BACK TO YOU Podcast
The Inside Story of the Greatest One-Season Sitcom in Television History
“Back to You” ran on FOX from 2007-’08. The show starred Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton as news anchors at Pittsburgh’s WURG-TV – with a big secret: They’re the parents of a 10-year-old girl. The sitcom co-starred Josh Gad, Ty Burrell and Fred Willard. Each episode of the Podcast will focus on one of the show’s 17 episodes. And Lights Camera Jackson will be joined by stars from the series, sharing their thoughts on working on this brief, but memorable comedy classic.
EPISODE 1: “PILOT”
Host Lights Camera Jackson provides the series’ backstory and discusses the Pilot, which originally aired on Sept. 19, 2007. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, CBS, Worldwide Pants)
EPISODE 2: “FISH STORY”
A breakdown of Episode 2 of the series (“Fish Story”). Plus, learn how Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton first met – and don’t miss the very special announcement about a future episode. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, Harpo Productions, CBS Television Distribution, Disney-ABC Domestic Television)
EPISODE 3: “THE FIRST SUPPER”
LCJ talks Episode 3 of “Back to You” – “The First Supper”. And Special Guest, the iconic Fred Willard, reflects on his time on the show playing sportscaster Marsh McGinley, along with his current gig on “The Bachelor”. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions)
EPISODE 4: “A GENTLEMAN ALWAYS LEADS”
A bear. A fire. And a desperate anchorman. A deep dive into “Back to You” Episode 4: “A Gentleman Always Leads”. Plus, hear what Kelsey Grammer really thinks of Chuck Darling. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, TIVO)
EPISODE 5: “A NIGHT OF POSSIBILITIES”
I talk about episode five of “Back to You”, featuring actress Tia Carrere as Chuck Darling’s latest love interest. And Pittsburgh Post-Gazette TV writer Rob Owen joins me to reflect on covering the Pittsburgh-set sitcom when it was on FOX in ’07 & ’08. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions)
EPISODE 6: “GRACIE’S BULLY”
Oscar nominated actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld made her professional acting debut on the 6th episode of “Back to You”, “Gracie’s Bully”. This edition of the “Back to You Podcast” takes a closer look at Steinfeld’s character and one of the most memorable episodes of the series. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, WTIC)
EPISODE 7: “SOMETHING’S UP THERE”
Fred Willard’s Marsh McGinley delivers the most controversial line of dialogue of “Back to You” in this 7th episode of the series. Find out how FOX reacted – and how the cast went from celebrating Gracie’s birthday to standing on the picket line during the Writers Strike. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, E!)
EPISODE 8: “CRADLE TO GRAVE”
After three months off the air, “Back to You” returned with two new episodes following “American Idol” on back-to-back nights. The first, “Cradle to Grave”, sees Chuck babysitting Gracie while Kelly delivers a eulogy at a memorable funeral. Plus “BTY” Casting Director Liz Marx joins the Podcast to talk about assembling one of the greatest TV ensembles of all-time. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, Disney-ABC Domestic Television)
EPISODE 9: “BUSINESS OR PLEASURE”
Chuck gets jealous when younger local anchorman Craig St. Claire asks Kelly out on a date. “General Hospital” actor Coby Ryan McLaughlin joins me on this episode of the Podcast to talk about playing St. Claire. And he reveals some “Back To You” storylines that would’ve played out if the Writer’s Strike hadn’t happened. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions)
EPISODE 10: “WALL OF FAME”
Chuck and Kelly discover a photograph that changes everything. Plus, actress Amy Farrington, who played Margaret on this episode of “Back to You”, joins the Podcast. She talks about working with Patricia Heaton not only on this network comedy, but also on the Pilot episode of “The Middle”. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, CBS, Worldwide Pants)
EPISODE 11: “HUG & TELL”
Gerald the Security Guard, featured on this episode of ‘Back to You’, is the most iconic secondary character the series. The actor who played Gerald, Barry Wiggins, joins me on this episode of the BTY Podcast to talk about taking on the role and working with “comedy genius” Ty Burrell. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions)
