Zach Smadu Talks Character Development on ‘Family Law’ [Interview]

When it comes to television comedy, Zach Smadu gets it. The Canadian actor plays Daniel Svennson on GlobalTV’s Family Law, a dark comedy series whose first season recently premiered in the United States on The CW Network.

Family Law isn’t the typical workplace comedy. The plot centers around a lawyer’s daughter coming to work for him amid her struggles with addiction. The dysfunctional family element adds to the show’s humor and realness.

I recently spoke with Smadu about his role on Family Law and how his character has evolved. 

Family Law takes place in Vancouver, a city many viewers are surprised to discover through the show. Smadu described the show as a love letter to the Canadian city.

“How beautiful the city is, how the people are, and the culture of the city are really vibrant in the show. It’s something that people constantly go on about,” he said.

For its global audience, Vancouver almost serves as a character in the show, adding an element that goes beyond the plot and comedy.

Smadu’s favorite part about being involved with Family Law is the cast, which includes Canadian TV veterans Victor Garber (Charlie’s Angels, The Orville), Jewel Staite (The Magicians), and Genelle Williams (Schitt’s Creek).

“Everybody involved in the show from the top down is just so much fun to work with,” Smadu said.

He explained that days filming Family Law would sometimes last 13 to 14 hours, but the cast and the guest stars make the days go quickly and keep the show fun, even as they are filming difficult topics.

Family Law‘s plot balances humor with heavy topics. Smadu explained that the cast must remain open-minded about some of the topics covered on the show and how to tackle them.

“We do have a range of topics that we touch on, especially things that are pretty pertinent in the world currently. Everything from cancer treatments and diagnosis to adoption to transgender issues,” he said. “You have to have an open mind and an open heart when dealing with these issues, whether or not you connect with them personally.”

The dark humor reflects the personality of Family Law‘s creator, writer, and producer Susin Nielsen. The show shines a light on how humor can be used to get through hard times. Smadu likes to compare the show’s humor to moments at funerals when people share a funny memory.

“[Nielsen] has this beautiful way of being able to touch hot-button issues or very dramatic heart-wrenching issues and even still, in moments that would typically be the ultimate dramatic climax, being able to find a turn of laughter or a joke or something. Even despite the darkest days that we have sometimes, it’s being able to laugh at ourselves or other people or sharing a laugh with somebody that is just so human.”

Smadu explained how the show has a cathartic nature to it that keeps it so real. Audience members can relate to the dilemmas, personal struggles, and family dynamics, taking comfort in the humor.

“Even in the midst of all the dramatic moments, part of the joy of the show is that we find levity and there are moments of humor, because even when some people’s worst days and worst times, being able to find a glint of light in it is both helpful and curative.”

Family Law Season 1 starts with a major catalyst that changes Daniel’s life. Not only does he meet a new sibling he’s never met before, he now has to work with her and compete with her for his father’s attention and praise. Season 1 is all about Daniel grappling with that.

However, Family Law Season 2 allows the characters to evolve and develop. For Smadu’s character Daniel, this means we see more of Daniel’s personal life and the struggles that come with it. A lot changes for Daniel during Season 2.

The show’s second season has already aired in some parts of the world. Smadu discussed how he was happy with the character development over the two seasons without spoilers.

“I was very pleased, very excited because the trajectory for Season 2 from where Daniel ends Season 1 is pretty open-ended and exciting. We start off with a bang at the beginning of Season 2 with where he could possibly go.”

He continued, elaborating on Daniel’s life outside of the firm.

“There are new people in his life and new work issues. Obviously, that same balance between the work/ life balance in Daniel’s life is always kind of in flux.”

“From the hyper type-A side you see from Daniel in Season 1 and being very kind of analytical and quite uptight, we see another side of him, starting a personal side of him, the world outside of the law firm and its family.”

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Family Law airs Sundays at 8/7c on The CW.

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