Uncle Buck (franchise)

Uncle Buck is an American comedy franchise that consists of one film and two television series. The series tells the story of the titular "Uncle Buck" Russell, a bachelor and all-around-slob who babysits his brother's rebellious teenage daughter and her younger brother and sister. Starring John Candy, Kevin Meaney and Mike Epps, the series also co-stars Amy Madigan, Macaulay Culkin, Lacey Chabert and Nia Long.

Uncle Buck
Created byJohn Hughes
Original workUncle Buck (1989)
OwnerUniversal Pictures
Years1989–2016
Films and television
Film(s)List of films
Television seriesList of TV series

Films

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Film U.S. release date Director(s) Screenwriter(s) Producer(s)
Uncle Buck August 16, 1989 John Hughes John Hughes and Tom Jacobson

Uncle Buck (1989)

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Uncle Buck marked the first film directed, written and produced by John Hughes under a multi-picture agreement deal with Universal Studios, starring John Candy and Amy Madigan.[1] Hughes later suggested to Chris Columbus that they cast Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone because of his experience while shooting Uncle Buck, which also featured Candy.[2]

Television

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Series Season Episodes First released Last released Director(s) Showrunner(s) Network(s)
Uncle Buck 1 22 (6 unaired) September 10, 1990 March 9, 1991 James Widdoes, John Tracy, and Art Dielhenn Tim O'Donnell CBS
Uncle Buck 1 8 June 14, 2016 August 2, 2016 Phil Traill, Stan Lathan, Fred Goss, Reginald Hudlin,
Ken Whittingham, Victor Nelli Jr. and Ryan Case
Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley ABC

Uncle Buck (1990–1991)

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A television series was broadcast on CBS in 1990. It starred Kevin Meaney as Buck, a slob who drinks and smokes. When Bob and Cindy die in a car accident, he is named as the guardian of Tia, Miles, and Maizy. Opening to negative critical ratings, after it was moved to Friday, in an attempt by CBS to establish a comedy night there, its ratings quickly plummeted and it was canceled.

Uncle Buck (2016)

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In June 2016 ABC premiered a second television adaptation featuring an African-American cast with Mike Epps in the title role, James Lesure as his brother, and Nia Long as Buck's sister-in-law. It suffered a similar fate as the previous TV adaptation, as it was poorly received by critics and then cancelled after only eight episodes.[3]

Cast and characters

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Characters Film Television series
Uncle Buck Uncle Buck Uncle Buck
1989 1990–1991 2016
Buck Russell John Candy Kevin Meaney Mike Epps and Tony EspinosaY
Tia Russell Jean Louisa Kelly Dah-ve Chodan Iman Benson
Miles Russell Macaulay Culkin Jacob Gelman Sayeed Shahidi and Big SeanY
Maizy Russell Gaby Hoffmann Sarah Martineck Aalyrah Caldwell
Bob Russell Garrett M. Brown Mentioned James Lesure, Blake TannerY and Sage CorreaY
(as William "Will" Russell)
Cindy Russell Elaine Bromka Nia Long and Cache MelvinY
(as Alexis Smith-Russell)
Cy Bug Jay Underwood Tony T. Roberts
E. Roger Coswell Brian Tarantina Bechir Sylvain
Chanice Kobolowski Amy Madigan
Marcie Dahlgren-Frost Laurie Metcalf
Asst. Principal Anita Hoargarth Suzanne Shepherd
Pooter the Clown Mike Starr
Mr. Hatfield William WindomV
Bernie Robert Costanzo Michael Edward Thomas
Pete Art Carney Josh Dean
Tony Eric Kay Thomas Miles
Maggie Hogoboom Audrey Meadows
Nancy Lacey Chabert
Lucy Rachel Jacobs
Skank Dennis Cockrum
Popcorn Jordan Black and Khai McCoyY
The Seamstress Pernilla
The Party-Goer Charlie Hulse
Cindy Patrellus Kate Bergeron

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ebert, Roger. "Uncle Buck movie review & film summary (1989) | Roger Ebert". Retrieved 2020-10-27.
  2. ^ Wilkinson, Amy (November 6, 2015). "Home Alone turns 25: A deep dive with director Chris Columbus". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  3. ^ Petski, Denise (2016-07-06). "'Uncle Buck' Canceled By ABC After One Season". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2018-11-13.
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