Premiering tonight, April 7 on the Disney Channel is Andi Mack, a contemporary, coming-of-age story about a relatable girl. The show is geared towards kids, tweens and families. It centers on the most important things in Andi’s life – family, friends and the journey of self-discovery.
During my last Disney press trip we screened the first two episodes of Andi Mack and interviewed Peyton Elizabeth Lee (“Andi Mack”), Lilian Bowden (“Bex”), Lauren Tom (“Cecilia”), Creator/Executive Producer Terri Minsky and Executive Producer Michelle Manning.
Andi Mack on Disney Channel Friday, April 7 (8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., ET/PT)
When asked where the idea for the series originated, Creator/Executive Producer Terri Minksy said she had read that Jack Nicholson was raised with his mother and sister. She filed that idea away and when someone asked if she had any ideas for a show she said yes, Jack Nicholson. It’s funny how creators can come up with show ideas.
Peyton Elizabeth Lee, who plays Andi Mack, said she had only read the beginning of the script and immediately knew it was amazing. She loved how the voice was so unique and it was different from everything that you normally see. Peyton said it was such a surprise to read the ending of the first episode. It is a huge twist that you won’t expect!
Lilian Bowden, who plays Bex, said she was really excited because it was a Disney show and so funny. Lauren Tom (“Cecilia”), who has two kids ages 13 and 16, said she loves the innovation and diversity of the show.
Terri said her biggest message with the show is that she wants kids to watch TV with their parents. She hopes that the show will generate conversations between parents and their kids. Television is a great medium for parents and kids to start a conversation. Terri hopes that generations of families can watch Andi Mack together.
Andi Mack is a multi-cultural show which we really don’t see a lot of on television yet. Executive Producer Michelle Manning said the cast was really created around Peyton’s character Andi. Once they saw Peyton they knew she had to be Andi. For Lilian it is very exciting for her to be a part of because she is biracial. Usually there has to be an adjustment to roles because she’s biracial but with Andi Mack she immediately fit in to the cast.
Peyton said the cast is really like family. They spend every moment together when they’re not on set whether it’s getting dinner, going to a movie or going bowling. Lilian even joined Peyton for her dance class which was a little more than Lilian had bargained for. Peyton is a dancer and she took Lilian to her advanced ballet class. Lilian didn’t realized it was an advanced adult ballet class! Sounds like they have a lot of fun together!
Andi is very crafty on the show and always creating new things out of something used. She even has a shack where she keeps all of her creations. Peyton said she does like to draw and do arts and crafts but is not nearly as talented as Andi. Everyone said that Lilian is the one that is very crafty. She made portraits of everyone for Christmas out of duct tape.
There are a lot of firsts for Andi in the show that hopefully many kids can relate to. Peyton hopes that kids around the world will be able to look at and say, I’m not alone in this. The show is very relatable and Peyton hopes that everyone, young and old can look at it and see themselves in the characters.
Andi Mack on Disney Channel Friday, April 7 (8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., ET/PT)
About Andi Mack
Andi Mac is geared towards kids, tweens and families, and centers on the most important things in any young person’s life – family, friends and the journey of self-discovery. It reflects themes that reflect Disney Channel’s brand values including expressing yourself, celebrating families, optimism and communication. The one-hour premiere event will debut on Disney Channel on Friday, April 7 (8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., ET/PT). Hashtag is #AndiMack.
“ANDI MACK” — SERIES SYNOPSIS
Created and executive-produced by acclaimed writer Terri Minsky (Lizzie McGuire), Andi Mac is a contemporary, coming-of-age story about a relatable girl who’s trying to determine where she fits in and the many amazing ways she can live her life. On the eve of her 13th birthday her life goes from routine to roller coaster when her free-spirited older sister Bex returns home with a revelation that changes everything, and sends Andi on an uncharted course of self-discovery. At least she’s in good company; her best friends, Cyrus and Buffy, are also figuring out their places in the world. Along the way, Andi learns that sometimes the unexpected is what makes life great.
MORE ON ANDI MACK
With a track record of creating strong and relatable female characters including Disney Channel’s iconic Lizzie McGuire, writer and executive producer Terri Minsky returns to Disney Channel with a contemporary coming-of-age story about a 13-year-old girl named Andi Mack.
The warm, relatable and funny stories of Andi Mac, geared towards kids, tweens and families, center on the most important things in any young person’s life – family, friends and the journey of self-discovery.
Newcomer Peyton Elizabeth Lee stars as Andi Mack, a girl whose life goes from routine to roller coaster overnight. In the serialized story, Andi is contemplative and artistic and sheltered by overprotective parents. But on the eve of her 13th birthday, Andi’s free-spirited older sister Bex returns home with a revelation that changes everything, and sends Andi on an uncharted course of self-discovery. At least she’s in good company; her best friends, Cyrus and Buffy, are also figuring out their places in the world. Along the way, Andi learns that sometimes the unexpected is what makes life great.
Andi was raised in a loving yet overprotective home. Now, with Bex’s encouragement, she begins to step outside her comfort zone, particularly when it comes to approaching the most intriguing guy at Jefferson Middle School — Jonah Beck, whom she quickly realizes is dating a high school girl, Amber. Andi proves that her greatest strengths may be how she accepts life’s unpredictability with optimism. She also finds solace by tapping into her creativity in her backyard hideaway, the Andi Shack.
Joining Peyton Lee in the ensemble cast are Lilan Bowden (Zombie Apocalypse) as Rebecca “Bex” Mack, Lauren Tom (The Joy Luck Club, Friends) as Celia Mack, Joshua Rush (Disney Junior’s The Lion Guard) as Cyrus Goodman, Sofia Wylie (Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, So You Think You Can Dance) as Buffy Driscoll and Asher Angel as Jonah Beck. Recurring cast members are Stoney Westmoreland (Scandal, War Dogs) as Henry “HAM” Mack, Emily Skinner as Amber and Trent Garrett (All My Children, New Girl) as Bowie.
The executive producers are Terri Minsky (Lizzie McGuire) and Michelle Manning (The Breakfast Club, Disney Channel Original Movies Adventures in Babysitting and Teen Beach 2). Phil Baker (Disney Channel’s Good Luck Charlie) is a co-executive producer. The series is from Horizon Productions and filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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