Season 8 – The Final Season

 

Premiere

Monday, July 1st at 10p PT/ET

 

Episodes

13 (Episode 11 will mark the series’ 100th)

 

Cast

MARY-LOUISE PARKER (Nancy Botwin)

HUNTER PARRISH (Silas Botwin)

ALEXANDER GOULD (Shane Botwin)

KEVIN NEALON (Doug Wilson)

JUSTIN KIRK (Andy Botwin)


Special Guest Star

JENNIFER JASON LEIGH (Jill Price-Gray)

 

Credits

Creator/Executive Producer: JENJI KOHAN

Executive Producers: ROBERTO BENABIB, MATTHEW SALSBERG, MARK A. BURLEY

 

Production Credit: Showtime Networks Inc. & Lionsgate

 

Rating: TV-MA 

 

Synopsis

It’s back to the ‘burbs for the Botwins in the final season of WEEDS. The fallout from the shot heard round the Tri-State area will transform everyone for the better, at least initially. The tragedy has caused Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker in her Golden Globe® Award-winning role) to turn over a new (pot) leaf and return to her pre-dealing soccer mom ways. Meanwhile, Andy (Justin Kirk) finds some semblance of love with someone uncomfortably close to Nancy; and Doug (Kevin Nealon) uses his hedge-fund money in a surprisingly good way. But just as it was in Agrestic, nothing is as serene as it seems in Old Sandwich, Connecticut. Just how long before the Botwins return to their old ways and blow up this new neighborhood, literally and/or figuratively, will remain to be seen.

 

CONTACTS:

East                                                           West

Chloe Comins                               Morgan Fouch

Showtime PR                                Showtime PR          

617/ 505-5304                             310/ 234-5219

chloe.comins@showtime.net           morgan.fouch@showtime.net

SYNOPSIS FOR PREMIERE EPISODE

[Rest To Follow Post Airing of Season Premiere]

 

“Messy” Episode 8001

Written by:  Jenji Kohan

Directed by: Michael Trim

Special Guest Star: Jennifer Jason Leigh

Guest star: David Julian Hirsh

 

The victim is rushed to the hospital after being shot as the family follows close behind.  The family grapples with the tragedy and hypothesizes on the shooter’s identity.

 

 

WEEDS SEASON 8

Bios

 

MARY-LOUISE PARKER

Nancy Botwin

 

MARY-LOUISE PARKER is a multi-award winning actress with a diverse career in film, television, and theater.

 

Her work in television on SHOWTIME's WEEDS has garnered four Golden Globe nominations, including one Golden Globe win, six SAG nominations, three Emmy nominations, as well as one Satellite win in five nominations. In addition to her awards for WEEDS, Parker is also the winner of another Golden Globe, a Tony, an Emmy, two Obies, as well as numerous other nominations for her other works seen throughout her revered career.

 

Audiences most recently saw Parker on the big screen in the hit action-comedy RED with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren. Parker's upcoming feature films include R.I.P.D. the action-comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Bacon; and the drama JAMESY BOY alongside James Woods and Ving Rhames.

 

On the small screen, Parker's work in Mike Nichols' highly acclaimed ANGELS IN AMERICA garnered her Emmy and Golden Globe wins and a SAG nomination. She received Emmy nominations for her performance on THE WEST WING and for her starring role in ROBBER BRIDE, for which she won the Gemini Award. Parker also starred in SUGARTIME, A PLACE FOR ANNIE, SAINT MAYBE, CUPID & CATE, THE SIMPLE TRUTH OF NOAH DEARBORN, MIRACLE RUN, and VINEGAR HILL.

 

Parker's impressive film oeuvre includes the dark Christian comedy SAVED!, opposite Mandy Moore, and ROMANCE & CIGARETTES, written and directed by John Turturro and produced by the Coen Brothers. Parker is known widely for her starring roles in FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, GRAND CANYON, RECKLESS, BOYS ON THE SIDE, THE CLIENT, NAKED IN NEW YORK, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, THE BEST THIEF IN THE WORLD, LONGTIME COMPANION, PIPE DREAM, RED DRAGON, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, SOLITARY MAN, HOWL, and THE FIVE SENSES, for which she was nominated for a Genie Award for Best Actress.

 

Parker also boasts a highly acclaimed and extensive stage career. She made her Broadway debut to rave reviews in PRELUDE TO A KISS, garnering a Tony nomination, a Theatre World Award, The Clarence Derwent Award, and a Drama Desk nomination. She originated the role of Li'l Bit in the critically lauded HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, which earned her an Obie Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, and an Outer Critics Circle nomination. Her performance in PROOF earned her the 2001 Tony Award, as well as the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, Lucille Lortel, Obie, and New York Magazine Awards. She also earned the 2001 T. Schreiber Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre. She also starred in RECKLESS, for which she received her third Tony nomination. In 2008, Parker starred in the Playwrights Horizons production of Sarah Ruhl's DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE. She was most recently seen in the Broadway revival of HEDDA GABLER, directed by Ian Rickson.

