A working-class couple in Chicago tries to instill good values in their three kids, Brian, Lauren, and Tina, but their own past experiences often conflict with the lessons they teach their children. Judy Miller is the attractive wife who was wooed by Bill. Judy's sister Linda continuously butts heads with Bill.
Characters
Main characters
William "Bill" Miller : The patriarch of the Miller family, he is a former high school football standout but is now often perceived as overweight and lazy.
Judith "Judy" Miller : The matriarch of the Miller family.
Brian Hops Miller : Eldest and only son of the Miller family, Brian is a gifted but relatively unpopular high-school student; widely regarded as a geek.
Lauren Barley Miller : The older daughter of the Miller family, Lauren is one of the pretty, popular girls at school.
Tina Kathleen Miller : The youngest child of the Miller family.
Linda Michaels : Judy's younger sister, Linda spends much of her time hanging around the Miller house, much to Bill's dismay.
Daniel "Fitz" Fitzsimmons : Bill's best friend, who works with Bill as a salesman.
Guest and recurring roles
Perry : Linda's husband, a musician who performs in Reno.
Marion Fitzsimmons : Fitz's wife. She is considered controlling by Fitz. She is very much portrayed as not on the same page humor wise with Fitz, Bill and Judy, which is one of the factors behind her and Judy not always getting along.
Gene Michaels : Judy and Linda's father. He is an avid collector of model trains.
Al Miller : Bill's father, a retired steelworker. When Bill was younger, Al left Bill and his mother with little or no money, creating the main dynamic between Bill and Al.
Louise Miller : Bill's manipulative mother who moved to Chicago after her divorce. She manipulates those around her by guilt-tripping them. Her controlling nature with Bill sets her constantly at odds with Judy.
Kathy Halverson : Ted Halverson's equally-religious wife. Kathy is usually the voice of reason, and dampens Ted's competitive nature.
Matt Halverson : Ted's son and one of Lauren's boyfriends.
Shelly and Terry : The Millers' lesbian neighbors, and mothers of Chris.
Chris : Lauren's love interest in several episodes; Shelly and Terry's son.
Kyle Polsky : Bill's neighbor who has a large collection of toys
Carl : Bill's best friend during seasons 1 and 2. Works with Bill at the department store.
Maxwell "Mack" McDaniel : Bill and Fitz's friend during seasons 2 and 3. Mack works with Bill and Fitz at the department store.
Jeff Hackman : Also works with Bill. Sometimes called Jeff Hackman "Never-Pay-Ya-Backman".
Episodes
Each of the episode titles begins with the word "Still", with the exception of the pilot.
Syndication
The show entered off-network syndication in 2006, and in the fall of that year 20th Television put it into barter-syndication. It aired on many affiliates, most notably MyNetworkTV and The CW. Lifetime Television acquired the cable rights from 2006 to 2009. ABC Family acquired the rights to rerun it in the Fall of 2010, but due to low ratings, it was removed from their lineup. The show returned to ABC Family, from December 2013 to June 2014, before it was ultimately replaced by The Middle.
Critical reception
A 2002 Entertainment Weekly review gave Still Standing a "D" grade, calling it an "apathetic" show that "does zip to freshen the Fatty-Gets-a-Family formula."
