The Story Behind HBO's Outrageous Comedy Series Eastbound & Down

The Story Behind Eastbound & Down

The outrageous HBO comedy series Eastbound & Down centers around Kenny Powers, a washed-up former professional baseball pitcher who is forced to return to his small hometown and work as a middle school gym teacher after his career falls apart due to drug abuse and attitude problems.

Kenny Powers is played by Danny McBride, who co-created the show along with Jody Hill and Ben Best. The character is brash, arrogant, and delusional - but also insecure and struggling to accept that his glory days are behind him. Though constantly causing chaos around him, Kenny somehow remains likable thanks to his oblivious confidence and misplaced optimism.

Origins of Eastbound & Down

The genesis of Eastbound & Down came from Danny McBride and Ben Best's mutual love of sports documentaries like Hoop Dreams and films about fading athletes like Raging Bull. They were interested in exploring the less glamorous side of professional sports stardom.

McBride and Best initially pitched HBO on a show about a washed-up baseball player who returns home, but the network suggested setting it in the world of NASCAR racing instead. However, the creators stuck to their original baseball vision and eventually got the green light for Eastbound & Down.

Kenny Powers Character

In crafting the central character of Kenny Powers, Danny McBride drew inspiration from arrogant star athletes like John Rocker and John McEnroe. He also looked at tragic falls from grace in sports like those of pitcher Doc Gooden and home run hitter Darryl Strawberry.

McBride wanted Kenny to be more than just a stereotypical dumb jock though. "We tried to make him complicated. Deep down there's a good guy trapped inside -- he just doesn't know how to access it," he stated.

The result is a bold, multilayered character who instantly stands out on screen. Kenny Powers is offensive and ridiculous, yet you can't help rooting for him on some level as he quests pathetically to reclaim his former glory.

Supporting Cast

While Kenny Powers is the crown jewel of Eastbound & Down, the show also boasts a stellar supporting cast.

Danny McBride and Jody Hill wisely surrounded their larger-than-life lead with down-to-earth characters who perfectly counterbalance his enormous ego. Steve Little is wonderfully pathetic as Kenny's diehard sycophant Stevie Janowski, and Katy Mixon provides heart as April, the love interest who sees through Kenny's bluster.

Season 2 introduced a whole new setting and group of characters, proving that the creative team wasn't just relying on Kenny's schtick to carry the show. Actors like Michael Pena and Ana de la Reguera fleshed out the world tremendously.

Impact and Legacy

During its four season run on HBO from 2009 to 2013, Eastbound & Down drew critical acclaim for its raunchy yet clever humor and Kenny Powers' iconic antihero persona.

The show helped establish Danny McBride as a major comedic force and creative talent. Jody Hill said their approach was "let's just make what we think is funny and see if it clicks with anybody else." This gonzo attitude resonated loudly.

Eastbound & Down also showed that HBO was still willing to take risks on unique, offbeat series with a specific point-of-view, paving the way for other shows like Silicon Valley and Barry.

Now over a decade since it first premiered, Eastbound & Down remains one of the most bold and memorable comedies of its era. Kenny Powers stands tall as the delusional, vulgar soul of the show - a one-of-a-kind character who listeners won't soon forget.

FAQs

How many seasons of Eastbound & Down are there?

Eastbound & Down ran for 4 seasons on HBO from 2009-2013.

Who are the main characters?

The main characters are Kenny Powers played by Danny McBride, April Buchanon played by Katy Mixon, and Stevie Janowski played by Steve Little.

What is the plot of the show?

The show centers around Kenny Powers, a former pro baseball pitcher who returns to his small hometown after his career falls apart and becomes a middle school gym teacher.

Where is Eastbound & Down set?

The show is set in Shelby, North Carolina in seasons 1 and 4. Season 2 is set in Mexico and season 3 in Myrtle Beach.

Who created Eastbound & Down?

Eastbound & Down was created by Danny McBride, Jody Hill, and Ben Best.