 

Additional theatre credits include COMMUNICATING DOORS, BUS STOP, FOUR DOGS AND A BONE, THE ART OF SUCCESS, THROWING YOUR VOICE, BABYLON GARDENS, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, UP IN SARATOGA, THE MISER, and HAYFEVER. She co-founded the Edge Theater, where she performed in THE AGE OF PIE and THE GIRL IN PINK, among other productions.

 

Parker is currently a contributing writer for Esquire magazine. She won the Robert Brustein Award for Excellence in Theater and the Philadelphia Film Festival Award for Career Achievement. Her personal and professional belongings, along with career memorabilia, are archived at the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University, where she was the youngest person ever inducted.

 

JUSTIN KIRK 

Andy Botwin 

 

A striking and compelling presence on screen, JUSTIN KIRK earned high praise for his roles on television, in film and on stage.

 

For his work on WEEDS, Kirk has earned a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television'. Kirk also earned high praise for his role as Prior Walter in Mike Nichols's award-winning mini-series, "Angels In America", starring alongside Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and his Weeds co-star, Mary-Louise Parker. Kirk was nominated for both an Emmy® and SAG® Award for his performance in the mini-series. 

 

Most recently, Kirk completed principal photography on the independent film, MR. MORGAN'S LAST LOVE, in which he stars opposite Michael Caine and Clemence Poesy, and he also stars in the NBC pilot, ANIMAL KINGDOM, which was written by Brian Gatewood and Alex Tanaka, and was directed and executive produces by Joe and Anthony Russo.  He also appears in Amy Heckerling’s upcoming film, VAMPS, and in the current Universal release, LIFE HAPPENS opposite Krysten Ritter, Kate Bosworth and Jason Biggs, Rachel Bilson.  He appeared in two films at the Sundance Film Festival 2012 -- GOATS, opposite David Duchovny and Vera Farmiga; and NOBODY WALKS opposite John Krasinski and Olivia Thirlby, which was written by Lena Dunham and will be directed by Ry Russo.

 

Other film credits include Tamara Junie's SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER, Peter Callahan's AGAINST THE CURRENT, Wyatt McDill's FOUR BOXES, Maria Maggenti's PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS, Jeff Lipsky's FLANNEL PAJAMAS, Robert Towne's ASK THE DUST, Henry Jaglom's HOLLYWOOD DREAMS, Chapter Zero, and the independent thrillers The Eden Myth and Outpatient. He also worked on Harry Shearer's Teddy Bears Picnic. 

 

Appearing in notable guest spots on "Modern Family", "Without a Trace," "Everwood," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Jack and Bobby," Kirk was also a series regular on the WB series Jack and Jill. 

 

Also a highly accomplished stage actor, Kirk won the Obie Award for Distinguished Performance in the Ensemble for his portrayal of the blind character 'Bobby' in "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and went on to star in the feature film adaptation. In 2001, he co-starred with Julianna Margulies and Donald Sutherland in Jon Robin Baitz's "Ten Unknowns" at Lincoln Center. The role won him a Lucille Lortel Award, as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations.  Kirk was last seen in The Roundabout Theater Company's "The Understudy" opposite Mark Paul Gosselaar and Tony Award-winner, Julie White, at Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre in New York.  Most recently, Kirk starred on Broadway opposite Stockard Channing, Judith Light and Rachel Griffiths in Jon Robin Baitz's Tony-nominated play, OTHER DESERT CITIES.

 

Additional stage work includes "The World Over" at Playwrights Horizons, Old Wicked Songs at New York's Promenade Theatre and Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse in which he starred as a piano prodigy, winning a Backstage West Garland Award for Outstanding Performance. He also appeared in Any Given Day at the Longacre Theatre and June Moon with the Drama Department, a theater company of which he is a founding member. 

 

Born in Salem, Oregon, Kirk spent his childhood in Union, Washington where he attended grade school on an Indian reservation. Kirk knew from three years old that he wanted to perform, and made his acting debut at seven in a college play. At twelve, he moved with his mother to Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended the Children's Theater School throughout high school. After graduation, he moved to New York and enrolled at Circle in the Square, where he completed a two-year conservation acting program. Afterwards, he soon landed his first role on Broadway and has been working steadily ever since.

 

 

KEVIN NEALON

Doug Wilson

 

KEVIN NEALON has set himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique

sense of humor, dry wit, and likeable demeanor. Nealon is best known for his nine-year

stint as a cast member of NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (1986–1995). At SNL, Nealon created some of the show's most memorable characters: The Subliminal Man and Hans and Franz, as well as served as host of the Weekend Update. Nealon was also nominated for an Emmy Award as part of the SNL writing team. Nealon was last seen on the big screen in JUST GO WITH IT, opposite Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. Nealon has also written a book entitled Yes, You're Pregnant But What About Me?, a comical look at the male perspective of pregnancy.

