A Beer Tale
Set in a struggling brewery in the hills of Kentucky 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
A Beer Tale
Cheers meets Modern Family and The Bear
A single-cam sitcom set in a struggling brewery in the hills of Kentucky that serves a motley crew of locals who come together to share God's most perfect creation… Beer.
Logline
A disgraced NFL star returns home to rebuild his life, only to land in the middle of a hilariously chaotic power struggle at his family’s failing craft brewery, squaring off against his ex, his best friend, his stubborn father, three useless bearded employees, and a looming Big Beer buyout.
//Tone//
A modern fairytale wrapped in a heartfelt family comedy. Imagine the warmth of Modern Family, the kitchen chaos of The Bear, and the legacy feuds of Succession, only warmer, drunker, and dumber. It's a love letter to beer, fathers and sons, and second chances.
Exclusive Brand Partnership
A Beer Tale is built for a flagship American brand: Coors, Budweiser, Yuengling, or Pabst Blue Ribbon, a company with deep roots, national reach, and a story worth celebrating. The series becomes a platform to spotlight the brand’s heritage line, while naturally showcasing its craft, specialty, and regional subsidiaries. This is not just placement. This is storytelling that elevates the entire brand family.
We are seeking a single brand partner to take a 70% equity stake in funding a six-to-ten-episode first season, alongside the 30% stake from World’s Fair Pictures. The series budget is projected between $2 and 5 million, depending on production scale and creative ambition.
This is a rare chance for a major beer brand to own the majority of a scripted series built entirely around its identity, a show that directly drives beer sales, cultural relevance, and long-term brand equity. This includes integrated product placement where real beer is sold in real life. The show drives beer sales and the beer drives audience loyalty. Merch and subscription box opportunities allow viewers to drink the beers they see on screen. Think Blue Apron or Farmers Box, but for beer. Curated brews tied to episodes, seasonal drops, and character-themed collections create a subscription model that turns fans into customers.
We are ready to tailor the series around your brand’s heritage, values, and growth goals.
“Beer is responsible for civilization. Before beer nobody wanted to live around each other.”
MAIN CHARACTERS
Elijah
James’s oldest child and only son. A retired NFL running back with a restless spirit, he is brave, charismatic, ambitious, and deeply competitive. Do not invite him to game night! Elijah loves beer, and although he has worked at A Beer Tale for the last decade during the off-season, he struggles to gain his father's approval as a brewer, partly due to his different brewing style, but also because of his political beliefs as a moderate progressive and champion of Black causes, which James sees as being a "condescending liberal." Anxious and dealing with relationship attachment issues, he can often become blinded by selfishness due to his fear of failure, even though he is accomplished in many fields. When he realizes this, he always softens. He shares a strong bond with Porter, whom he calls his "brother from another mother," acting as his protector and enabling his immaturity. Later, Elijah starts the Drunk Sports channel on YouTube, becoming a popular sports influencer, and organizing adult sporting events at the brewery. He is committed to modernizing the brewery’s offerings, creating innovative beers like his, Belgian Waffle Pastry Stout, Sour Raspberry Slushy, and his fresh take on a Kentucky Common. This ambition clashes with the 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.
Porter
Ken's youngest son. Handsome and silly, with a "failure to launch" Peter Pan-like syndrome, Porter has been living in Ken's barn for the past ten years, complete with a bowling alley and arcade games. Although he fancies himself ambitious, he lacks follow-through and is reluctant at first to join Elijah in his plans to relaunch their own brewery. A comic book nerd and avid gamer, he frequently gets away with more than he should due to his good looks, disarming humor, and childlike playfulness. Porter has a good heart but is easily swayed by conspiracy theories from social media—especially when he is no longer under the influence of his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Olivia, who he is deeply in love with. She keeps him grounded and encourages his first adult decision: working full-time at the brewery. Like Elijah, Porter craves innovative beers that challenge tradition. However, they lack the brewing and business skills to pull it off without their fathers. Instead, Porter relies on assistant head brewer Julie, a master brewer from Germany, who is autistic and deeply in love with him. Jealous of his master brewer cousin from Colorado, who arrives to help save the brewery at an inconvenient time, Porter, like Elijah, wants to do whatever it takes to become the chosen heir to take over A Beer Tale.
James
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-hearted liberal." Together, they sought to showcase traditional European beers in the U.S. heartland. 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 children, who are entitled and 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 and part of the country, 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
A jovial and free-spirited figure in craft beer, known for his humor and love of the bands Phish and My Morning Jacket. A liberal advocate for social justice and environmental responsibility, he has long sought to make the 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 children. 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.
