A Beer Tale
Set in a struggling brewery in Northern California, that serves a motley crew of locals who come together to share God's most perfect creation…Beer.
Cheers meets Modern Family and The Bear
Cheers meets Modern Family and The Bear
A Beer Tale
OVERVIEW
"A Beer Tale" is a half-hour multi-camera sitcom that follows Ken and James, co-founders of "A Beer Tale Brewing Company," one of the first and most beloved craft breweries in the country. As they approach retirement, Ken and James want their sons, Elijah and Porter, to take over their brewing legacy and lead the brewery into the next generation, just as the craft beer industry faces an apocalyptic crash. Hectic, wholesome, and hilarious, the classic family dynamic is explored primarily through the eyes of two father-son pairs and their extended families—not to mention their two know-it-all cousins from Colorado—all vying for control of the brewery and trying to assert their vision for how to launch it into the future.​ There’s also a touch of "Succession" in there, albeit sillier and dumber.
“Beer is responsible for civilization. Before beer nobody wanted to live around each other.”
Characters
The Fathers
JAMES (68) is a distinguished pioneer in craft beer, known for his commitment to quality and traditional brewing. He co-founded a brewery with his best friend Ken, whom he affectionately calls a "bleeding heart liberal." Together, they sought to showcase traditional European beers in the U.S. As CEO and CFO, James navigates the challenges of declining sales, changing tastes, and economic pressures while trying to keep the brewery profitable. A devoted husband and father of four, James upholds strong Christian values and feels disappointed with two of his entitled children, who are pessimistic about the future. His youngest daughter identifies as a Marxist, and his eldest son protested during the national anthem at an NFL game. As a conservative black man in a predominantly white industry, James faces ongoing adversity and is frustrated by what he perceives as his children's victim mentality despite their privileged upbringing. He serves as the show's anchor, striving to manage a struggling empire amid identity politics and cultural shifts.
KEN (68) is a jovial and free-spirited figure in craft beer, known for his humor and love of the band "Phish." He has smoked weed with Willie Nelson and dropped acid with Neil Young. A liberal advocate for social justice and environmental responsibility, he has long sought to make their brewery carbon-neutral, a point of contention with his conservative partner, James. Despite their differences, Ken and James share a deep bond and mutual respect. An expert brewer specializing in traditional German beer under the Reinheitsgebot law, Ken also struggles to adapt to changing tastes. He believes "beer should taste like beer" and doubts the longevity of the "extreme brewing" trend promoted by their kids. His playful personality shines through the brewery's whimsical branding, inspired by "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." A devoted father to his two sons, Bock and Porter, Ken faces challenges with both. Porter is struggling with a failure to launch, while Bock has five more years remaining on a prison sentence. Ken is currently on a break from his wife, River.
The Sons
"Drunk Sports"
ELIJAH (35) is James's oldest child and a retired NFL running back who brings contagious humor and childlike playfulness to the brewery, where he’s worked for the last decade during the off-season. Charismatic and easygoing, he has an infectious energy that makes others feel good, although he struggles to gain his father's approval. He shares a strong bond with Porter, whom he calls his "brother from another mother," acting as his protector and enabling his immaturity. Elijah starts the Drunk Sports channel, becoming a popular sports influencer on YouTube and organizing adult sporting events at the brewery. Despite his fun-loving demeanor, he is competitive and committed to modernizing the brewery’s offerings, creating innovative beers like the "Belgian Waffle Pastry Stout" and "Sour Raspberry Slushy." This ambition clashes with his traditionalist fathers, James and Ken, who believe in classic brewing methods. Elijah's determination to succeed and prove his father wrong is fueled by James's disapproval, even as he receives support from Ken and his mother, Michelle.
"Game On Tap"
PORTER (35) is Ken and River's youngest son, handsome and silly with a "failure to launch," Peter Pan-like syndrome. Living in his parent's basement for the past ten years, he fancies himself ambitious but lacks follow-through. A comic-book nerd and avid gamer, he often gets away with more than he should due to his good looks and disarming humor. Porter is easily swayed by conspiracy theories from Reddit and believes he is smarter than he really is, leading to trouble. His high anxiety and insecurities complicate his life further. Though he can be selfish, his "big brother" Elijah keeps him grounded and encourages his first adult decision: working full-time at the brewery. Like Elijah, Porter craves innovative beers that challenge tradition, but they lack the brewing skills to do so, relying on their attractive Assistant Head Brewer, Julie, a Master Brewer from Germany who is inexplicably in love with him. Porter is still hung up on his on-again, off-again ex-girlfriend, Olivia, and is jealous of his master-brewer cousin from Colorado, who arrives to help save the brewery at an inconvenient time.
