PREMIERE

MEET SINGLE FATHER NICK SAVAGE AND HIS BROOD OF ROWDY TEENAGE BOYS, ON THE SERIES PREMIERE OF ABC'S "COMPLETE SAVAGES"

From Emmy-winning writers/executive producers Julie Thacker-Scully and Mike Scully and Academy Award-winning director and producer Mel Gibson, "Complete Savages" chronicles the amusing and chaotic trials and tribulations of a father single-handedly raising five teenage boys (think Clint Eastwood raising the Baldwin Brothers). "Complete Savages" premieres FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

As a single father of five teenage boys, Nick Savage (Keith Carradine) faces the daunting challenge of trying to control the mayhem. A career firefighter, he finds running into a burning building a relaxing break from his parental duties with his five sons: Sam Savage (Andrew Eiden) is the most responsible and studious of the Savage boys, which isn't saying much. He endures a lot of button pushing from his brothers, especially when it comes to girls. Jack (Shaun Sipos) is a good-looking (think Johnny Depp, but cool and good-looking), mellow and popular guy whose passions are looking cool and playing guitar with the family dog (think Lassie, but cool and good looking.)

Chris (Erik von Detten) is a good-natured but gullible jock whose goal is to be in the Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue. Kyle (Evan Ellingson) is an energetic and self-interested 14-year-old boy whose goal is to be a contestant on "Fear Factor." Lastly, at 13, T.J. (Jason Dolley) is the youngest of the brood, and has spent most of his life in a headlock; a born entrepreneur, his only leverage over his brothers is that he always has money and they always need money.

Then there's Jimmy (Vincent Ventresca), Nick's younger brother and fellow firefighter who often gives Nick advice about raising the boys. But the truth is, beyond his heroic career, Jimmy has very little responsibility and at times is more like a sixth son to Nick.

In the premiere episode, "Pilot," the Savage family discovers that yet another housekeeper has quit and, while the boys see this as their dad's opportunity to hire a cute French maid, Nick decides it's time his boys learn how to take care of themselves. Stunned, the boys decide that they need a plan to change their dad's mind.

With Jack at the helm, they quickly formulate a strategy that includes not lifting a finger or cleaning anything. But, as a seasoned veteran of their tactics, Nick puts on his best poker face, plugs his nose and enters the stink-ridden stand-off. He refuses to let the boys get to him... or at least to give them the satisfaction of knowing they have.

"Complete Savages" stars Keith Carradine as Nick, Andrew Eiden as Sam, Shaun Sipos as Jack, Erik von Detten as Chris, Evan Ellingson as Kyle, Jason Dolley as T.J., and Vincent Ventresca as Jimmy.

Guest-starring in "Pilot" are Sandra Purpuro as Rita, Autumn Reeser as Angela and Kylie Sparks as Brenda.

"Pilot" was written by Julie Thacker-Scully and Mike Scully, and directed by Mel Gibson.

"Complete Savages" was created by Julie Thacker-Scully and Mike Scully. Julie Thacker-Scully, Mike Scully, Mel Gibson and Bruce Davey are executive producers. The series is produced by Nothing Can Go Wrong Now Productions and Icon Productions in association with NBC Universal Television.

"Complete Savages" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound.

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