Anthem

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Anthem (2011-present)

30 min
Sit-Com

20th Century Fox Television
Sargent Hall Productions
Liberty Anthem Entertainment

Comedy about four guys from suburban Indiana who get a second chance at their dream when they reunite the cover band they had as teenagers but find themselves juggling small town fame with their domestic responsibilities. Topher Grace as Executive Producer.

Trivia;
Anthem was also a short story by Ayn Rand
Anthem is written as the diary of Equality 7-2521, a young man living in a future in which people have lost all knowledge of individualism, to the point of not even knowing words like 'I' or 'mine.' Everyone lives and works in collective groups, with all aspects of daily life dictated by councils -- the Council of Vocations, the Council of Scholars, etc

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Cast & Crew

CREW INFORMATION:
Gordon Kaywin as Executive Producer
R. Lee Fleming, Jr. as Creator / Executive Producer
Topher Grace as Executive Producer
Terry Turner as Writer/Producer
David Sacks as Writer/Producer
Tom Palmer as Writer/Producer
Kevin Inch as Director
Thom Best as Director
Mike Clattenburg as Writer/Director

CAST
David Krumholtz - Morrison (lead singer / accountant)
Eddie Shin - Togo (drummer / Yoga instructor)
Brian Austin Green - Jim Bob Proctor (Bass Guitar / Grocery store manager)
Gabriel Notarangelo - Angel Morales (lead guitar / high school student)
Tony Hale - Benedict (Agent)

Matthe Maher - Rickster (former band member)
Constance Marie - Sapphire Morales (Angel's Mom)
Constance Zimmer - Betty Morrison (Morrison's wife)
Annie Mumola - Sally Proctor (Jim Bob's wife)
Maggie Elizabeth Jones - Natasha Proctor (Jim Bob's daughter)

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episode guide

1.01 - "Take Me To The Pilot"
Four suburban Indiana friends reform their cover band to take part in a radio station's "retro" contest, but have to deceive their families to take part. When Rickster drops out due to domestic difficulties the band has open auditions and ultimately hire a high school kid (Angel).

1.02 - "Red Leather Pants"
When Jim Bob can't fit into his old red leather pants the band all go to the gym for personal training. A radio DJ and talent agent Benedict refuses to allow the band "Anthem" to compete in the contest unless they sign a deal with him.

1.03 - "Grounded"
The honey hits the fan when Angel's Mom tells Morrison and Jim Bob's wives about the band. The men launch a plan to convince their wives to allow them to keep the band by showing them all the extra "energy" the band gives them. Angel begins to miss practice when he is constantly given detention; Morrison realizes its because Angel's teacher is a kid he used to bully.

1.04 - "Cover Me"
All the band's practices come to a head when the battle of the bands is held in a local mall. Togo accidently gives Morrison a Viagra which causes him some sudden "stage fright". Jim Bob's 6 year old daughter refuses to stop crying unless the band allows her to sing on stage with them. Angel's Mom and Togo really hit it off at his Yoga studio, but this freaks out Angel who no-show's the contest.

1.05 - "Hot Blooded"
When the band has to miss a gig because Jim Bob is hospitalized with a health scare, Benedict shows the band he has a heart after all. A nurse at the hospital can't keep her hands off Morrison causing Betty's blood to boil.

1.06 - "I Knew the Bride"
When Anthem is hired to play at a wedding, the chaos of the event that surrounds the band gives Morrison and Betty, and Jim Bob and Sally flashbacks to their wedding, gives Togo and Sapphire romantic implications, and creates competition amongst the female guests for Angel's attention.

1.07 - "Loud Licks"
Benedict books Anthem to share the stage with another cover band Loud Licks and what starts off as an amicable and friendly exchange turns into a nasty competition and sabotage.

1.08 - "Audition"
Angel gets the chance of a lifetime to audition for a real band but his heart isn't in it, and while Anthem is behind him 100% it causes Sapphire to have a nervous breakdown. The band tries to surprise Jim Bob by making him an Anthem mancave in his basement, but their handyman skills are a disaster.

1.09 - "Travellin' Band"
Anthem gets a gig out of town which has all the guys excited about their road trip; until the wives insist on tagging along.

1.10 - "The Replacement"
When Togo breaks his hand which prevents him from playing, instead of cancelling gigs Benedict insists they audition temporary replacements for drummer. This brings out an odd assortment of potential band mates including a 500 lb Samoan, a 12 year old girl with legit skills, and Morrison's 66 year old Mom.