Olivia
The head bartender at A Beer Tale and a charming mother of two. She is Elijah’s ex-girlfriend from high school. After one bad breakup, she married a man who became a huge disappointment and vanished to pursue extreme sports, leaving her to raise their children alone. Despite this, Elijah still loves her and aims to win her back. However, since he's been gone, Porter and Olivia have had an on-again, off-again relationship. Olivia is relatable as she navigates the challenges of single motherhood and modern dating, including using dating apps. She is currently James' favorite potential heir to take over A Beer Tale as its president and CEO as they pursue a sale to Big Beer.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
Michelle
James's wife and the mother of Elijah, Ruth, Grace, and their eldest daughter, Naomi, who lives in Louisville 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."
Toddy
Toddy
Toddy
Rebel Rodney
The Eccentric One, a lovable lush and far-right Republican, resembling a blend of Hunter S. Thompson and Waylon Jennings fueled by Fox News. An 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-group 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."
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Grace
The heart of the family and their beloved favorite. 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.
Chloe
Corey
Frankentstein
"The Cousin"
He runs a successful brewery in Colorado with his twin brother, Luke, as seen in the cult classic film "A Beer Tale." Concerned about his cousin Porter’s lack of direction, their dad Ken asks Corey to come to Kentucky 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 Beer YouTubers, he created a popular channel about beer and, upon arriving in Kentucky, 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.
RECURRING CHARACTERS
Ruth
James and Michelle's youngest daughter, she's an artistic and tattooed community college student majoring in political science with a minor in gender and 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.
River
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 Porter would finally grow up—something her psychic abilities suggest may be impossible.
David
The Bully. He is loud, outspoken, and proudly holds unconventional views for a gay man. Elijah’s best friend since childhood, he is 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.
Richard "Dick" Midthunder
A domesticated alpha male and full-blooded Native American. He is Bock’s best friend 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 Ohio 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.
Father Gonzalez
The Spiritual One, a genuine and kind soul from a small town in Mexico, a sweetheart who 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 leads to intriguing conversations with the town’s outspoken atheist, Doctor Lee.
Doctor Lee
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 locals, due to his darker perspective. Despite this, townspeople rely on him for honest, unfiltered advice over a pint, finding him cheaper than a doctor and more reliable than ChatGPT.
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Julie
A brewing genius and the assistant head brewmaster at "A Beer Tale," originally from Germany. More of a scientist than an artist, she studied at a prestigious brewing school in Munich. Neurodivergent, she is autistic and often hilariously honest when she doesn't mean to be. Although she is often seen as cold and unemotional, she is deeply in love with her best friend, Porter, seeing Olivia as her key rival.
Chef Jeeves
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 Kentucky 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 the 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!
Wiggs, Willy, and Wyatt
No one can tell these three apart. Clad in flannel, sporting impressive beards, and bonded by a love of fermentation and low-stakes chaos, these three are the holy trinity of brewery lore. Wiggs might be the head brewer (or maybe that’s Wyatt?), Willy’s definitely the guy shouting about government microchips in the foam, and Wyatt is probably the one accidentally live-streaming the wrong batch to TikTok. Like beer itself, they come in different notes—but to the untrained eye, they’re just “the bearded beer guys.” If one goes missing, the other two grow louder to compensate. Do they share a brain? Maybe.
The End
a deeper dive...
SERIES BIBLE
Season 2
The heart of the show beats strongest in the complex relationships between fathers and sons. Elijah and Porter try to pioneer new styles, pushing the boundaries of flavor, while their fathers struggle to uphold the rigid tradition of Reinheitsgebot. Interlaced with elements of "King Lear" in a deliberate spoof style, the season focuses on generational clashes centered around legacy. As the season unfolds, the will-they-won’t-they tension between Porter and Olivia becomes a focal point. With her innate optimism and love for Porter, Olivia wishes he would mature, but Porter is caught in the comfort of having no responsibility and drags his feet. Amidst heartfelt and humorous moments, characters confront the difficulties of balancing personal lives with professional aspirations. With humor and warmth, each episode delves into the lives of regular patrons, featuring characters with unique backstories and personalities that enrich the show’s colorful tapestry and celebration of diversity. The tap room becomes a microcosm of differing perspectives and beliefs about America and the American dream. As the season progresses, deeper themes of friendship, love, and belonging emerge, underscoring "A Beer Tale" as a welcoming refuge in a polarized world, encouraging progressives and conservatives to recognize their mutual dependence and that the American dream is alive and to be celebrated for a beer. We explore the world of brewing through the eyes of brewers who are as meticulous as surgeons. Although A Beer Tale Brewing Company is a billion-dollar enterprise, it faces its first year of financial loss since its early days, a downward trend that isn't improving. Tension rises as the brewery grapples with an existential crisis, debating whether to sell to "Big Beer" or remain a private, family-owned business. This struggle is acute amidst the industry's shifting landscape, with changing tastes from a younger generation threatening the brewery's stability. In this turmoil, new characters emerge, each vying for influence over the brewery. Overall, season two establishes a heartfelt atmosphere that entertains while challenging viewers to reflect on their own beliefs, providing a sense of community as they fall in love with the close-knit family of brewers and patrons. In a divided world, A Beer Tale is about the one place where everyone still comes together: around a pint, with family, whether they deserve it or not.
