Get ready to power up your TV time! Disney XD launched a fresh and funny show, GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING, and we got an exclusive peek behind the screen. This isn’t just another sitcom; it’s a dive into the world of competitive gaming, blended with the everyday chaos of high school. We visited the set, chatted with the stars, and got the inside scoop on what makes this show a must-watch for gamers and families alike.
The show centers around Conor, known in the gaming world as the legendary “KidFury.” After a thumb injury sidelines his professional gaming career, Conor, played by the charismatic Cameron Boyce, is thrust into the unfamiliar territory of public high school. Suddenly, this seasoned pro gamer has to navigate lockers, classes, and social dynamics. He quickly connects with three fellow gaming enthusiasts: Franklin, Wendell, and Ashley. Together, they form their school’s first gaming league, embarking on a journey where they discover that real-world friendships level up your life far beyond any video game score.
What makes GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING genuinely authentic is its commitment to the gaming world. The writers’ room isn’t just filled with scripts; it’s packed with consoles and games. The production team even includes hardcore gamers who serve as consultants, ensuring the gaming aspects are accurate and resonate with real players. However, at its heart, the show is about relatable characters and their connections. As the creators emphasize, the gaming world is the backdrop, but the real story lies in the friendships and interactions between Conor and his crew.
Meet the Players: Inside the Characters and Gaming Habits
**MURRAY:** Murray Wyatt Rundus, who portrays Wendell, is a gamer in real life too! “I’ve been gaming since I was 7 years old. Gaming has been a big part of my life. When I get home, gaming is all I do,” he shared. This personal passion for gaming undoubtedly adds depth to his portrayal of Wendell, a character he describes as “very, very full of himself” and someone who “believes everyone around him doesn’t know what’s really going on.”
SOPHIE: Sophie Reynolds plays Ashley, the only girl in the core gaming group. While Sophie admits, “I’m not so much a gamer,” she has gaming connections through her brother and understands the culture. Ashley is portrayed as the heart of the group, described by Sophie as “not always the smartest with the books, but she’s got a really good heart, and she’s just a good friend, and she’s a great gamer, super-smart gamer.”
CAMERON: Cameron Boyce, as Conor, might not be a hardcore gamer himself, stating, “Gaming’s not really my thing, so there’s only a couple I play,” but he brings to life the character of a professional gamer adjusting to a normal life. He explained Conor’s backstory: “His backstory is that he was a professional gamer, and he did all these tours, and went to Tokyo and London and all these places doing all these professional tournaments basically.” Conor’s journey is about rediscovering himself and finding new value in friendship after the competitive gaming world.
FELIX: Felix Avitia, who plays Franklin, is a self-proclaimed “big gamer.” “I love to play games on console, console games, which is like PS3, PS4, XBOX. I love the advanced warfare like Call of Duty. I love the FPSs, which are first person shooters. I also love racing games and sports, too. I can pretty much play everything and anything.” Franklin is the energetic and optimistic member of the group, eager to fit in and be part of the team, adding a layer of warmth and enthusiasm to the show.
The Production Level Up: Behind the Scenes of Gamer’s Guide
The cast offered insights into the fast-paced production schedule. Cameron described their weekly routine: “We work 5 days a week, so actually I’ll start on Wednesday ’cause that’s when we do our table read… Wednesday… Thursday we have run through. Friday we have run through. We have a weekend, and then Monday, Tuesday we come in and shoot.” Felix highlighted the dynamic nature of the scripts, mentioning “script changes four times every episode,” showcasing the cast’s adaptability and commitment to bringing the best show to screen.
Showrunner Jim O’Doherty praised the young cast’s professionalism and quick learning. He emphasized the collaborative and respectful atmosphere on set, stating, “You come to work and all of what we have is based on respect for each other, and it’s respect, it’s based on treating each other with a real decency and appreciation.” This positive environment clearly translates to the on-screen chemistry and the overall feel-good vibe of GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING.
From Jessie to Gamer’s Guide: A New Family on Set
For Cameron Boyce, joining GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING meant transitioning from another Disney hit, Jessie. He shared his initial thoughts: “I was thinking, ‘Wow, I’m really going to miss those really great people on Jessie.’” However, he was quickly welcomed by the new cast and crew. “And then I come here, and they’re just as great if not better. I mean, we have such a tight group, and it’s been 9 weeks. So it’s really weird to kind of go from a family to another family, but instantly feel like family at your second family, if that makes sense.” This seamless transition and the strong bond within the cast contribute to the show’s authentic and engaging portrayal of friendship.
Experience the Game: Watching a Network Run Through
Witnessing a network run-through of Episode 9 was a highlight of our set visit. The energy and enthusiasm of the young actors were palpable. We followed the characters through various sets, from Conor’s basement to the high school and even a game store, getting a sneak peek into a Halloween episode. It was evident that the cast genuinely enjoys their work, and their passion shines through in their performances.
GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING offered a fresh and fun take on the teen sitcom, blending the exciting world of gaming with relatable coming-of-age stories. With its talented cast, authentic gaming elements, and focus on friendship, it’s a show that’s sure to resonate with audiences of all ages. If you are looking for a show that combines humor, heart, and a whole lot of gaming action, then tune in to GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING and get ready to play!
