Eastbound & Down is an American sports comedy television series that was broadcast on HBO, and created by Ben Best, Jody Hill and Danny McBride.[2] It stars McBride as Kenny Powers, a former professional baseball pitcher who, after a career downturn in the major leagues, is forced to return to his hometown middle school in Shelby, North Carolina, as a substitute physical education teacher.[3]
Producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay received an order for six episodes for the first season from HBO.[4] The series was produced by Ferrell's production company, Gary Sanchez Productions. The show premiered February 15, 2009.[5] Its second season, consisting of seven episodes, began on September 26, 2010. On October 27, HBO announced it was renewing the show for a third season.[6] At PaleyFest 2011, it was announced that the third season, which premiered on February 19, 2012, would be the last.[7] In July 2012, HBO picked up the comedy series for a fourth season of eight episodes.[8]
While not based on the life of former Major League Baseball relief pitcher John Rocker, the show's creators do cite Rocker's attitude as an inspiration.[11] Former major league pitcher Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams has often been cited as the inspiration for the Powers character,[12] though Williams himself has disavowed any connection. Explaining the tone of the show, McBride has stated that he and his fellow co-creators had intended to "make fun of a South where you could learn an ancient martial art like Taekwondo in a shopping center next to a tanning salon."[13]
Production on the second season of the show began in May 2010. The setting moved to Mexico, with shooting actually occurring in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. The new season brought several changes to the cast, including new faces Michael Pea and Ana de la Reguera, who play the owner of a Mexican baseball team and Kenny's new love interest, respectively. Don Johnson appeared in the role of Kenny's father, whom Kenny and Stevie managed to track down in Mexico. All of the supporting cast from the first season are absent or only make cameo appearances, with the only exception being Steve Little as Stevie Janowski, who follows Kenny to Mexico. Ben Best is not a writer for Season 2 but returns in a small role as Clegg.[16] Adam Scott returns in two episodes as the now cocaine-free baseball executive Pat Anderson.
Actor Deep Roy joined the cast as Aaron, one of Kenny's new Mexican sidekicks.[17] The Mexican baseball team owned by Pea's character Sebastian Cisneros, the Charros, is coached by Roger Hernandez, played by actor Marco Rodriguez. Co-director Jody Hill described the season as "a cross between the films Amores perros and The Bad News Bears". Hill directed four episodes in season two, while David Gordon Green directed three.[18]
Season 2 premiered on September 26, 2010.[19] Vice magazine reported on August 31, 2010 that "it's worthy of the original and is its own different, more somber beast."[18] The writers had considered setting the second season in America; according to McBride, "at one point, we considered opening on a shot of the big sombrero at South of the Border, so you think Kenny's in Mexico. And then he would have said [voice-over tone], 'I went down to the butthole of the Carolinas.' [laughs] We actually thought about setting the entire season in Myrtle Beach instead of in Mexico. I gotta say, the Myrtle Beach idea was pretty brilliant. It would have really been something. Maybe he ends up there next season. [beat] Who knows?"[20]
Season 3 saw Jason Sudeikis join the cast,[21] and the returns of Matthew McConaughey as Texas scout Roy McDaniel, and Will Ferrell who reprised his role as car salesman Ashley Schaeffer.[22] Ike Barinholtz also joined the cast as Ivan, a Russian pitcher who serves as Kenny's competition.[23] The show was filmed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at TicketReturn.com Field and features Kenny as a member of a minor league baseball team called Myrtle Beach Mermen.[24]
Eastbound & Down was met with positive reviews during its run. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season of the show has a rating of 60%, based on 15 reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10. The site's consensus reads, "Eastbound & Down might be too profane and obnoxious for some, but its broad humor and irreverent vibe make for some great comic moments."[25] Metacritic gave season 1 a "generally favorable" average score of 62 out of 100, based 16 critics,[26] and seasons 2 and 3 scores of 89[27] and 83 out of 100,[28] respectively, both indicating "universal acclaim". The fourth and final season of the show holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 11 critics.[29]
Eastbound & Down is a hilarious TV series that graced our screens from 2009 to 2013. The show revolves around the life of Kenny Powers, a once-prominent baseball pitcher whose career takes a nosedive, leading him back to his humble hometown. With Danny McBride in the lead role, prepare for a wild ride filled with laughter and unexpected twists.