Episodes
S2-1: Episode #9: Hostile Brothers Himalayan Honey: Elijah and Porter are given a chance to brew one of their beers at A Beer Tale under the strict supervision of Ken and James. Meanwhile, Corey encourages and guides the launch of several YouTube channels, helping the brewery become a lively hub for hosting events, live shows, and streaming. Porter helps expose Mark's lie, putting an end to his slanderous lawsuit against Olivia.
S2-2: Episode #10: "Cowboys and Hippies Outlaw Ale": A record label approaches the brewery to design a music beer for outlaw country icon Willie Nelson. As an old friend of Rebel Rodney, Willie plans to collaborate on a Double IPA "weed beer" infused with THC. James is horrified by the idea, but the lure of publicity is tempting. Meanwhile, Olivia and Porter accidentally consume too many edibles and care for each other in a romantic bonding moment. Wiggs, Willy, and Wyatt experiment with new looks and styles to try to differentiate themselves, but nothing feels right.
S2-3: Episode #11: Frankenstein’s Monster Winter Seasonal: The tasting panel notices one of their most popular seasonal beers is sweeter and less alcoholic than usual. It's a beer that takes over three months to brew and could cost over $1,000,000 to dump. The fathers think they should, but the sons believe they can save the beer if they can adjust the flavor. Meanwhile, Ruth tries to encourage the brewery workers to unite and unionize.
S2-4: Episode #12: Belgian Red Tripel Wedding Ale: Olivia's sister is getting married and, to rub it in Olivia's face, insists on having the wedding reception at A Beer Tale. Olivia agrees to have the brewery brew a special beer for her sister's wedding, catering to her increasingly demanding bridezilla tendencies. Meanwhile, James and Michelle worry that Elijah is a womanizer with no plans to marry. They begin to harass him and try to set him up on dates with "good girls." A Beer Tale becomes a hot spot for first dates, including one where David annoys his Tinder date by rating beers instead of paying attention to him.
S2-5: Episode #13: St. Ignatius Belgian Blonde: The fathers and sons decide to make the tasting room and brewery more dog-friendly by hosting special events for dogs and providing a space for rescue dogs to be adopted. However, the local mayor, a radical teetotaler, sees this as an opportunity to try to shut down the brewery for health code violations, leading to a shadow war with the mayor, city government, and local police.
S2-6: Episode #14: Love Thy Neighbor Session Ale. The fathers and sons agree on how commerce and social causes can meet. They decide to brew a light, non-alcoholic beer. The concept behind the beer is to buy it for a stranger at the bar and ask them to pay it forward, but it inadvertently becomes a way for men to harass women. Meanwhile, two annoying hosts from "Brew Hounds" in Scotland come to shoot an episode for their reality show, making obnoxious "That’s what she said" jokes.
S2-7: Episode #15: It’s a Wonderful Life Christmas Ale: We wrap up the season as the fathers and sons plan to brew next year's Christmas beer—a beer that always takes one year to properly age, which they do around Christmas time as they unveil the previous years' brews. Bock gets an early release from prison, making Porter suspicious about how he was released. It is revealed that their big Christmas party is an undercover sting operation, with Bock attempting to frame the brewery for illegal activities on behalf of the mayor, who secured his release. Porter uncovers the plot, and in an emotional moment between brothers, convinces Bock to abandon his plan and return to prison to finish his sentence. Meanwhile, James and Elijah make a significant breakthrough in their relationship, fostering mutual love and respect for each other's beliefs.
