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Malibu, CA (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Malibu, CA is an American teen sitcom
television program
produced by Saved by the Bell
creator Peter Engel
that aired from 1998
to 2000
on syndication. Co-created by Engel and Carl Kurlander
, the show centred around the lives of twin brothers Scott (Trevor Merszei
) and Jason Collins (Jason Hayes), who moved to Malibu, California
from New York City
to live with their father, Peter (Edward Blatchford
). It was one of two post-Saved by the Bell: The College Years
series executive produced by Engel that did not not air on NBC
's TNBC
lineup, USA High
being the other.
Guest appearances on the show included Dennis Haskins
(who had previously worked with Engel for several years on Saved by the Bell), Scott Whyte
and Marissa Dyan from City Guys
, Daniella Deutscher
from Hang Time
, and model Victoria Silvstedt
.
Medical student Lisa Jones insults Jason & Scott. NOTE: Priscilla Taylor is now placed into the intro cast.
Jesse, a member of Peter's 1970s band the Disco Dudes, shows up at the Lighthouse.
The Lighthouse is losing business to another restaurant, the Aloha. Meanwhile Traycee decides to have a new look to get a proper date.
Stads experiences bad luck. NOTE: This was Wendi Kenya's last appearance on the show, though her character is mentioned in one later episode.
Peter has been ignoring Scott's swim meets and now only three are left before the Olympic trials. Fearing that he's doing the same thing to Scott now that he did to him when he was younger, Mr. Collins now tries to get as involved as possible. NOTE: This was Suzanne Davis' first appearance on the show.
While trying to avoid hurting Murray's feelings, Scott & Lisa kiss
Jason is on cloud 9 when the news comes that his CD will be released and he's even happier when Steve Lansing from the record company gives him a $20,000 advance. He starts spending the money lavishly, which concerns his father Peter and brother Scott, especially when he leaves them out of certain events.
Lisa is caught in a triangle between current boyfriend Scott & her basketball player Ex-boyfriend.
The boys run the restaurant when Peter decides to retire.
Scott, Peter & visiting Uncle Charlie learns that Jason is smoking again.
Traycee is driving Lisa crazy as a room-mate. Traycee's late-night parties make it hard for her to study, she doesn't remember to give Lisa her phone messages, and she interrupts Scott and Lisa when they are alone. Frustrated, Lisa types up a list of house rules for Traycee to follow, which leads to a big blow-up between the room-mates and Traycee says she'll move out. After another far worse room-mate takes Traycee's place, Lisa realises that Traycee isn't a such a bad room-mate after all.
Peter wants his son Jason to take out his friend's daughter Maggie Taylor while she's in town from New York. Jason is reluctant, since he remembers her as a geek. Scott remembers how Jason stood her up for the freshman prom back when they lived in New York. Jason bribes Murray into going out with Maggie in his place, but he changes his mind when she shows up and looks quite attractive.
Lisa is fed up and after an argument with her friends goes outside. Her guardian angel in the form of Traycee who is trying to get new wings tries to persuade her that her life isn't as miserable as she thinks.
Lisa is extremely nervous about her interview with a professional doctor which makes her snappy and irritating, so Scott and Traycee play a joke on her to show her how silly she is, but it all backfires.
Peter is not happy when a surprise birthday party reminds him of his age. Murray gives him some bungee-jumping tickets and he decides to do it, hoping to feel younger, but the next day at the Lighthouse he regrets it. Traycee tells Scott and Jason that their dad may be having a mid-life crisis and suggests he meet her mother Candee, a former supermodel who's in town, who maybe can provide some companionship.
Lisa fears her medical abilities when she faints while helps injured Scott.
Jason and Scott offer to house-sit for Murray while he's away at a surfer's convention. Meanwhile Traycee makes the mistake of letting Alex be her new Personnal Assistant.
Scott gets a job as a male dancer and Jason & Peter uses Traycee's dreams to gamble.
Jason becomes a big brother to a boy; Scott, Peter & Murray thinks Alex's new boyfriend (Scott Whyte) is a car thief.
Jason, Peter, & Murray look after a friend's baby, Lisa's sister comes to visit and Traycee's TV show gets cancelled. NOTE: Final episode of the series.