The storyline revolves around Kenny Powers, who embarks on a new chapter of his life after retiring from the major leagues as a burnt-out ballplayer. Reluctantly, he accepts a position as a Physical Education teacher at his former middle school, immersing himself in a world filled with vibrant personalities and demanding circumstances.
Throughout the series, Kenny's larger-than-life personality, with his fading fastball, often gets in the way of his ambitions. He struggles to regain his former glory while also dealing with personal demons and the consequences of his reckless behavior.
In its entirety, Eastbound & Down presents a side-splitting and occasionally moving portrayal of a sports legend's journey to reclaim his former glory. The cleverly crafted narrative with unexpected plot twists and unforgettable characters garnered the show a devoted following among black comedy lovers.
The production of Eastbound & Down primarily took place in Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, and South Carolina. These locations provided the backdrop for the show's comedic and irreverent storylines. In Wilmington, the county government center off Racine Drive and Maides Park were among the sites used for filming.
Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer picturesque coastal settings with beautiful beaches and charming landscapes. Visitors to these locations can explore the vibrant communities and enjoy the coastal attractions, such as water parks and skating rinks. Additionally, fans might find it exciting to visit specific filming locations, such as Dustin and Cassie's House on Hitch Court in Wilmington.
A trip to the Eastbound & Down filming locations could be a unique and enjoyable experience. It would allow them to immerse themselves in the world of the show and see firsthand the places where their favorite scenes were shot. Moreover, Wilmington and Myrtle Beach offer a range of other attractions and activities.
In search of a fresh start, Kenny Powers (Danny McBride), a once-vibrant baseball pitcher whose career has lost its luster, reluctantly returns to his hometown. However, he quickly realizes that the admiration and respect he anticipated is nowhere to be found. To make ends meet and keep his dreams of returning to the big leagues alive, Kenny takes on the role of a substitute gym teacher at his old middle school.
EUE/Screen Gems Studios, now under Cinespace Studios, is a renowned film and television production complex. It offers extensive production and office space, with Atlanta and Wilmington locations. This acquisition expands Cinespace's global production platform and solidifies its presence in the industry.
When visiting the EUE/Screen Gems Studios, navigating to its location could seem daunting, but rest assured, it is not. If you are coming from downtown Wilmington, head north on N 4th Street until you reach Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Turn right and continue as the Parkway merges onto N 23rd Street. Keep driving for about 2 miles until you see the sign for the studio. If you are coming from the airport, take 23rd Street until you hit the studio's location.
Kenny (Danny McBride) surprises his family and friends with an exciting overnight getaway to a water park, creating a delightful and wholesome experience for everyone. However, little do they know that this innocent adventure will soon transform into an evening filled with wild and outrageous debauchery.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park in Wilmington, NC, is popular among locals and tourists seeking thrilling entertainment. With a year-round dry park offering activities such as Jungle Lagoon Golf, Laser Tag, Go-Karts, Bumper Cars, and a Climbing Wall, visitors are guaranteed an action-packed experience. Additionally, the park features a water park with a wave pool, speed slides, a lazy river, and more.
Following a stellar beginning to his season with the Myrtle Beach Mermen, Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) takes a break and heads back home to celebrate his son's first birthday. However, things take an unexpected turn when April (Katy Mixon), his former flame, makes her way to Myrtle Beach. After a night of revelry with Kenny, she leaves him with more than just a hangover, forever altering the course of their lives.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a vibrant resort city on the east coast of the United States, situated in Horry County. It has a long stretch of beautiful beaches known as the Grand Strand. It offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment, with popular attractions like Broadway at the Beach and Ripley's Aquarium.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is calling your name! To get there, you have a few different options. You can fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport, which offers flights from major cities. If you'd rather drive, Myrtle Beach is easily accessible from several major highways, including Interstate 95 and US-17. It also offers a convenient shuttle service, which can transport you straight from the airport to your hotel.
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