S2-8: Episode #16: As You Wish Belgian Wit: Big Beer returns to the conversation, but not as an enemy. Instead of pulling their offer or threatening the brewery, they make a surprise move that protects A Beer Tale from collapse. After months of uncertainty, Big Beer officially buys out A Beer Tale’s main competitor. Their goal is to stabilize the regional market and prevent predatory pricing that would have wiped out the Sowell family entirely. The acquisition creates a rare window of opportunity. Big Beer reaches out privately to James, Elijah, and Grace with an unexpected message. “We believe in what you are building. We want you to stay independent. How can we help you win?” For the first time in years, the family is not fighting against a giant. They are standing beside one. Grace steps up to run hospitality with real support behind her. Elijah, Olivia, and Porter prepare not for war, but for a partnership where David stands with Goliath. Survival remains a priority, but now they have an ally who wants small breweries to thrive. Michelle leads a creative and community focused campaign that Big Beer amplifies nationwide. Small town craft culture becomes a spotlight story instead of a casualty. Grace transforms the tasting room into a warm and welcoming home base. Elijah and Porter refine their recipes with renewed pride. Olivia rebuilds the brand voice with a loyal and growing following. The brewery begins to feel like a united front again. In a deeply emotional moment, Elijah invites his father back into the brewhouse, just the two of them with no pressure and no politics. They brew the first recipe James ever taught him, and that night Elijah shares it with the community during a public brew night. He opens up about his failures, his dreams, and why this place matters. People listen, they drink the beer, and they feel the history and the heart behind it. It becomes a turning point for both the family and their partnership with Big Beer. It's proof of what can happen when heritage, community, and national brands come together instead of tearing each other apart. Old grudges fade, new possibilities open, and the brewery rediscovers its soul not through prestige or profit, but through purpose, unity, and the strength of the people behind it.
Season 3
The ongoing tension between fathers and sons intensifies as the family struggles to agree on who should inherit the brewery, and Porter’s romance with Olivia deepens as he confronts the reality of becoming a stepfather. These seasons explore themes of competition, identity, and respect, as James and Ken must accept the changes Elijah and Porter bring in order to survive the modern brewing landscape. As Season Three unfolds, an economic downturn causes demand to collapse, interest rates rise, and profitability becomes unstable, creating a true grow-or-die moment for the entire operation. Just when the pressure reaches its peak, Big Beer approaches the family with an unexpected lifeline. Instead of forcing a sale or a takeover, they offer an equity partnership that allows the Sowells to stay independent while gaining the resources needed to expand, stabilize, and strengthen the business. The message is simple: We want you to keep your name and your soul. Let us help you grow. This forces everyone to set aside ego and fear and think long term. The fathers and sons unite to implement a bold new strategy in brewing, marketing, and community outreach, not to avoid Big Beer but to work alongside them. The brewery enters a new chapter built on pride, tradition, and partnership, proving that survival does not always require surrender and that the right ally can help a family legacy evolve without losing its heart.
Seasons 4-11
In Seasons 4-7 of "A Beer Tale," the show expands its focus by deepening character relationships and introducing new faces. A rival local brewery emerges, sparking creative marketing battles and humorous competition. Characters explore personal growth and new interests. James and Ken, in particular, delve into hobbies outside the brewery, while Porter navigates the ups and downs of his relationship with Olivia, leading to breakups and reconciliations. Seasons 8-9 shift to family dynamics and identity as long-lost relatives and estranged siblings enter the picture, prompting revelations and emotional growth within the brewery's familial environment. The characters face personal challenges that test their bonds and reinforce the show’s central themes of community. With each episode, the brewery crew continues to navigate the ever-evolving industry landscape while striving for the perfect work-life balance as they begin to form families. As the series approaches its conclusion in Seasons 10-11, the focus shifts to new horizons and beginnings. The characters embark on international adventures for a traveling beer and food show while also setting up franchises and encountering cultural challenges that spark personal growth and team unity. These seasons explore themes of legacy and transformation as the characters reflect on their journeys and the brewery's future, culminating in a satisfying blend of humor, warmth, and poignant moments. Ultimately, Olivia is named heir to A Beer Tale Brewing Company, with Porter, now her husband, by her side, while Elijah chooses to venture out on his own, taking everything he has learned over the years with him to establish a new brewery on his own, supported and fully funded by Big Beer as a gesture of faith in his vision and gratitude for the legacy he helped protect.
Spinoffs and Franchise
We will have many potential spinoffs to choose from as we identify the fan favorites, with the obvious front-runner being Rebel Rodney, reminiscent of "Frasier," which spun off from "Cheers" after being introduced as a guest star in Season 3. Alternatively, we could take a page from "Young Sheldon," which spun off from "The Big Bang Theory," and jump back in time to explore the craft beer revolution in its infancy.
A BEER TALE: "Rebel Rodney"
A classic American story where Rebel Rodney moves back home to reconnect with his estranged son, helping him with his country music band.
A BEER TALE: "Homebrewing"
We explore the very beginning of the craft beer movement in America, following James and Ken as young men with their families or focusing on Ken's cousins in Colorado, right after homebrewing was made legal by Jimmy Carter in 1978.
A BEER TALE: "The King of Beers"
Julie steps away from A Beer Tale Brewing Company and moves into the corporate world to work for one of the largest breweries in America. The series becomes a bright, character-driven workplace comedy that blends the blue collar charm of Laverne and Shirley with the aspirational wit of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Julie must navigate office politics, ambitious coworkers, towering expectations, and the culture shock of going from a small-town taproom to the highest levels of an iconic American beer institution, all while discovering her own voice and redefining what success means to her.