1.11 - "Grifter"
When Morrison's estranged swindler Father blows through town the band starts to buy what he's selling, turning Anthem against Morrison. But in the end its only Benedict that gets taken for a ride.

1.12 - "Hagar"
guest; Sammy Hagar
The band gets a chance to play with Sammy Hagar but they find out that Jim Bob has a deep hatred for Sammy and try to keep him away. Only Morrison knows the reason for the hatred is not Hagar's role in Van Halen but rather that Jim Bob's wife Sally has a deep crush on the singer.

1.13 - "Horns"
Benedict lands a dream gig for Anthem with only one catch. The venue's owner wants the band to be accompanied by a 4-piece all women horn section. Togo's future in the band may be coming to an end when a new business partner has dreams of franchising the drummer's Yoga studio meaning a busy travel schedule.

1.14 - "Hot Tub"
When Morrison and Betty get a hot tub put into the backyard, her plans on wine and a quiet nightly soak clash with his plans of beer, friends, and Anthem. The party gets out of hand and the neighbors call the Police, with Jim Bob getting cited for public indecency.

1.15 - "VeeJay"
Benedict has the band record a music video, an 80's parody to drum up business but the boys' older bodies are not up for the task, and a couple trips to the hospital ensue.


1.16 - "Star Search"
When a famous band from the 80's runs a contest to replace their lead singer Morrison is pushed into submitting a video application by the rest of the band. When he gets close his reluctance turns to excitement but the rest of Anthem turns sour on the idea when they realize it means the end of the band. Morrison looks to be a sure bet until the original singer returns.

1.17 - "Last Resort"
The band's gig a resort seems to be a disapointment when the place is run down and the crowds stay away, but soon Benedict and Anthem both make the best of it with a chance to bond and share defining stories from their youth.

1.18 - "The Many, the Myth"
When the boys have a gig that goes great their spirits are quickly zapped when a group of women try to pick them up, they reject them because they are attached, and are then ridiculed as just a cover band. This causes them to go on a road trip to try and unearth the real meaning of the lyrics of an obscure yet meaningful song to Morrison.

1.19 - "Reunion"
The band members are asked to play at their high school reunion, which is exciting for them as they thrive on the attention, but the catch is that they have to perform as their original band "Tourist Trap" with Rick instead of Angel.

1.20 - "Betty's Getting Out Tonight"
When Rickster can't convince Anthem to take him back, he does the best thing; starts his own band. However, he recruits Morrison's wife Betty to sing lead vocals and wear some questionable outfits.

1.21 - "On the Wagon"
When the band has a less then enthusiastic concert due to hangovers, they make a pact not to drink but the side effects include a lack of inspiration and energy.

1.22 - "This is Anthem"
Despite the gig taking place in a small town the band has an inordinate amount of trouble finding the venue and making it to the gig as they keep getting lost and meeting interesting people who do not have their best interests at heart.


2.01 - "Under Covers" (2012) 0.8/2 2.42
Sep 18/2012
The band is forced to share one run down motel room for all 4 of them plus Benedict when their van runs down on the way home from a gig. The band recounts untold stories from last year.

2.02 - "American Unoriginals" (2012) 0.7/2 2.15
Sep 25/2012
The band receives unwanted competition from a local cover band of Boy Bands.

2.03 - "Cover Jingle" (2012) 0.7/2 2.23
Oct 2/2012
The band is offered a good job doing a commercial jingle but petty arguments over creative differences turn an easy payday into a firing.

2.04 - "Betty I Hear You Calling" (2012) 0.7/2 2.40
Oct 9, 2012
When Angel wants the band to play a new piece he wrote they refuse because its not their style, its too "dance". However, with the help of Morrison's wife Betty it gets on the air of a local radio station and becomes a local hit. Angel considers leaving the band, with the other band members mad at both Angel and Betty, threatening to tear the band apart. Benedict of course is right there trying to sign Angel to a contract.

2.05 - "Serenade" (2012) 0.8/2 2.52
Oct 30, 2012
When Benedict falls for a widow and wants Anthem's help in courting her, their callous attitude makes him re-examine his relationships, and his image as a parasite. When Sally is taking a night course and Jim Bob has to take Natasha to her piano lessons he turns into the parent from hell.

