Let’s hear about the kids on Council of Dads.
The upcoming television series Council of Dads draws inspiration from the book of the same name by Bruce Feiler. Creators Tony Phelan and Joan Rater chose to use the concept of the council, a group of men ready to collectively step into a fatherly role on behalf of their friend who receives a terminal diagnosis. Beyond the council concept, the series diverges into its own story, a story very much inspired by Tony and Joan’s personal experiences.
How do we know this is the case? Tony shared this information on another Instagram live Q&A session with fans. These sessions have been a great way for fans to learn more about Council of Dads and what they can expect.
Let us fill you in on a few of the topics covered.
The kids
Who are the kids in this story? We have heard a lot about the three dads on the council. They are Oliver, Anthony and Larry played respectively by J. August Richards, Clive Standen and Michael O’Neill. But we hve not heard as much yet about the kids they are caring for, until now that is.
Tony describes the five kids ranging in age from 1 – 23 years old:
Luly is Scott Perry’s oldest daughter born from a relationship with a college girlfriend. The girlfriend selected adoption for the baby, but Scott decided to actively step into the father role and raise Luly.
Son Theo is the second oldest child in the Perry family. Parents are Robin (played by Sarah Wayne Callies) and Scott (played by Tom Everett Scott).
Then comes daughter Charlotte, the next child of Robin and Scott whom they adopted from China.
Son J.J. is born next followed by another daughter named Hope.
That’s five kids each with their own unique story to tell on Council of Dads.
Flashbacks and musicals?
It’s a no go per Tony on the flashbacks for Council of Dads. The showrunner explained that Council of Dads is very much about “moving on and moving forward”. So, the concept of flashbacks is not a story telling method they have chosen to use. With that said, he did share that they have “discovered ways for the dad [Scott] to reappear”. I’m intrigued!
A fan asked if there might be a musical episode of Council of Dads like the one Phelan did on Grey’s Anatomy. Phelan did not have a definitive answer on that one. He said the cast members are not revealing whether they can sing or not. That does not rule out us hoping for one, though!
Family affair
Did you know that Tony Phelan and Joan Rater are husband and wife? They are indeed, so it was fun when the last question fielded was from Jane asking Tony how it is working with his wife. In fact, she even went on to answer the question herself saying, “It’s great!” Of course, Tony did not disagree.
Joan went on to tell the fans that Council of Dads has “so many incredible performances and drama”. Tony added “heartfelt” to the description.
Look for Council of Dads to premiere March 10th on NBC at 10/9c.
Meanwhile, Council of Dads is taking a road trip to Atlanta for the SCAD aTVfest for a Council of Dads screening on February 28th. I will be on hand at the festival representing So Many Shows and hoping to learn even more about the series. Check out the full schedule of events at atvfest.com.
You can revisit some topics from Phelan’s last Q&A session here.
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