(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.

Michigan: The 35 Best Places to Live in the State for 2022

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

    This list is courtesy of Niche.

  • Okemos

    Okemos

    Enjoy the convenience of this beautiful community and quiet location near Michigan State University.

  • Troy

    Troy

    Troy's unique location in the heart of Oakland County, only 20 minutes from Detroit

  • Bloomfield Township

    Bloomfield Township

    The Charter Township of Bloomfield is home to 41,000 people.

  • Huntington Woods

    Huntington Woods

    The western portion of the Detroit Zoo is located within the city limits. In 2013, Huntington Woods was ranked the #10 best suburb to live in by Market Watch.

  • Beverly Hills

    Welcome to Beverly Hills, MI

    Welcome to Beverly Hills, MI

  • Grosse Pointe Park

    Grosse Pointe Park

    Grosse Pointe Park is located on Lake Saint Clair about 10 miles northeast of Detroit.

  • Novi

    Novi

    Home to Suburban Collection Showplace, the largest privately owned Conference, Convention and Exhibition Center in Michigan, hosting a variety of events year round.

  • East Grand Rapids

    East Grand Rapids

    The highlight of East Grand Rapids is the Gaslight Village shopping district. It also features John Collins Park on Reeds Lake, with a well-developed walking trail along the lake.

  • Northville

    Home

    No Description

  • Haslett

    Haslett

    The Michigan State University Sailing Club and Lansing Sailing Club are located on Lake Lansing. Enjoy a day at the beach, fishing for the day or watching the sail boats skim across the lake.

  • Ann Arbor

    Ann Arbor

    Located in Southeast Michigan, just 45 miles west of Detroit and 35 miles north of the Ohio border. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, one of the country's most prestigious public universities.

  • Birmingham

    Birmingham

    Birmingham is located in southeast Michigan, just minutes from Detroit.

  • Lodi Township

    Lodi Township

    Gilbert Allen is said to be the first practical temperance apostle in the town. He built the first barn, and presented his friends with the pure aqua vitae instead of the ordinary "calamity water" introduced on such occasions. Yet it is positively stated that T.

  • Grosse Pointe Farms

    City of Grosse Pointe Farms

    Welcome to City of Grosse Pointe Farms

  • Farmington

    Farmington

    The Farmington Civic Theater, fully remodeled to preserve its 1940's flair and décor, offers film showings on two screens and easy access to many downtown eateries and coffes shops.

  • Royal Oak

    Royal Oak, MI | Official Website

    Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.

  • Berkley

  • Eastgate

    Living in Eastgate

    Eastgate is a neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a population of 9,421. Eastgate is in Kent County and is one of the best places to live in Michigan. Living in Eastgate offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes.

  • Northville Township

    Northville Township, MI

    The Charter Township of Northville is a vibrant, safe and active community of 31,000 located in western Wayne County. What was once a quaint farming region, now is a thriving, charming residential and business community. Home to some of the world's leading automotive research and development firms, it also has an extensive network of pathways, wooded areas and parks.

  • Grosse Pointe

    Grosse Pointe

    Grosse Pointe is located about 10 miles northeast of Detroit, Michigan's largest city.

  • Eastown

    Living in Eastown

    Eastown is a neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a population of 9,074. Eastown is in Kent County and is one of the best places to live in Michigan. Living in Eastown offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes.

  • Fulton Heights

    Living in Fulton Heights

    See what it's like to live in the Fulton Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids with reviews and statistics on crime, real estate, and cost of living.

  • Forest Hills

    Living in Forest Hills

    Forest Hills is a suburb of Grand Rapids with a population of 27,830. Forest Hills is in Kent County and is one of the best places to live in Michigan. Living in Forest Hills offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes.

  • Franklin

    Franklin Cider Mill

    Description A national historical site, built in 1832. We sell many fresh products including freshly pressed cider, hot donuts, freshly baked pies and caramel and candy apples made on the premises. We also have smoked beef and many varieties of cheese. Open Labor Day weekend - Thanksgiving weekend.

  • Pittsfield Township

    Pittsfield Charter Township, MI - Official Website | Official Website

    Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.

  • Larkin Charter Township

    Welcome to Larkin Charter Township

    Larkin Charter Township mailed out post cards for an online survey to gauge interest in a drainage district for residents of the Waskevich, Whispering Pines, and Woodland Estates subdivisions. Please use the link below to access the survey and submit by 5 p.m. on April 7, 2022.

  • Rochester Hills

    Rochester Hills, MI

    Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills is a prosperous community offering residents and businesses superior services. Voted one of the top places to live by several sources including CNNMoney magazine, Rochester Hills is committed to sustaining its position among the nation's preeminent places to live, work and raise a family.

  • Pleasant Ridge

    Pleasant Ridge

    Pleasant Ridge is located about 15 miles north of Detroit, Michigan's largest city.

  • Grosse Pointe Woods

    Grosse Pointe Woods Michigan Home Page

    2021 Water Quality Report This report provides a snapshot of the drinking water quality for Grosse Pointe Woods for the calendar year 2020

  • Farmington Hills

    Farmington Hills

    Play 18 at the Farmington Hills Golf Club, an 175 acre course with manicured bent grass tees, fairways, and greens, ponds, and gently rolling hills. It's Tee Time in Farmington Hills.

  • Rochester

    Downtown Rochester, MI

    A perfect mix of historic and hip, downtown Rochester attracts both local residents and visitors from across the state of Michigan. Downtown Rochester is home to more than 350 shops, salons, restaurants and professional service businesses; 85% of which are independent merchants.

  • Oakland Charter Township

    About Oakland Township

    Charter Township of Oakland is a charter township in the northeastern portion of Oakland County, in the outskirts of Metro Detroit, in the State of Michigan. The population was 16,779 at the 2010 census. Oakland Township is less densely populated than neighboring townships to the west, south, and east; and retains many elements of a rural, wooded residential bedroom community.

  • St. Joseph

    St. Joseph

    Poised atop a bluff along the Lake Michigan shore, sits quaint St. Joseph, one of Michigan's featured Beachtowns. Brick streets welcome visitors downtown to relax as they browse through unique shops and enjoy dining spots in this resort town. Shops display art, antiques, collectibles and lighthouse memorabilia in addition to clothing and giftware.

  • Plymouth

    Home

    No Description

  • Ottawa Hills

    Ottawa Lake

    Ottawa Lake is located about 35 miles southwest of Monroe.

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.