The producers of the promising new comedy Back To You may be looking to reboot the sitcom now that it's back in originals on Fox. A source close to the production says that actress Ayda Field (pictured), who plays weather girl Montana Diaz Herrera, may leave the freshman laugher to make way for a new cast member. Herrera is expected to appear in at least one more episode before departing the comedy that stars Patricia Heaton and Kelsey Grammer as two anchors who work for a Pittsburgh TV station. Meanwhile, a Fox spokesman said the producers decided to "go in a different direction" by casting Lily Jackson (My Name is Earl) as 10-year-old Gracie Carr, the daughter of Kelly (Heaton) and Chuck (Grammer). Gracie was previously played by Laura Marano. Jackson made her first appearance in the April 16 episode. Back To You will wrap its first season on May 14.


http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/04/cast-changes-on.html

The show didn't need any retooling. Sometimes when they try to fix something that isn't broken they ruin the whole show and they never recover from it.

The show didn't need any retooling. Sometimes when they try to fix something that isn't broken they ruin the whole show and they never recover from it.

Exactly. We all know how many times that's happened on a sitcom :rolleyes:

Who's gonna be the new cast member then?

Exactly. We all know how many times that's happened on a sitcom :rolleyes:

Who's gonna be the new cast member then?

I think it will be the new station owner that will appear in the finale.

I think it will be the new station owner that will appear in the finale.

I'm hoping for a woman, maybe a friend for Kelly or even a coworker to replace Montana. I think having one female lead and 5 men is a bit too much.

Fox is airing 5 of the 8 episodes being taped after the strike. Not sure what they will do with the other three, but it is strange they are keeping them unaired. They had planned on airing all eight a few weeks ago, which would have made them air new episodes until early June.

Fox is airing 5 of the 8 episodes being taped after the strike. Not sure what they will do with the other three, but it is strange they are keeping them unaired. They had planned on airing all eight a few weeks ago, which would have made them air new episodes until early June.

I'd rather get all 8 this season. But, I think that's a good sign that they may be holding them over for next season.

It is strange because there is no gap in between tape dates. According to Jim just wrapped production last night on this season...and they will get right back to work in a month for next season (6 episodes so far)...probably taping them early because of the potential actors strike. Sitcoms never tape in June, so it is strange.

Has anyone else noticed that they're airing the episodes out of order? 'Date Night' was originally supposed to air last Wednesday at least according to the episode guides I've seen. During the ending credits of last Wednesday's episode, I noticed that it was the 12th episode produced, yet it's only the 10th one to air. I get the feeling that Ayda's final appearance is in the Date Night episode since Kelly is still dating the rival anchor she first met in the "Business or Pleasure" episode which aired in February. I hope FOX will air it.

Has anyone else noticed that they're airing the episodes out of order? 'Date Night' was originally supposed to air last Wednesday at least according to the episode guides I've seen. During the ending credits of last Wednesday's episode, I noticed that it was the 12th episode produced, yet it's only the 10th one to air. I get the feeling that Ayda's final appearance is in the Date Night episode since Kelly is still dating the rival anchor she first met in the "Business or Pleasure" episode which aired in February. I hope FOX will air it.
That's never a good sign when networks air shows out of order. I have a strong feeling that the network is interfering with this show and probably pushed for the cast changes.

That's never a good sign when networks air shows out of order. I have a strong feeling that the network is interfering with this show and probably pushed for the cast changes.

I think you're right, Sonny. I figured if the show were renewed for a second season, they'd probably retool the show a little bit, but I didn't expect them to do it this fast. Sadly, I think it's going to hurt the show a lot more than it will help it. :( A lot of people who watch this show are mad and confused and I can only imagine how the Nielsen families are going to react. :(

Question: Fox aired a rather fast-paced "recap" of the Back to You season in advance of its return last week. In it, they show the "daughter," who is definitely different than Laura Marano, the actress who has played that character the entire season. What's the deal? Is Gracie being played by a different actress? I've searched on Fox's website and e-mailed them with no formal response. — David B.

Matt Roush: During the strike hiatus, it appears they did recast the role (now being played by Lily Jackson) for the usual "taking the character in a different direction" reasons. Being from the camp that feels the daughter storyline is the weakest part of the show's premise, I'm not convinced the casting was the problem.

That's never a good sign when networks air shows out of order. I have a strong feeling that the network is interfering with this show and probably pushed for the cast changes.
I agree 100%. I hate it when the networks start dictacting things to the producers...:mad:

Question: Fox aired a rather fast-paced "recap" of the Back to You season in advance of its return last week. In it, they show the "daughter," who is definitely different than Laura Marano, the actress who has played that character the entire season. What's the deal? Is Gracie being played by a different actress? I've searched on Fox's website and e-mailed them with no formal response. — David B.

Matt Roush: During the strike hiatus, it appears they did recast the role (now being played by Lily Jackson) for the usual "taking the character in a different direction" reasons. Being from the camp that feels the daughter storyline is the weakest part of the show's premise, I'm not convinced the casting was the problem.

I'd love to know what "different direction" they're taking the Gracie character ins. I mean how can they take a character in a different direction by making her look younger or something? Is this new Gracie going to act differently? They already acknowledged on last weeks episode that Gracie is ten, but now with this new actress she looks like she's about 7. I just don't get it!

...They already acknowledged on last weeks episode that Gracie is ten, but now with this new actress she looks like she's about 7. I just don't get it!

Also, wasn't the episode where they chased the raccoon, Gracie's 11th birthday party?

I'd love to know what "different direction" they're taking the Gracie character ins. I mean how can they take a character in a different direction by making her look younger or something? Is this new Gracie going to act differently? They already acknowledged on last weeks episode that Gracie is ten, but now with this new actress she looks like she's about 7. I just don't get it!

I guess we'll have to wait and see:crazy:

Also, wasn't the episode where they chased the raccoon, Gracie's 11th birthday party?

Shows have those kind of inconsistencies all the time especially in their first year when they're developing the show. It's not the age that's concerning, it the fact that the changes may have been forced by the network.

Personally, I was not a fan of Gracie's character and even of Marano as an actress. I never liked her attitude towards her mother and the immediate friendship with Chuck seemed a bit exagerated to me. But I loved "From cradle to grave", seeing her bond with Chuck and also talking about her mom. I thought the producers would perhaps give her a makeover but not change the actress completely. Anyways, I may be in minority, but the new actress, although very young, looks kinda cute.Let's see how she does this episode. I read a comment by someone who saw the taping and both Patty and Kelsey had coached her before each scene. They might want to tone down Gracie a little bit hence the new direction and the new actress. Like I said, I hope they made that decision and not the network otherwise this show will become a big mess.

As far as Montana is concerned I'm quite indiferent to the change.. I mean seriously how many sex jokes can Gary make in each episode? Her and Ryan, please we leave in the real world ... although debra did marry ray, and carrie married doug so....nah....:D