Huff (TV Series)

TV Series (2004-2006). 2 Seasons. 26 Episodes. A psychiatrist who lacks balance and clarity in his own life, while struggling to help others achieve these goals, is the subject of HUFF, Sony Pictures Television’s groundbreaking drama series for Showtime. Dr. Craig “Huff” Huffstodt (Hank Azaria) is a shrink who has dedicated his entire life to helping others find clarity, peace and happiness. After a shattering event takes place with one of his patients, Huff begins to question everything he once held true and spins into a major mid-life crisis. Slated to premiere this fall, the series also stars Paget Brewster, Blythe Danner and Oliver Platt. Huff’s life is sent reeling when one of his patients, a 15-year-old boy, commits suicide during a therapy session. His nurturing nature is tested at nearly every turn as he endures and deals with the conflicting personalities and small insanities within his own family. Struggling with the increasing worry that he may face legal liability in connection with the suicide, and tortured by the self-inflicted feelings of guilt and inadequacy, Huff begins to question who he is, what he’s made of and how he fits in --- anywhere. Amid all the turmoil, Huff finds himself randomly and often reluctantly interacting with a homeless Hungarian man whom Huff is never absolutely certain exists. Yet their encounters usually make Huff feel like a decent and compassionate man despite his internal chaos. Huff’s lawyer and long time close friend, Russell (Oliver Platt), serves as a touchstone of reality and a source of questionable ethics and morality, but always with a sense of humor. His wife Beth (Paget Brewster), whose love and empathy for her husband helps him avoid meltdowns, also provides welcome, support and amenities. Huff’s mother Izzy (Blythe Danner), who occupies the living quarters above their garage, specializes in emotional inflammation and manipulation. His only child, a teenage son named Byrd (Anton Yelchin), is a loving son concerned with his dad’s well being. Meanwhile, Huff’s younger brother and sole sibling Teddy (Andy Comeau) is figuratively and literally locked away in a private mental institution. A great irony in Huff’s life is that the brief time he spends with Teddy is when he most often experiences clarity and consolation. Huff, who provides care and comfort for the functionally insane and neurotic, finds the boundaries of sanity to be elusive in his personal life as well. He’s a warm and well-intended man questioning his values and struggling with the process of confronting one’s fears. Created by Bob Lowry, HUFF is executive produced by Mike Newell, Cameron Jones, Bob Lowry and Scott Winant. Hank Azaria and Nancy Sanders serve as producers. Scott Winant directs the premiere episode.