Plot Synopsis

THE REAL O'NEALS is a contemporary take on a seemingly perfect Chicago-based Catholic family, whose lives take an unexpected turn when surprising truths are revealed. Instead of ruining their family, the honesty triggers a new, messier chapter where everyone stops pretending to be perfect and actually starts being real. In Dan Savage's semi-autobiographical story, Eileen is a mom who usually has a fine grasp on all matters under her roof, and her soon-to-be-ex-husband Pat is a good-natured father and the emotional center of the family. Their normal routine at home suddenly gets turned upside down when Eileen and Pat announce their divorce, and their 16-year-old-son Kenny reveals to his family that he is gay. Kenny never would have imagined his admission would also result in outing his entire family's secrets, including revelations from his older brother, Jimmy, and little sister, Shannon. Jimmy unapologetically wears his heart on his sleeve and genuinely tries to figure out what's best in any situation, while Shannon is the youngest but carries herself more mature than her age. Life in the O'Neals household wouldn't be complete without Aunt Jodi, Pat's ex-sister-in-law and Eileen's best friend, who is a frequent visitor and is also willing to admit things are far from perfect in her own life. THE REAL O'NEALS has a sneak preview on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 8:30pm and 9:30pm ET/PT on ABC before moving to its regular timeslot -- Tuesdays at 8:30pm -- on March 8. Season 2 of THE REAL O'NEALS premiered on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 9:30pm ET/PT on ABC with a season opener featuring Jane Lynch, RuPaul, Tyler Oakley and Lance Bass guest starring as themselves. In the season premiere, "The Real Thang," when Kenny, Jimmy and Shannon head back to school, Kenny decides to start the first LGBT club at St. Barklay's in honor of National Coming Out Day. After only recruiting one meek lesbian named Allison, Kenny pressures her into coming out to her family and ultimately realizes everyone's journey isn't as easy as his own. Meanwhile, Eileen realizes she might have real feelings towards VP Murray, unfortunately Pat also befriends him, which leads to an awkward situation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 9:30pm ET/PT, ABC premiered the Season 2 finale of THE REAL O'NEALS. In the season ender, "The Real Secrets," VP Murray is nervous to tell Pat about his plans to ask Eileen to marry him and is relieved to receive Pat's blessing to do so. Meanwhile, Eileen and Kenny realize how far they've come when they help Allison deal with her close-minded parents. Shannon and Jimmy discover a pregnancy test and prepare for life with another sibling.