Entertainment Weekly: 'Back to You' undergoes casting changes - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 04-19-2008, 01:40 PM

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/...hanges-on.html

Mr. Television · 04-19-2008, 01:44 PM

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.

JulieSomoski · 04-19-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

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

Who's gonna be the new cast member then?

Brian Damage · 04-19-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roseanne88-97

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

Who's gonna be the new cast member then?

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

JulieSomoski · 04-19-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

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.

Pavan · 04-19-2008, 01:53 PM

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.

JulieSomoski · 04-19-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavanbadal

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.

Pavan · 04-19-2008, 01:58 PM

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.

Skywalker · 04-20-2008, 11:20 PM

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.

Mr. Television · 04-20-2008, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skywalker

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.

Skywalker · 04-20-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

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.

Sonia · 04-21-2008, 04:43 PM

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.

catlover79 · 04-21-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

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...

TV_Fan · 04-21-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by felix

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!

stevea · 04-22-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TV_Fan

...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?

04-19-2008, 01:40 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Entertainment Weekly: 'Back to You' undergoes casting changes 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/...hanges-on.html
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

04-19-2008, 01:44 PM	#2
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	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.
	__________________ Sonny

04-19-2008, 01:53 PM	#6
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,821	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.
	__________________ SitcomsOnline.com News Blog -- The best news out there! SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews -- We are #1 in reviews!

04-19-2008, 01:58 PM	#8
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,821	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.

04-20-2008, 11:20 PM	#9
Skywalker Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 04, 2003 Posts: 14,204	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.

04-21-2008, 04:43 PM	#12
Sonia Bring Patty Back on TV, NOW!!! Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 24, 2006 Location: TV Land Posts: 395	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.