Situation comedy
A situation comedy, often shortened to sitcom, is a genre of comedy that features characters sharing the same common environment, such as a home or workplace, accompanied with jokes as part of the dialogue...
television program
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
produced by Saved by the Bell
Saved by the Bell
Saved by the Bell is an American television sitcom that aired between 1989 and 1993. The series is a retooled version of the 1988 series Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which was itself later folded into the history of Saved by the Bell...
creator Peter Engel
Peter Engel (TV producer)
Peter Engel is a television producer who is best known for his teenage sitcoms which appeared on TNBC, a former Saturday morning block on NBC which featured all teenage-oriented programs for educational purposes...
that aired from 1998
1998 in television
The year 1998 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1998.For the American TV schedule, see: 1998–99 United States network television schedule.-Events:-Debuts:-1950s:...
to 2000
2000 in television
The year 2000 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 2000.For the American TV schedule, see: 2000-01 United States network television schedule.-Event:-Debuts:-1940s:...
on syndication. Co-created by Engel and Carl Kurlander
Carl Kurlander
Carl Kurlander is an American television writer, producer and screenwriter. He grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Shady Side Academy and Duke University...
, the show centred around the lives of twin brothers Scott (Trevor Merszei
Trevor Merszei
Trevor Merszei is a Swiss American sitcom actor.He has starred in a number of American theatrical productions and in the NBC Peter Engel teen sitcom production Malibu CA as 'Scott Collins'. He is a former professional snowboarder.-External links:...
) and Jason Collins (Jason Hayes), who moved to Malibu, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
from New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
to live with their father, Peter (Edward Blatchford
Edward Blatchford
Edward Blatchford is an American actor. He is best known for role as Peter Collins in the Peter Engel-produced sitcom Malibu, CA. He worked with Engel on three other series, guest starring in Saved by the Bell, Hang Time and City Guys...
). It was one of two post-Saved by the Bell: The College Years
Saved by the Bell: The College Years
Saved by the Bell: The College Years is a sequel to the Saved by the Bell series which ran from September 14, 1993 to February 8, 1994, lasting one season...
series executive produced by Engel that did not not air on NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
's TNBC
TNBC
TNBC was a Saturday morning programing block of television shows geared toward teenagers and young adults that aired on NBC from 1992 to 2002.-History:The idea for TNBC sprang from the popularity of Saved by the Bell...
lineup, USA High
USA High
USA High is an American teen sitcom which ran from August 1997 to June 1999, ended after 95 episodes, and reran until August 4, 2001 on USA Network.-Synopsis:...
being the other.
Guest appearances on the show included Dennis Haskins
Dennis Haskins
Dennis Haskins is an American actor known for his role as principal Richard Belding in the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC. He then went on to star in Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which aired from 1993 to 2000...
(who had previously worked with Engel for several years on Saved by the Bell), Scott Whyte
Scott Whyte
Scott Whyte is an American actor who is best known for his role on City Guys where he portrayed Chris, one of the main characters...
and Marissa Dyan from City Guys
City Guys
City Guys is a United States television sitcom that aired from 1997 to December 2001. It lasted five seasons, and ended its airing time around the dissolution of TNBC.-Premise:...
, Daniella Deutscher
Daniella Deutscher
Daniella Maria Deutscher is an American actress, best known for playing the role of Julie Connor on the American Saturday morning television series Hang Time...
from Hang Time
Hang Time (TV series)
Hang Time is an American teen sitcom that aired from 1995–2000. The teen-oriented program aired on Saturday mornings on NBC as part of the network's TNBC morning block. It was created by Troy Searer, Robert Tarlow, and Mark Fink. Producer Peter Engel took over Fink's duties at the start of Season 2...
, and model Victoria Silvstedt
Victoria Silvstedt
Karen Victoria Silvstedt is a Swedish celebrity model, actress, singer, and television personality.-Background:Born in Skelleftehamn, Silvstedt was raised in a family of five in Bollnäs, having one older sister and one younger brother...
.
Main characters
- Scott Collins (Trevor MerszeiTrevor MerszeiTrevor Merszei is a Swiss American sitcom actor.He has starred in a number of American theatrical productions and in the NBC Peter Engel teen sitcom production Malibu CA as 'Scott Collins'. He is a former professional snowboarder.-External links:...
