Life’s greatest victories aren’t always grand—they’re the tiny, chaotic triumphs that keep us moving forward. CBS’s Small Achievable Goals leans into this truth with a blend of sharp humor and genuine heart. Set in a quirky New England town, the series follows Kris (Meredith MacNeill), a perpetually overwhelmed single mom and part-time life coach, and her best friend Julie (Jennifer Whalen), a relentlessly optimistic bakery owner whose “good vibes only” mantra masks her own insecurities. Together, they navigate parenting fails, career disasters, and midlife meltdowns, all while clinging to their self-help mantra: “One tiny win at a time.” Created by Emmy-nominated writer Lila Cho (The Great North), the show promises a fresh take on friendship and resilience, blending slapstick antics—think ill-fated yoga classes and gluten-free cupcake catastrophes—with moments of raw vulnerability.
As the duo strives to balance their messy lives with their overly ambitious self-improvement checklists, Small Achievable Goals becomes a love letter to imperfection. With a tone reminiscent of Schitt’s Creek meets The Middle, the series is poised to resonate with anyone who’s ever faked a meditation habit or cried in a grocery store parking lot.
Small Achievable Goals: Meet the Cast
1. Meredith MacNeill as Kris
Meredith MacNeill, born on July 28, 1974, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a Canadian comedy powerhouse known for her sharp wit and improvisational brilliance. She honed her skills at The Second City Toronto before co-creating and starring in the award-winning sketch series Baroness von Sketch Show (2016–2020), which earned her a Canadian Screen Award. MacNeill’s TV career includes roles in The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town (2010) and Workin’ Moms (2017–2023), where her deadpan humor shone. On film, she appeared in The Carmilla Movie (2017) and lent her voice to animated projects like Hilda (2018–2023), showcasing her versatility.
Beyond comedy, MacNeill has embraced dramatic roles in series like Pretty Hard Cases (2021–2023), proving her range as an actor. Off-screen, she advocates for LGBTQ+ representation and mental health awareness, drawing from her own experiences. Her role as Kris in Small Achievable Goals marks her first lead in a U.S. network series, blending her signature humor with heartfelt depth. Fans can expect her to steal scenes as the quirky yet endearing anchor of this ensemble.
2. Jennifer Whalen as Julie
Jennifer Whalen, born October 12, 1983, in Toronto, Ontario, is a dynamic Canadian actor celebrated for her relatable charm and comedic timing. She gained recognition as Sgt. Michelle Brander in 19-2 (2014–2017) and later starred in Workin’ Moms (2017–2023) as Alicia, a role that highlighted her knack for balancing humor with emotional nuance. Whalen’s film credits include Sugar Daddy (2021) and The New Romantic (2018), where she explored themes of self-discovery and ambition. Her TV versatility extends to guest spots on The Beaverton (2016–2021) and Good Witch (2020), cementing her as a staple in Canadian comedy.
Whalen’s theater roots—she trained at George Brown College—inform her grounded performances. A passionate advocate for women in comedy, she often collaborates with female-led productions. As Julie in Small Achievable Goals, she brings warmth and wit to the role of a pragmatic optimist navigating life’s chaos. With her chemistry alongside MacNeill (reuniting after Workin’ Moms), Whalen is poised to charm audiences in this heartfelt CBS series.
Why Tune In?
With its mix of slapstick, sincerity, and a cast that clicks like lifelong friends, Small Achievable Goals is the antidote to overly polished sitcoms. Don’t miss its CBS debut on February 25, 2025—because sometimes, the smallest wins are the ones worth celebrating.