EPISODE 12: “TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK”
Chuck and Kelly have told Gracie their big secret. Now she wants to learn the story behind it. Plus, actor Ian Reed Kesler (star of Disney Channel’s hit series “Sydney to the Max”) joins the Podcast to talk about playing Dennis on this episode of “Back to You”. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions)
EPISODE 13: “THE NEW BOSS”
It’s the episode that shook up “Back To You”, as one of its main cast members is let go. Plus, find out what Patricia Heaton’s kids thought of their mom returning to TV after “Raymond”. AND: another chance to win the BTY Series DVD! (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, ABC)
EPISODE 14: “CHUCK AND KELLY, DOIN’ IT AGAIN”
This episode of “Back To You” is the final one that aired on FOX, and it wraps up a major storyline arc of the series. But it’s not the final episode that was produced. Six-time Emmy nominated writer and executive producer Chuck Tatham joins the Podcast to share stories about working on “BTY”, including its final few days. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, ABC)
EPISODE 15: “DATE NIGHT”
“Date Night” is the first of 3 “Back to You” episodes that didn’t air on U.S. television. It’s also the continuation of Episode 9 (“Business or Pleasure”), with Kelly still going out with fellow Pittsburgh anchor Craig St. Claire (aka The Younger Chuck Darling). And find out which celeb guest star became the new love interest for Ryan. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions)
EPISODE 16: “HOUSE OF TOMORROW”
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Good Girls” actress Tricia O’Kelley guest starred as realtor Colette on this episode of “Back to You”. She joins me on the Podcast to talk about working on “BTY” while 5-months pregnant. And hear Part 1 of co-creator Steve Levitan’s thoughts on the series with the Television Academy. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, TV Academy)
EPISODE 17: “HOSTAGE WATCH”
How does “Back to You” end? Find out with this Podcast episode that dives into its Series Finale, “Hostage Watch”. Plus, hear the second half of co-creator Steve Levitan’s thoughts with the Television Academy on what went wrong with “BTY”. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, TV Academy)
EPISODE 18: “IMPACT & STORIES”
On this final episode of the “Back To You Podcast”, learn how the cancellation of “BTY” impacted Kelsey Grammer’s heart attack. I also reveal how I met Grammer, Patricia Heaton, Ty Burrell, Josh Gad and co-creator Steve Levitan in the decade since the show went off the air. Plus, I rank my Top 5 “BTY” episodes and announce details on the winner of the Complete Series DVD. And – a few final thoughts on this Podcast and the greatest one-season sitcom in TV history. (Courtesy: Fox Home Entertainment, FOX, Picture Day Productions, TV Academy)
SPECIAL 1st ANNIVERSARY EPISODE
Celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the ‘Back To You Podcast’ with this special new episode. Topics include: Patricia Heaton’s new sitcom ‘Carol’s Second Act’, meeting-up with Kelsey Grammer again in January, the upcoming Series Finale of ‘Modern Family’ and the big ‘Back To You’ TV reunion. (Courtesy: FOX, Fox Home Entertainment, CBS, CBS This Morning)
SPECIAL 2nd ANNIVERSARY EPISODE
It’s the brand new 2nd Anniversary episode of the “Back To You Podcast”! The cult classic sitcom continues to have an impact on the entertainment industry. We pay tribute to the late Fred Willard, preview Kelsey Grammer’s TWO new comedy series and find out what fellow “Back To You” stars Patricia Heaton, Ty Burrell, Josh Gad & Laura Marano have been up to over the past year.
SPECIAL 3rd ANNIVERSARY EPISODE
It’s a special 3rd Anniversary episode of the “Back To You Podcast”! Find out what the stars and makers of “Back To You” have been up to over the past year, as well as details on their upcoming major projects. Plus, I share some personal stories and play a few new interview clips all about “BTY”.
SPECIAL 15th ANNIVERSARY OF “BACK TO YOU” EPISODE
TV legend James Burrows, who directed and executive produced all 17 episodes of “Back To You”, joins me for an exclusive in-depth conversation about his time working on “BTY”. On this episode of the podcast, we also celebrate the sitcom’s 15th Anniversary, discuss the Patricia Heaton “Lightyear” controversy, Steve Levitan’s new series “Reboot” and more!