): Scott moves to Malibu from New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
with his twin brother Jason after their mother takes a job in Saudi ArabiaSaudi ArabiaThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
, forcing them to live with their father, Peter. He is a competitive swimmerSwimmingSwimming is movement through water using one's limbs, and usually without artificial apparatus. Swimming is an activity that can be both useful and recreational...
and dreams of being a sports broadcaster. He and Jason often break the fourth wallFourth wallThe fourth wall is the imaginary "wall" at the front of the stage in a traditional three-walled box set in a proscenium theatre, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play...
to address the audience, in much the same manner as Zack MorrisZack MorrisZachary "Zack" Morris is a fictional character from the sitcoms Good Morning, Miss Bliss; Saved by the Bell; and Saved by the Bell: The College Years. He was portrayed by Mark-Paul Gosselaar...
from Saved by the BellSaved by the BellSaved by the Bell is an American television sitcom that aired between 1989 and 1993. The series is a retooled version of the 1988 series Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which was itself later folded into the history of Saved by the Bell...
.
- Jason Collins (Jason Hayes): Jason is Scott's twin brother who moves out to Malibu with him from New York City. Jason's main interest is girls, and he tries to get a date whenever possible, even if it means hurting other people along the way. He harbours dreams of being a world-famous guitarist and songwriter. Like Scott, Jason often breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience.
- Peter Collins (Edward BlatchfordEdward BlatchfordEdward Blatchford is an American actor. He is best known for role as Peter Collins in the Peter Engel-produced sitcom Malibu, CA. He worked with Engel on three other series, guest starring in Saved by the Bell, Hang Time and City Guys...
): Scott and Jason's father and the owner of The Lighthouse, a restaurantRestaurantA restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
in Malibu. He is more laid-back than the boys' mother and is always there for them, but will not stand for misbehaviour.
- Murray Updyke (Brandon BrooksBrandon Brooks (actor)Brandon Brooks is an American sitcom actor. He has starred in a number of Peter Engel productions such as USA High and the role of the offbeat surfer Murray Updyke in Malibu CA. He is of part English, Irish and part Cherokee descent.-External links:...
): The unacknowledged son of a wealthy oilPetroleumPetroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
baron, Murray is an off-beat surferSurfingSurfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
who runs The Surf Shack, a beachfront establishment where surfers can rent boards and other paraphernalia that Peter later buys. Though he is somewhat of a dimwitIdiotAn idiot, dolt, or dullard is a mentally deficient person, or someone who acts in a self-defeating or significantly counterproductive way. Archaically the word mome has also been used. The similar terms moron, imbecile, and cretin have all gained specialized meanings in modern times. An idiot is...
and often annoying, Murray is a true friend.
- Jennifer "Stads" Stadler (Wendi Kenya, appears in Season 1 and select episodes of Season 2): Stads is a blonde, athletic, tomboyishTomboyA tomboy is a girl who exhibits characteristics or behaviors considered typical of the gender role of a boy, including the wearing of typically masculine-oriented clothes and engaging in games and activities that are often physical in nature, and which are considered in many cultures to be the...
lifeguardLifeguardA lifeguard supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool, water park, or beach. Lifeguards are strong swimmers and trained in first aid, certified in water rescue using a variety of aids and equipment depending on...
who works at the beach. She is insulted when people think she is a bimboBimboBimbo, in its popular English language usage, describes a woman who is physically attractive but is perceived to have a low intelligence or poor education. The term can also be used to describe a woman who acts in a sexually promiscuous manner...
and is very hot-tempered when dealing with people who call her one. She is initially very smitten with Scott, but later ends up with Jason. Their relationship is fraught with constant fighting because Stads usually beats Jason at everything, and they eventually break up after Jason kisses Samantha, Stads' best friend, during a storm. Even though they reconcile, Stads takes a job in EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and breaks up with Jason a second time after she learns he is seeing someone else.
- Samantha "Sam" Chapman (Gina Marie May, appears in Season 1 only): An attractive brunette who is Stads' best friend and the next-door neighbour of Scott, Jason, and Peter. Scott and Jason initially vie for her affections, but Scott wins out and Jason begins a relationship with Stads. When Scott's ex-girlfriend Megan comes to town, he has an affair with her, causing Samantha to break up with him. Samantha is an environmentalEnvironmentalismEnvironmentalism is a broad philosophy, ideology and social movement regarding concerns for environmental conservation and improvement of the health of the environment, particularly as the measure for this health seeks to incorporate the concerns of non-human elements...
activistActivismActivism consists of intentional efforts to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. Activism can take a wide range of forms from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing...
who protests drilling for oil at the beach and the construction of condominiums which threaten the existence of The Surf Shack, run by her childhood friend Murray. She also briefly tries her hand at modeling and almost leaves for ParisParisParis is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
with a photographer of dubious moral character before Scott convinces her to change her mind.