The Family
The Mother
MICHELLE, aka "MAMMA BEAR" (60), is James's wife and the mother of Elijah, Ruth, Grace, and their eldest daughter, Naomi, who lives in Texas with her own family of three. Michelle serves as the rock that unites both families. A professor of history and economics, she often engages her students at the brewery—a popular hangout for locals and college students, akin to the show's version of "Cheers." As a fiercely independent thinker, her moderate beliefs provide a balanced perspective that is respected by all. Naturally nurturing, she is affectionately known as everyone's "Mama Bear."​​
The "Cool" Mom
RIVER (52) Ken's estranged wife, and Porter's mom is an aging hippie waitress and Head Mixologist at A Beer Tale, embodying a youthful spirit through her love of yoga, astrology, crystals, and the latest spiritual fads. Wild and eccentric, she is Olivia’s best friend and confidant, knowing just how deeply Olivia still loves Porter. River wishes he would finally grow up—something her psychic abilities suggest may be impossible. She also regrets secretly giving all the kids all those drugs over the years.
The Youngest Daughter
"Drunk Interviews"
RUTH (24) is James and Michelle's youngest daughter, an artistic and tattooed community college student majoring in Political Science with a minor in gender queer studies. A self-proclaimed Marxist and avowed atheist, she possesses a strong sense of purpose and a progressive mindset that often leads to radical confrontations with those holding differing beliefs. Despite her challenging nature, she is fundamentally good and will show growth throughout the series. Ruth is deeply concerned about climate change, believing the world is at risk, and her sarcasm toward others often masks her fears. Eventually, she aims to create a celebrity interview show inspired by "Hot Ones."
The Favorite
GRACE (28) is the heart of the family and their beloved favorite. With Down syndrome, her cheerful spirit and infectious laughter light up every room. Her cheerful spirit and infectious laughter light up every room she enters. Grace has Down syndrome, but she navigates life with a blend of determination and joy that inspires everyone around her. Her passion for painting often leads to impromptu art sessions, where she creates vibrant masterpieces cherished by the family. With a talent for making people feel loved and included, Grace is the emotional anchor of the show, reminding everyone of the beauty in small, everyday moments. Her uniqueness and authenticity bring out the best in those around her,
Cousin Corey
"A Beer With"
COREY FRANKENSTEIN (35) runs a successful brewery in Colorado with his twin brother, Luke, as seen in the cult classic film "A Beer Tale." Concerned about cousin Porter’s lack of direction, their dad Ken asks Corey to California to help save their family’s brewery while Luke continues with Left Hand. Known for his "super taster" abilities, Corey has expertise comparable to a Master Sommelier, able to identify any beer by taste and detect flaws in the brewing process. As one of the original YouTubers, he created a popular channel about beer and, upon arriving in California, helps with quality control and teaches others to become YouTubers, leveraging his and his chef wife's channels, "A Beer With..." and "Chef Jeeves," to promote the brewery.
Wife Ash
"Chef Jeeves"
CHEF JEEVES (31) is renowned for her fresh farmers' market menus and seasonal fruit and floral baked goods. She runs a popular cooking YouTube channel and has moved to California with Corey and their two sons to help prevent "A Beer Tale Brewing Company" from going bankrupt. Partnering to create innovative flavors and engaging food and beer content, Jeeves, Corey, and Luke emerge as primary rivals to Elijah and Porter for control of the brewery. Ken and James are considering allowing their cousins to take over. With her likable personality and success in hospitality and social media, it's hard to believe they won’t be chosen to lead!
