Plot Synopsis

DOWNSIZED follows a blended family as they are forced to make radical lifestyle changes and begin living by extremely limited means. Laura Rumsey, with five kids, and Todd Bruce, with two, married a few years after their first blind date. Things were great until, just like a million other American families, the recession hit and the bottom dropped out of their lives. Despite their difficult circumstances, Laura and Todd use their misfortune as an opportunity to teach their children the importance of ingenuity, teamwork, perseverance and the value of every hard-earned dollar. How did the Bruces get into this financial predicament? Todd is a general contractor in Phoenix, and during the housing boom the family was spending as if the good times would continue forever. When the real-estate bubble burst, Todd funded the company payroll with his personal credit card since he didn't want to lay people off. Plus, he had an investment property he bought for $300,000 and later sold for $50,000. With their household budget slashed, the Bruces rent a home, clip coupons, use food stamps, and make do with things -- like cable and long showers - that they don't truly need. Each member is tasked with a responsibility for contributing to the family as a whole. They must baby-sit, swap clothing, dumpster-dive and work summer jobs to help each other stay afloat while giving up sports -- Danielle quit cheerleading and Dylan and Rex gave up baseball. Shortly after filming the series, the Bruces were off food stamps and the family had health insurance through Todd's new job.