- Traycee Banks (Priscilla Lee Taylor, recurring character in Season 1 and promoted to main cast in Season 2): A gorgeous blonde who is a stereotypical bimboBimboBimbo, in its popular English language usage, describes a woman who is physically attractive but is perceived to have a low intelligence or poor education. The term can also be used to describe a woman who acts in a sexually promiscuous manner...
. Traycee owns an enormous amount of swimsuits, loves the colour pink, and is an actress. She initially lives in her own place but moves into an apartment with Lisa, which she names Casa de Fun Fun. She gets a job working as Dr. Sheila Lowenstein on the soap operaSoap operaA soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Malibu Hospital, but after the show is cancelledCancellation (television)In television, cancellation refers to the termination of a program by a network, typically because of low viewership and/or unfavourable critical reviews. Another reason why television programs can be cancelled is to make room for new television programs...
she decides to go to medical schoolMedical schoolA medical school is a tertiary educational institution—or part of such an institution—that teaches medicine. Degree programs offered at medical schools often include Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Bachelor/Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, master's degree, or other post-secondary...
. Like Murray, Traycee is not very bright and sometimes annoying, but she is a good friend. Her beauty often attracts many men to her, which her friends sometimes use to their advantage.
- Lisa Jones (Marquita Terry, appears in Season 2 only): Lisa is a medical student who later becomes a doctor at a hospital. She has a tendency to be bossy and short-tempered, especially around her roommate Traycee, and has a habit of taking endlessly when she is nervous. She once forces Traycee to leave the apartment after an argument, but after her new roommate, a crazy professional wrestlingProfessional wrestlingProfessional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
fan, scares her, she patches things up with Traycee and moves back in with her, with a little help from her friends. She eventually forms a relationship with Scott.
- Alexandra "Alex" Kaufman (Suzanne DavisSuzanne Davis (actress)Suzanne Davis is an American comedian and actress. She made her debut as Buff in the TV movie Generation X....
, appears in Season 2 only): A lifeguardLifeguardA lifeguard supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool, water park, or beach. Lifeguards are strong swimmers and trained in first aid, certified in water rescue using a variety of aids and equipment depending on...
who comes to town after the departure of Stads. Alex loves Malibu and hanging out with her friends. She takes a liking to Murray and even tries her hand at a singing career.
List of episodes
| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 | October 11, 1998 - May 23, 1999 | |
| 2 | 26 | October 9, 1999 - May 20, 2000 | |
Season 1
| Series # | |Title | |Written by | |Prod. code |
|---|
Season 2
- Episode 1: "Race Your Dream" - October 9, 1999
Medical student Lisa Jones insults Jason & Scott. NOTE: Priscilla Taylor is now placed into the intro cast.
- Episode 2: "Jason's Song" - October 16, 1999
Jesse, a member of Peter's 1970s band the Disco Dudes, shows up at the Lighthouse.
- Episode 3: "Aloha" - October 23, 1999
The Lighthouse is losing business to another restaurant, the Aloha. Meanwhile Traycee decides to have a new look to get a proper date.
- Episode 4: "Chasing Stads" - October 30, 1999
Stads experiences bad luck. NOTE: This was Wendi Kenya's last appearance on the show, though her character is mentioned in one later episode.
- Episode 5: "Off the Deep End" - November 6, 1999
Peter has been ignoring Scott's swim meets and now only three are left before the Olympic trials. Fearing that he's doing the same thing to Scott now that he did to him when he was younger, Mr. Collins now tries to get as involved as possible. NOTE: This was Suzanne Davis' first appearance on the show.
- Episode 6: "Dancing Fools" - November 13, 1999
- Episode 7: "The Long Goodbye" - November 20, 1999
- Episode 8: "Guess Who's Coming to Malibu" - November 27, 1999
- Episode 9: "Starstruck" - December 4, 1999
- Episode 10: "The Comeback" - December 11, 1999
- Episode 11: "The Best Man" - January 15, 2000
While trying to avoid hurting Murray's feelings, Scott & Lisa kiss
- Episode 12: "Jason's Deal" - January 22, 2000
Jason is on cloud 9 when the news comes that his CD will be released and he's even happier when Steve Lansing from the record company gives him a $20,000 advance. He starts spending the money lavishly, which concerns his father Peter and brother Scott, especially when he leaves them out of certain events.
