Half & Half is an American television sitcom created by Jeffrey Klarik and executive-produced by Yvette Lee Bowser through her Sister Lee Productions banner that aired on UPN from September 23, 2002, to May 15, 2006 (related to the Fox comedy show, Living Single that aired out in 1993 until 1998). It was co-produced by CBS Studios under one of its former aliases, Eye Productions, Inc.
Set in San Francisco, California, the show centers on the lives of two paternal half-sisters in their early adulthood who were estranged throughout their childhood, and are finally developing a close relationship. The show was the second-most-watched on UPN's Monday night line-up (next to Girlfriends) and fourth overall on the network. The series was almost renewed for a fifth season by UPN's successor network, The CW, but due to several circumstances — including the network's contractual obligation to pick up Reba, the last-minute renewal of All of Us, and the pick-up of the Girlfriends spin-off The Game — the series was left off the network's Autumn 2006 schedule and canceled. Outside of the United States, the series has aired in reruns on Global TV in Canada, Trouble in the United Kingdom and in local syndication channels in the United States, including Bounce TV, TV One, Cleo TV, BET Her and Dabl.
The series is available to stream on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Contents
Premise
The show's plot centers around the lives of half-sisters Mona and Dee Dee Thorne, who slowly become friends when they move into the same San Francisco apt building. Mona is the daughter of Phyllis Thorne, Charles Thorne's first wife, and Dee Dee is Charles' daughter from his second marriage to Deirdre "Big Dee Dee" Thorne. Initially, Mona resents Dee Dee because Dee Dee grew up in a wealthy and privileged household, while Mona and her mother struggled financially. As adults, Mona is more street-smart and cynical, but prone to impulsive decisions while Dee Dee is charming and optimistic, but naïve at times. Throughout the series, the sisters confront their past resentments and learn to lean on each other as they navigate their issues in work, love, and family.
Cast
Main
Rachel True as Mona Rose Thorne. The elder of the two sisters and daughter of Phyllis Thorne and Charles Thorne. Mona was primarily raised by Phyllis and grew up resenting Dee Dee for having their father's attention and growing up in a privileged household. As the series progresses, the two become closer and Mona enjoys her role as Dee Dee's big sister. She is cynical, insecure, and prone to impulsive decisions.
Essence Atkins as Deirdre Chantal "Dee Dee" Thorne, Esq. The younger of the two sisters and daughter of Big Dee Dee LaFontaine Thorne and Charles Thorne. She grew up to be a bossy, materialistic, fashion-savvy woman like her mother, but slowly matures to become a more well-rounded individual under Mona's influence. Throughout the series, she studies at law school and eventually becomes a sports agent.
Telma Hopkins as Phyllis Thorne. The mixed-race mother of Mona Thorne and the ex-wife of Charles Thorne. She is loving, but overbearing. Being a psychiatrist, she is prone to meddling in Mona's life and often gives advice to Mona and her friends. She has a contentious relationship with Big Dee Dee and initially thinks the worst of Dee Dee as well. As the series progresses, she serves as mother figure for Dee Dee and occasionally gets along with Big Dee Dee.
Valarie Pettiford as Deirdre "Big Dee Dee" LaFontaine Thorne. The mother of Dee Dee Thorne and Drew Christian Thorne and the current wife of Charles Thorne. She is a superficial fashionista, who can be controlling and prone to dramatics. However, she cares deeply about Dee Dee and eventually blooms to care for Mona as well, often offering advice to the both of them. She has an on-going rivalry with Phyllis, although the two occasionally call a truce.
Chico Benymon as Andre "Spencer" Williams. Mona's best friend and co-worker, whom she's known since college. The two briefly date throughout the series, but remain on good terms.
Alec Mapa as Adam Benet. Mona's openly gay assistant who is very nosy and gossipy. He often hits on Spencer and insults Mona on her unfashionable appearance.
Recurring
MC Lyte as Kai Owens, Mona's boss
Obba Babatundé as Charles Thorne, Mona and Dee Dee's father; ex-husband of Phyllis and current husband of Big Dee Dee.
Estelle Harris as Sophie, Mona's grandmother (and Phyllis' mother), who is white and Jewish.
Corey Holcomb as Chauncey, Spencer's cousin
Joey Lawrence as Brett Mahoney
Coby Bell as Glen Stallworth
Keith Robinson as Neil Crawford
Michelle Williams as Naomi Dawson
Penny Bae Bridges as Young Mona
Gabby Soleil as Young Dee Dee
Yvette Nicole Brown as Ceci
Louis Gossett Jr. as Ray Willis, Spencer's father.
Suzy Nakamura as Tina
Lamman Rucker as Chase
Charles Divins as Lorenzo
Rowena King as Camille
Episodes
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 38% of 8 critics' reviews are positive for the first season.