If you’ve been missing “Friday Night Lights” since it went off the air in 2011, good news: it’s coming back, but in the most bizarre way possible… As a digital crossover with Producer Jason Katims’ “Parenthood.”
As part of a greater initiative to keep its scripted shows going while all eyes are on the Winter Olympics, NBC is launching four digital spin-offs on NBC.com, Hulu, and YouTube from now until February 23. The series getting web series versions are “Parks and Recreation,” “Grimm,” and “Chicago Fire.” But probably most important to the continued happiness of “FNL” fans, “Parenthood” will also get a digital spin-off, featuring “Friday Night Lights” characters and actors.
Both shows are created by Katims, and have shared multiple actors. Michael B. Jordan, Minka Kelly, and Matt Lauria in particular had key roles on both shows, though playing somewhat different people than their “FNL” counterparts. Not so with the digital spin-off:
“Parenthood’s” digital series is titled “Friday Night at the Luncheonette.” Amber (Mae Whitman) is tasked with keeping an eye on her cousin Max (Max Burkholder), while also working after hours at the Luncheonette. When the band Crucifictorious shows up, Amber desperately tries to keep things under control while Max documents events with his phone.
Guest stars Jesse Plemons and Derek Phillips reprise their “Friday Night Lights” roles of Landry Clarke and Billy Riggins, respectively. The four-part digital series debuts Thursday, Feb. 13.
So boiled down, that means we should find out what Landry and Billy Riggins have been up to since the last “Texas Forever.” It’s also viewers best chance to see Plemons in a role other than as creepy Todd from “Breaking Bad,” and also before his possible casting in “Star Wars: Episode VII.”
Will this lead to a full blown “Friday Night Lights” reunion on “Parenthood,” with Coach and Tammy Taylor having dinner with Peter Krause and Monica Potter, and Dax Shepard hanging out and having beers with Taylor Kitsch?
Clear eyes, full hearts, fingers crossed.
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