keep her social life active.
Production.
On August 3, 2012, Nickelodeon announced that it had green-lit the "Instant Mom" pilot. Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Duane Martin, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Sydney Park, Tylen Williams, and Damarr Calhoun were cast on November 26, 2012. Michael Boatman would later replace Duane Martin. It was announced on April 3, 2013, that "Instant Mom" was officially picked up for a 13-episode first season to air on NickMom in late 2013. Later on August 19, 2013, Nickelodeon ordered seven additional episodes bringing the series' first season to 20 episodes. On November 22, 2013, six additional episodes were added first season. Despite previously being announced that the series would air on NickMom, it was shifted to premiere episodes on Nick at Nite, presumably due to the former's ubiquitous distribution and NickMom's establishment struggles. It continued to premiere new episodes the same night on NickMom until the block was ended on September 28, 2015, becoming the only series to air through the majority of the block's run without being cancelled. Filming took place at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. The series aired 65 episodes over three seasons, premiering on September 29, 2013, and ending on December 19, 2015. The series outlasted the NickMom programming block by three months.
Reception.
Critical response.
Emily Ashby of Common Sense Media gave the show 4 out of 5 stars. Brian Lowry of "Variety" said the show mirrors "Trophy Wife".