In a race for all channels to launch their own streaming platform, Hallmark now has Hallmark+ with new series; both reality and scripted. Always loyal to their wholesome brand, their latest release of “The Chicken Sisters” is a perfect fit.
Based on the NY Times Bestseller of the same name penned by KJ Dell’Antonia, this family drama is dipped in southern charm and served up with a saucy side of romance. The setting is the fictional town of Merinac, where a generations-old rift between dueling fried chicken restaurants – Mimi’s and Frannie’s – has left the founders’ families fractured and the locals taking sides. When popular cooking competition show Kitchen Clash comes to town, this could be the recipe for ending this feud once and for all. But things are fixing to heat up both inside and outside of the kitchen as the reality show spotlight causes sparks to fly as secrets are spilled and feathers get ruffled.
The eight-episode series from Showrunner and Executive Producer Annie Mebane stars Schuyler Fisk (Sam & Kate, Orange County), Genevieve Angelson (The Handmaid’s Tale, Good Girls Revolt), Lea Thompson (Switched at Birth, Back to the Future) and Wendie Malick (Young Sheldon, Shrinking, Just Shoot Me!).
This series has a lot of heart and will keep dedicated hopeless/hopeful romantics on their toes. The talented cast uplift the storylines of sibling rivalry, marital struggles and age-old issues with parents and in-laws.
LATF USA sat down with Lea Thompson and Schuyler Fisk ahead of the show’s premiere.
Were either of you familiar with the book before the adaptation was brought to you?
SCHUYLER FISK: I didn’t know about it before. I had heard about the project first.
LEA THOMPSON: I did! I have a lot of friends who tell me what to read because I need that kind of help. I had heard about it right before they gave me the script. But I didn’t read it until after we were done shooting, because I’m kind of weird about that. I understand that they had to make some changes in order to pull it out into eight episodes. I was really fascinated. I had to ask Annie (Annie Mebane/showrunner) how she did it. She said something really interesting; she said she’d read it like 100 times and then put it away.
What is it like for you to take a character from the page to the screen; especially a role that book audiences have already come to know?
SCHUYLER FISK: KJ came to set halfway through filming. I knew she was there and I was so nervous. These were her characters that came from her brain. She was so lovely and so cool and really has given this show her stamp of approval. I’m sure that KJ and Annie had a dialogue leading up to it. These characters were so well-written; there wasn’t a lot that we had to bring to it besides bringing them to life.
LEA THOMPSON: We were nervous; hoping. Because it must be a weird thing to see it in your head and then see it in real life. She seemed to be really supportive which was a big relief to all of us.
At the heart of this series, it digs up that age-old sibling rivalry as we see with Amanda and Mae – but also the challenges of family working together. Schuyler you just worked with your Mom in “Sam and Kate” and Lea you’ve directed your daughters. Can you talk about the real life experiences of working with family versus bringing that to set with your character’s obstacles?
SCHUYLER FISK: There’s definitely a lot to draw from. The thing about family on screen or in life is that; when there is so much love there, those are the people that you can let out the most on. You’re hardest on the ones you love. You can also push each other’s buttons in a way no one else can. Mothers, daughters and sisters too. I feel that way for usre, but it’s all based on love.
LEA THOMPSON: It’s dramatic, you know? I think it’s something all people think about. Even if you’re not working in a restaurant together, families have to work together in order to survive and in order to thrive. What was so interesting to me about this project was the idea of community. How we all need each other. How we all want community and how you just have to work through your differences in order for things to work together. It’s a beautiful example of that. Working in a restaurant together; how we can all get along even though we have our differences, which is something we all need to work on.
Is that your advice… If you’re working with family and friends; put your differences aside?
SCHUYLER FISK: I think that something I’m working on in my own life is: Patience. That’s the number one thing I’m working on in my life. On all levels, in everything. I think patience and grace is important.
LEA THOMPSON: I agree!
Schuyler I’ve always loved “The Good Stuff” album. You’ve made music for “Sam and Kate” and even “Dear John” with Josh Radin. Will we be hearing any of your music in the series?
SCHUYLER FISK: We’ll have to see! I didn’t sing on camera, but if some music ends up in there that would be exciting.
Did Schuyler sing for you Lea, did she serenade you?
LEA THOMPSON: Not enough!
SCHUYLER FISK: Lea sang for me a lot. Man, she’s a wonderful singer.
What’s your go-to cover song?
LEA THOMPSON: My Dad taught this to me. He always sang a song that reminded him of the situation. R-E-S-P-E-C-T! I accidentally break out into song when it reminds me of the situation.
SCHUYLER FISK: It was such a nice thing, whether it was on set or in the makeup trailer. All of the sudden she would be singing and it would be so amazing. She’s a REAL singer.
Maybe a duet between the two of you in the future.
LEA THOMPSON: That would be fun. But we did not partake in karaoke at the wrap party.
I’d love to know your favorite fried chicken, but Schuler you’re vegan right?
SCHUYLER FISK: I am a pescatarian currently, but I’ve had a lot of fried chicken in my life.
Lea are you a vegetarian?
LEA THOMPSON: I wish I was. I’m aspiring. I actually have chickens. I have like 35 chickens so they are like my friends. But I still eat fried chicken. My sister makes the best fried chicken… it’s baked.
What’s your favorite alternative?
SCHUYLER FISK: I love food. Recently I had a fried mushroom, I think it was. It looked like a fried chicken nugget but it was some kind of mushroom.
LEA THOMPSON: My favorite thing is fried pickles!
SCHUYLER FISK: I’ve never had that, but I love a pickle!
You heard it here first, a duet in the future for Lea and Schuyler… with a side of fried pickles.
Watch “Chicken Sisters” on Hallmark+ here
