There have been many popular shows about families lately. There’s a wide range to these. Black-ish, The Goldbergs, Fuller House, and others show different types of families dealing with issues but Alex wanted to create a show that is family friendly; clean and wholesome but not based around a family on screen…or at least not a hereditary one. As the father of the children (ages six, ten, and sixteen), Scrymgeour decided that he’d simply write a comedy that he’d want to watch with his own family. There is no cursing, sex, or violence on Eddie’s. What viewers will find is a lot of laughs and an underlying messages of tolerance for all people. The show’s creator remarks, “As a parent I like to watch films and TV with my kids and Eddie’s is a safe harbor for all, even kids. It’s nice to see positive stories with good people helping one another and who build each other up like the characters do on Eddie’s. Eddie’s has everyday good people coming to Eddie’s for a good time in a positive environment. It’s a positive message and fun to watch.”
Eddie’s is a character driven comedy about a fictional beach bar and grille in Venice, California. The boss (Eddie), his staff, the regulars, locals, and tourists who eat there all have their challenges but continually maintain an air of respect for each other amidst this. Eddie’s does serve alcohol but it’s not a bar-themed show as it is a bar and grille. Not all characters come to Eddie’s to drink, some are there for the award-winning JaMexican (Jamaican Mexican) cuisine. It’s a place for eating, drinking and merry-making but not to be unruly. A key facet of Eddie’s Bar & Grille is that it offers a respite from the world. The attitude of the central character is positive and aspires to see the best in all of us even if we fail to present it with appropriate frequency. Eddie the character demands the best of his employees and his patrons, leading by example.
Starring in the title role is CBS Big Brother season one winner Eddie McGee. George Wendt (who played Norm on Cheers for 11 years) is the often to direct but always fair Captain who has become a fixture at Eddie’s since it first opened. Legendary veteran TV director Michael Lange has manifested Scrymgeour’s vision for the show, bringing along many of his former cast and crew of ABC Family’s Greek. Eddie’s is a small Greek reunion of sorts with Jacob Zachar (starred on Greek as Rusty Cartwright), producers Tony Prado & Nellie Nugiel, production coordinator Katie Baccaro and DP Jules Labarthe all contributing their talents to Eddie’s.
The excitement and energy of the project was so palpable that the production filmed the pilot in only two days, a miraculous feat for any television production. This is completely congruent with the ideals espoused in Eddie’s. Demand a lot of yourself, be respectful to others, and when things get intense…laugh, because it’s a much better solution than taking it out on someone else and making their day go bad.