2.06 - "Sara" (2012) 0.8/2 2.60
Nov 13, 2012
Morrison writes a ballad in honor of a local weather girl, and when the song takes off on you tube she wants to meet and thank him; much to Betty's worry. Angel's new part time job interferes with the band's practice schedule and has him eying a new business career.

2.07 - "You Can't Fight City Hall" (2012) 0.8/2 2.55
Nov 20, 2012
When the city noise ordinance threatens to shut down the band's practices it leads Morrison to take on city hall; putting his job in jeopardy but also opening up doors in politics. When pictures begin to resurface of Sally as the town beauty pageant it makes Jim Bob jealous of the attention.


2.08 - "Groupies" (2012) 0.8/2 2.67
Nov 27, 2012
Anthem tries to deal with a new bunch of groupies, young males who adore them in a parody sort of way. Instead of taking it as a compliment the band takes it as an insult and tries to make the groupies go away.

2.09 - "Jeffster" (2012) 1.0/3 3.30
Dec 4, 2012
crossover episode; "Buy More"
When Jim Bob's niece gets married the band is put off when she wants her other uncle Jeff Barnes' duo "Jeffster" to come from California and play at the reception.

2.10 - "I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus" (2012) 0.9/2 2.89
Dec 11, 2012
When Natasha see's her Mom and Dad kissing while Jim Bob is dressed up as Santa Claus she turns against Christmas and her parents can't figure out why her turn of attitude. Morrison tries to buy the perfect gift for Betty but screws it up.

2.11 - "This Night" (2013) 0.9/2 2.65
Jan 15, 2013
A gig in a piano bar turns Morrison mellow and he recounts early days in the band, his own desire to produce quality music, and a vision of the future which puts him at odds with Betty and the band. Angel is flunking math and its up to Jim Bob to help him out.

2.12 - "Come Together" (2013) 0.9/2 2.74
Jan 22, 2013
The band works to get Morrison and Betty back together. Sally wants Jim Bob to have a vasectomy but he fails to deal with his emotions over the issue.

2.13 - "Woods" (2013) 1.0/3 3.08
Jan 29, 2013
Morrison bumps into his old nemesis the high school shops teacher, now spending his golden years working at a hardware store, and decides to make his life a living hell. Angel's newest girlfriend thinks she may be pregnant with Angel's baby.

2.14 - "Workin' Man Blues" (2013) 1.0/3 3.27
Feb 5, 2013
Jim Bob loses his job at the grocery store and is forced to take a junior management position on the night shift; causing problems for his family, his sleep, and the band. Business at Togo's Yoga Studio picks up when many guys sign up because Ms. Indiana begins to work out there. The boom in business turns out to be both a boom and a problem for Togo.

2.15 - "Coverdale" (2013) 1.0/3 3.15
Feb 19, 2013
The band gets a chance to meet and perform with David Coverdale on a live radio broadcast, but end up ruining it when Jim Bob has a fist fight with the radio DJ about who was better Deep Purple or Whitesnake. Jim Bob and the band then stalk Coverdale to ask him to settle their dispute getting themselves in more hot water.

2.16 - "Big Bruddah" (2013) 1.03/3 3.11
Feb 26, 2013
Angel's big brother returns from college and makes trouble for both he and his Mom. Morrison enters a poker tournament and when he runs into problems Jim Bob sits in and tries to bail him out with collusion; landing them in trouble with some tough guys.

2.17 - "Roll the Dice" (2013) 1.0/3 2.96
Apr 9, 2013
Anthem performs at a nightclub as part of an 80's night along with Andrew Dice Clay, which creates a problem when the comedian and Angel don't see eye to eye. Jim Bob sets his eyes on a rare bass guitar at an auction, but when he begins to sell off household items to raise the money he runs afoul of his wife Sally.

2.18 - "Samba" (2013) 1.0/3 2.88
Apr 16, 2013
Morrison's wife Betty forces him to take Samba lessons with her, and his awkwardness is made worse by the fact that Togo is an expert and offers to take Betty instead. When Angel's Mom suspects he may be smoking weed she won't accept his word to the contrary causing friction between the two.

2.19 - "Six Shots" (2013) 1.1/3 3.05
Apr 23, 2013
Morrison is rushed to the hospital after passing out on stage due to a bad flu and fever. In the hospital he dreams about the band being in the days of the Old West saloons.

