Last season "Soul Man" was the second highest-rated midseason series on any network and was the highest-rated midseason show on ABC. It was #1 in its time period, and improved its slot by nearly 50% in total households and by over 40% in the key Adult 18-49 demographic.
Executive Producer Carmen Finestra, along with its producing partners at Wind Dancer Production Group, the creator of the long-running hit series "Home Improvement," is ready to build on that strong beginning. "We are thrilled to continue our association with a great talent like Dan Aykroyd, and look forward to making the most of his comedic sensibility in the show again this season."
Reverend Mike Weber's life continues to be a constant juggling act. Between trying to control his four rambunctious kids (Kevin Sheridan, Brendon Ryan Barrett, Courtney Chase, Michael Finiguerra) and dealing with the disapproving Bishop Jerome (Dakin Matthews), it's as clear as a crystal cathedral that Mike's cup runneth way over!
In the season premiere, Mike attempts to bring order to his disorderly world and hires a temp, Nancy Boyd (Helen Cates) to try and make some sense of his books. However, this addition to his office may not be the answer to his prayers. Nancy freely gives out her secular point of view which causes problems with Todd Tucker (Anthony Clark, "Boston Common"), Mike's new assistant minister, whose ardor for going strictly "by the book" leads him to clash with Nancy's non -theological approach to life.
But with all the craziness of his everyday world, at least Mike finds sanctity in his prized possession, a newly-restored, vintage Harley Davidson FHP Police Cruiser, that is almost ready for its maiden voyage. However, Mike's dream of riding down the highway with the wind blowing through what's left of his hair comes to a screeching halt when he discovers that his beloved motorcycle is missing. He immediately blames his olderst son, Kenny (Sheridan) who has been drooling over his father's bike. However, his patience is put to the test when Mike learns that the guilty party is actually Todd, who carelessly moved it in front of the house so he could wash the church bus. Will Mike ever get it back, or has it gone to "hog" heaven?
Fans fondly remember Aykroyd for his comedic performances on "Saturday Night Live" and in films such as "The Blues Brothers," "Trading Places," "Ghostbusters," "Dragnet" and Coneheads," to name just a few. The comedian has also sunk his teeth into dramatic roles in the films "Driving Miss Daisy," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, as well as "Chaplin," "My Girl" and "My Girl 2." Theater audiences will soon see Aykroyd reprise the role he and John Belushi made famous with their Blues Brothers act in the upcoming film "Blues Brothers 2000."
"Soul Man" is produced by Hostage Productions and Wind Dancer Production Group in association with Touchstone Television. The series was created by Matt Williams, David McFadzean and Carmen Finestra, who also executive produce along with David Richardson and Dan Aykroyd. Danny Smith is supervising producer. The series is produced by Steve Paymer, with Gayle S. Maffeo as producer. Gloria Ketterer and Sarit Catz are the co-producers.