Employees and Patrons
The Bully
"Drunk Movie Reviews"
DAVID (35) is loud, outspoken, and proudly holds unconventional views for a gay man. Elijah’s best friend since childhood, he is a functioning alcoholic working as a lawyer for A Beer Tale Brewing Company. With a good heart but a tendency to be a constant Debby Downer, he struggles to see the positive and experiences extreme mood swings. David often declares he’ll quit his job to become a river guide, "living in a van down by the river," if he doesn't get the respect he deserves. Sarcastic and witty, he speaks his mind freely, even when it might be better to stay quiet.​
The Dumb One
"Conspiracy Theories Influencer"
RICHARD (DICK) MIDTHUNDER (35) is a domesticated alpha male and full-blooded Native American, often perceived as culturally white trash. He is the best friend of Bock and his alleged accomplice. As the Head Inventor and Chief Engineer, he is skilled at devising inventive solutions to enhance the brewing process. A trophy husband to his successful wife, he exudes charm until he exceeds two drinks, at which point his true self emerges. Quick with insults and comebacks, he has a strong dislike for Kansas and its residents. Drafted by the Rockies right out of high school, he chose to play in Wichita, where his career ended from two blown hamstrings in below-zero weather.
The Eccentric One "Brewery Sessions"
REBEL RODNEY (70s) is a lovable lush and far-right Republican, resembling a blend of Hunter S. Thompson and Waylon Jennings fueled by Fox News. A radical anti-government, Ron Swanson-type, he was a semi-successful country singer in the ’70s and part of the “Outlaw Country” movement until being kicked out of a super-band for being “too drunk and toxic.” Now broke and reluctant to tour, he still performs locally to cover his mounting tab. He also starts the popular YouTube channel "Brewery Sessions."
The Spiritual One
"God Influencer"
FATHER GONZALEZ (late 80s) is a genuine and kind soul from a small town in Mexico. A hard drinker, he grows sweeter with each sip. This wise sage is always ready to listen to others' troubles and offer thoughtful, unexpected advice. Though now a priest, he was previously married and avoids discussing his painful past. His devotion to God and belief in humanity's goodness lead to intriguing conversations with the town’s outspoken atheist, Doctor Lee.
The Cynic
"Parody Health Influencer"
DOCTOR LEE (late 20s) is a hard, cynical atheist who frequently bickers with Father Gonzalez about God and the "meaninglessness of existence." Having escaped North Korea as a child, he has witnessed the worst of humanity and relentlessly seeks the truth. His unpopular beliefs often clash with the liberal culture of Southern California, leading to darker perspectives. Despite this, townspeople rely on him for honest, unfiltered advice over a pint, finding him cheaper than a doctor and more reliable than WebMD.
The Ex-Girlfriend
"Dating Influencer"
OLIVIA (30) is the head bartender at A Beer Tale and the charming mother of two. She is Porter’s ex-girlfriend, and their on-again, off-again relationship has been toxic since high school. After one breakup, she married a man who became a huge disappointment and vanished to pursue extreme sports, leaving her to raise their children. Despite this, Porter still loves her and aims to win her back. Olivia is relatable as she navigates the challenges of single motherhood and modern dating, including using dating apps.
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The Hot One
"Game On Tap" co-host
JULIE (late 20s) is a brewing genius and the Assistant Head Brewmaster at "A Beer Tale," from Germany. More scientist than artist, she studied at a prestigious brewing school in Munich. Porter's best friend, she joined him from his travels. Though she is often seen as unemotional and "insanely hot," she is secretly in love with Porter, much to everyone’s confusion, given his moronic tendencies.
Season 1
We are introduced to James and Ken, co-founders of A Beer Tale Brewing Company. They recall the challenges they faced, from brewing illegally in the woods to police raids on their brewery before Jimmy Carter made home-brewing legal in 1979. They discuss the difficulties of competing with "Big Beer," which dominated the market with its flavorless, watery beers, and how craft beer was far from the popular and well-known industry it is today. Next, we meet their two sons, Elijah and Porter, who come across as immature goofballs. They talk about the brewery’s adherence to an outdated beer purity law from 1516 called Reinheitsgebot, which only allows water, hops, malt, and yeast in brewing. This is particularly problematic in an industry facing collapse due to the changing tastes of a younger generation. We are further introduced to the various characters in their world, including those vying to take over the brewery. A Beer Tale Brewing Company is currently profitable, but that will change when their loan’s interest rate adjusts at the end of the year. They need cash immediately and find themselves in a true “grow or die” scenario to avoid bankruptcy. As the economy worsens, customers can no longer afford as much craft beer. The brewery is on a slow march to insolvency, exacerbated by California's challenging climate for small businesses. When a recession or market crash hits, demand for A Beer Tale Brewing reaches an all-time low. They miss their first payment at the new rate and are immediately notified of the bank's intent to foreclose. It's time for everyone to swallow their pride. It’s do or die! The fathers and sons agree to come together and try bold new strategies in marketing and brewing to save the brewery.​​