- Episode 13: "Lisa's Ex" - January 29, 2000
Lisa is caught in a triangle between current boyfriend Scott & her basketball player Ex-boyfriend.
- Episode 14: "Retiring Dad" - February 5, 2000
The boys run the restaurant when Peter decides to retire.
- Episode 15: "Goin' Up in Smoke" - February 12, 2000
Scott, Peter & visiting Uncle Charlie learns that Jason is smoking again.
- Episode 16: "Movin' on Out" - February 19, 2000
Traycee is driving Lisa crazy as a room-mate. Traycee's late-night parties make it hard for her to study, she doesn't remember to give Lisa her phone messages, and she interrupts Scott and Lisa when they are alone. Frustrated, Lisa types up a list of house rules for Traycee to follow, which leads to a big blow-up between the room-mates and Traycee says she'll move out. After another far worse room-mate takes Traycee's place, Lisa realises that Traycee isn't a such a bad room-mate after all.
- Episode 17: "The New York Girl" - February 26, 2000
Peter wants his son Jason to take out his friend's daughter Maggie Taylor while she's in town from New York. Jason is reluctant, since he remembers her as a geek. Scott remembers how Jason stood her up for the freshman prom back when they lived in New York. Jason bribes Murray into going out with Maggie in his place, but he changes his mind when she shows up and looks quite attractive.
- Episode 18: "Educating Lisa" - March 4, 2000
- Episode 19: "Wonderful Life - April 1, 2000
Lisa is fed up and after an argument with her friends goes outside. Her guardian angel in the form of Traycee who is trying to get new wings tries to persuade her that her life isn't as miserable as she thinks.
- Episode 20: "The Interview" - April 8, 2000
Lisa is extremely nervous about her interview with a professional doctor which makes her snappy and irritating, so Scott and Traycee play a joke on her to show her how silly she is, but it all backfires.
- Episode 21: "Parent Trap" - April 15, 2000
Peter is not happy when a surprise birthday party reminds him of his age. Murray gives him some bungee-jumping tickets and he decides to do it, hoping to feel younger, but the next day at the Lighthouse he regrets it. Traycee tells Scott and Jason that their dad may be having a mid-life crisis and suggests he meet her mother Candee, a former supermodel who's in town, who maybe can provide some companionship.
- Episode 22: "Dr. Freeze" - April 22, 2000
Lisa fears her medical abilities when she faints while helps injured Scott.
- Episode 23: "The House Guest" - April 29, 2000
Jason and Scott offer to house-sit for Murray while he's away at a surfer's convention. Meanwhile Traycee makes the mistake of letting Alex be her new Personnal Assistant.
- Episode 24: "Scott a Go Go" - May 6, 2000
Scott gets a job as a male dancer and Jason & Peter uses Traycee's dreams to gamble.
- Episode 25: "Big Daddy" - May 13, 2000
Jason becomes a big brother to a boy; Scott, Peter & Murray thinks Alex's new boyfriend (Scott Whyte) is a car thief.
- Episode 26: "Three Dudes and a Baby" - May 20, 2000
Jason, Peter, & Murray look after a friend's baby, Lisa's sister comes to visit and Traycee's TV show gets cancelled. NOTE: Final episode of the series.
Writers
- Brett Dewey
- Mark J. Gordon
- Carl Kurlander
- Mark Lavine
- Renee Palyo
- Troy Searer
- Bob Underwood
Producers
- Chris Conte .... co-executive producer
- Brett Dewey .... producerTelevision producerThe primary role of a television Producer is to allow all aspects of video production, ranging from show idea development and cast hiring to shoot supervision and fact-checking...
- Leslie Eberhard .... consulting producer
- Peter EngelPeter Engel (TV producer)Peter Engel is a television producer who is best known for his teenage sitcoms which appeared on TNBC, a former Saturday morning block on NBC which featured all teenage-oriented programs for educational purposes...
.... executive producer - Carl Kurlander .... co-executive producer
- Gil Lopez .... associate producer
- Renee Palyo .... supervising producer
- Troy Searer .... producer
- Tony Soltis .... consulting producer
- Shannon Stapleton .... associate producer
- Shannon Stapleton .... co-producer