2.20 - "Tears of a Blind Man" (2013)1.1/3 3.12
Apr 30, 2013
Angel volunteers helping a blind man (Croix) to his medical appointments, and when he finds out the man was a well known blues guitarist the two bond. Natasha has an imaginary friend which Jim Bob is okay with until he finds out he is also in an imaginary "Boy Band".

2.21 - "Seperate Ways" (2013) 1.1/3 3.20
May 7, 2013
Angel and his mother try and repair their damaged relationship, but in the meantime Angel moves in with Croix. Togo receives a lucrative offer to go to Japan and play full-time in the band "Loudness". Morrison's bad knees cause his Doctor to recommend he hang up the leathers and headbands, and Betty pressures him to comply.

2.22 - "World's Apart" (2013) 1.2/3 3.45
May 7, 2013
Season Finale
Croix passes away in his sleep, and despite leaving Angel in his will, finding the body traumatizes the young guitarist. Togo is not welcomed by his new bandmates, and finds the promoter to be a big sleazeball. Morrison and Betty go on a vacation to Paris, with the highlight being a visit to Jim Morrison's grave. Jim Bob uses the break from the band to spend more time with Natasha and to turn his garage into a mancave, a shrine to Anthem; and hopefully for the band to use one day to practice.

[managermike99]

Anthem; 2013-14 Season Preview

Liberty Television has announced that Anthem will return for its 3rd season on September 17th at 8:30pm.

At the end of the last season the characters had scattered and the future of the band looked to be in jeopardy. Morrison had gone to Paris with his wife Betty in search of inspiration, Togo had landed a gig in Japan with the band Madness, Angel's life had changed due to the passing of his freind Croix, and Jim Bob seemed to have turned a corner of sorts turning the garage into a museum for the band.

The show's ratings slowly crept up from 0.7 demos to 1.0 and even a 1.1 to end the year. Episode 1 drew a 0.8/2 2.42, while episode 2 drew a season low 0.7/2 2.15, and the season finale drew a 1.2/3 3.45 in the second half of a double episode send off. While the growth rate saved the show, the feeling is that the show will have to continue to increase ratings and show an average of around 1.4 to be considered for a season 4. Part of the reason behind the goal of a 1.4 rating is that a renewal for season 4 is actually most likely a 2 year committment as seasons 5 are usually an automatic due to syndication reasons. The 22 episode season ended with an average demo of 0.92. Many observers were surprised the show received a renewal but attribute much of that to the poor developmental crop this season.

Anthem is also one of the few Liberty TV shows moving time slots as it moves into the Tuesday 8:30pm time slot to follow Buy More's lead in, last season the show was in the Tuesday 9pm time slot with Buy More following at 9:30. The competition that Anthem faced last year was Happy Endings on ABC, NCIS Los Angeles on CBS, Emily Owens MD/Cult on CW, New Girl on FOX, and Go On on NBC. A very tough time slot for Anthem because of the strength of the NCIS franchise and the number of sit-com's it faced. Thankfully for the show many of the competing sit-com's were axed so when Liberty stood behind it's show it likely picked up migrating viewers.

This season the competition that Anthem will face will be very drama intensive with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D on ABC, NCIS on CBS, The Originals on CW, Brooklyn Nine-Nine on FOX (the only sit-com competition), and Biggest Loser/The Voice on NBC. While the competition is incredibly tough in this time slot, stiffer then its slot last season, the feeling is that a 1.2-1.4 demo might be achieved due to the lack of sit-com competition.

The show will focus on personal stories and challenges to begin the season. Morrison will return from Paris rejuvinated about his career and his singing hobby, only to get the devastating news that his wife Betty has been unfaithful to him. Togo returns from a disastrous Japanese tour with the desire to renew his relationship with Angel's Mom, and with a much more successful Yoga franchise on his hands. Angel has a new girlfriend who is described as a Yoko Ono type figure, except while there is animosity between her and the rest of the band, the band members agree with her assessment that Angel needs to branch out and take a real shot at a musical career. Jim Bob is going through a long stretch of unemployment and considers selling the house and moving his family into an apartment which would render the band without a place to practice. Once those storylines being to run their course and the band decides to resume, a decision is made to cut an album made up almost entirely of original music. The show will then feature a series of episodes named after a song being cut for the album, and each episode will have a guest star. Those guests will include Keith Richards, Chris Burke-Gaffney, Joan Jett, Robin and Alan Thicke, Justine Bateman, Jeffster, Topher Grace and many more.

The primary cast remains the same as does the behind the scenes crew.

The show has received only a 13 episode order at this point.