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Michigan Man Inspired New CBS TV Show

A new sitcom is debuting on CBS this week, and the show takes inspiration from a Michigan bowler. Yes, it’s true- were here in the Mitten should be proud that…

CBS

(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

A new sitcom is debuting on CBS this week, and the show takes inspiration from a Michigan bowler. Yes, it's true- were here in the Mitten should be proud that we're providing the premise for a new, national TV show.

The show is called "How We Roll," formerly known as "Smallwood." It follows a Michigan man's journey as he deals with the ups and downs for life.

That man is Tom Smallwood of Saginaw. Smallwood was working a job at the GM Pontiac East Assembly Plant and living a normal Michigan life when he got laid off. A great bowler, Smallwood decided to use his extra time to perfect his bowling skills and become a professional bowler. He ended up winning the PBA Tour in 2009.

"Based on professional bowler Tom Smallwood’s life, stars Pete Holmes as Tom, a stoic Midwest husband and dad who gets laid off from a car assembly line and makes the extraordinary decision to provide for his family by following his dream of becoming a professional bowler," the official show's description states. "As a skilled player, Tom knows that in bowling you get two chances; no matter what you do with the first ball, you get another one to make it right—the ultimate second chance. Keeping that in mind, Tom begins his new career with the loving okay from his wife, Jen the unfaltering support of Archie, his mentor and the proud owner of Archie’s Lanes: Home of the Curly Fry, the cautious backing of his protective mom, Helen, and the encouragement of his son, Sam. It remains to be seen if Tom will strike it big on the Pro Bowler circuit, but right now, the pins are set, he’s taking his second shot and it’s 300 or bust!"

According to MLive, Hollywood came to Smallwood about 10 years ago to inquire about his story. He also told the outlet that they had discussed doing a movie and book, but nothing happened- until now. "How We Roll" will debut on CBS at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31. It will also be available to stream on Paramount+ live and on-demand.

I happen to think that Michigan has plenty of amazing places to live. From the beauty of the UP to the hustle and bustle of the major cities, Michigan really has something for everyone. If you've ever wondered what would be the best place in Michigan to live, we have the answer.

Niche has released the outlet's annual Best Places to Live rankings, which ranks the best cities and communities to live in judging by a variety of criteria. According to Niche, the results were based on several key factors, such as the quality of local schools, crime rates, housing trends, employment statistics and access to amenities. Using all of that data, they put together a list of the best cities to live in Michigan for 2022.

Going outside of Michigan, the handful of cities at the top of the list includes Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania; City Center, California; Penn Wynee, Pennsylvania; and Houserville, Pennsylvania. Gosh, that's a lot of love for Pennsylvania. I've been to that state many times, and it's beautiful, but I had no idea it had so many cities that would be considered the best in the U.S. In Michigan, the highest-rated city was Okemos, coming in at No. 12 for the entire country. I am very familiar with Okemos and totally agree it's a great place to be, so that result doesn't really surprise me.

Read on for the full list of the 35 best places to live in Michigan via Niche. Is your favorite Michigan city here? I was surprised to see Ann Arbor at No. 12, since they are usually No. 1 on these lists. That said, No. 12 is pretty great. I was also hoping to see Detroit on here. Needless to say, all the cities on here are deserving, but remember to venture outside of this list, since Michigan is packed with great spots to live.

Read on for the 35 Best Places to Live in the Michigan for 2022

This list is courtesy of Niche.

Okemos

Troy

Bloomfield Township

Huntington Woods

Beverly Hills

Grosse Pointe Park

Novi

East Grand Rapids

Northville

Haslett

Ann Arbor

Birmingham

Lodi Township

Grosse Pointe Farms

Farmington

Royal Oak

Berkley

Eastgate

Northville Township

Grosse Pointe

Eastown

Fulton Heights

Forest Hills

Franklin

Pittsfield Township

Larkin Charter Township

http://www.larkintownship.org/

Rochester Hills

Pleasant Ridge

Grosse Pointe Woods

Farmington Hills

Rochester

Oakland Charter Township

http://www.oaklandtownship.org/community_info/about_oakland_township/index.php

St. Joseph

Plymouth

Ottawa Hills

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.