 

Nealon's other feature film credits include YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN, GET SMART, ANGER MANAGEMENT, JOE DIRT, EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS, THE WEDDING SINGER, HAPPY GILMORE, DADDY DAY CARE, GOOD BOY, ROXANNE, and the cult hit GRANDMA'S BOY. His television guest appearances include MONK, SHOWTIME's FAT ACTRESS, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, and STILL STANDING. He was also the host of TBS's FUNNIEST COMMERCIALS OF THE YEAR, and recently appeared in HOT IN CLEVELAND.

 

HUNTER PARRISH

Silas Botwin

 

Award-winning actor HUNTER PARRISH is one of Hollywood's most sought-after and vibrant young talents.

 

Hunter's first album will be released this July. The EP, entitled "Guessing Games," includes songs co-written by Parrish, and is expected for release by Layer Cake Records on July 3. His first single, “Sitting at Home,” was released June 5.

 

Parrish recently completed a celebrated return to Broadway as the lead in the revival of one of the world's most popular musicals, Stephen Schwartz' GODSPELL. Directed by Daniel Goldstein, Parrish was called "luminescent" in reviews and thrilled audiences nightly in his role as Jesus.

 

Parrish made his Broadway debut to critical acclaim as Melchior, the smart and sexy young hero in the Tony Award-winning hit musical SPRING AWAKENING. Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 19-century play with music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, SPRING AWAKENING boldly depicts how young people navigate the thrilling, confusing and mysterious time of their sexual awakening. The story centers around a brilliant young student named Melchior (Parrish), his troubled friend Moritz, and Wendla, a beautiful young girl on the verge of womanhood.

 

On film Parrish has starred in director Nancy Meyers' 2009 hit, IT'S COMPLICATED opposite Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. The film follows a woman dealing with empty-nest syndrome (Streep) who is torn between her ex-husband (Baldwin) and a male friend (Martin). Parrish plays Streep's youngest child, who is graduating from college and is about to head to the big city. Parrish has also starred in Burr Steers' 17 AGAIN opposite Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, and Leslie Mann and Kieran Mulroney and Michele Mulroney's PAPER MAN opposite Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Daniels, and Lisa Kudrow.

 

His other film credits include Richard LaGravenese' FREEDOM WRITERS opposite Hilary Swank and Patrick Dempsey; Barry Sonnenfeld's RV opposite Robin Williams, Jeff Daniels, and Kristen Chenoweth; David Jacobson's Independent feature DOWN IN THE VALLEY opposite Edward Norton and Evan Rachel Wood; Joe Nussbaum's SLEEPOVER and Melissa Painter's STEAL ME, which garnered him a 2005 Los Angeles Method Fest award for Best Actor.

 

On the small screen, Parrish guest starred on NBC's successful crime drama LAW AND ORDER: SVU, CBS' hit drama CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, and CBS' drama CLOSE TO HOME.

 

Parrish was born in Richmond, Virginia, grew up in Plano, Texas and currently resides in Los Angeles.

 

ALEXANDER GOULD

Shane Botwin

 

As the deranged son of Mary-Louise Parker on SHOWTIME's hit series WEEDS, ALEXANDER GOULD encapsulates a twisted, dark, and disturbed teen at his best. Gould began his career at a young age and shot to fame as the voice of Nemo in FINDING NEMO. While many child actors find the transition to teen/adult roles challenging, Gould did it with ease. As WEEDS' Shane Botwin, Gould demonstrates his range and believability in this fascinating role, which is a far departure from Nemo. In addition to these two monster hits, Gould has performed guest appearances on television shows such as 7th HEAVEN, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, Disney's EVEN STEVENS, CRIMINAL MINDS, LAW & ORDER: SVU, PUSHING DAISIES, and SUPERNATURAL. At 15, the actor has already won three Young Artist Awards including Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role - Young Actor for FINDING NEMO (2004), Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film for HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS (2007), and Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) - Supporting Young Actor for WEEDS (2007). Gould will be beginning at Clark University in the fall.

 


JENJI KOHAN                     Creator/Executive Producer/Writer

 

JENJI KOHAN began her writing career on THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR after graduating from Columbia University.   Her series writing credits include MAD ABOUT YOU, TRACY TAKES ON, SEX AND THE CITY and GILMORE GIRLS.  In 1999, she was honored with an Emmy® Award for 'Outstanding Comedy Series' for her work on TRACY TAKES ON.  She has developed and produced multiple pilots and series’, among them, Showtime’s, WEEDS which is in its eighth season and garnered her the Writers Guild Award for 'Best Episodic Comedy' for the pilot entitled 'You Can't Miss The Bear.'   Her latest project, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, will premiere on Netflix in 2013.  Kohan is the daughter of 13-time Emmy® Award-winning television writer Buz Kohan and accomplished novelist, Rhea Kohan.  She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, journalist/author Christopher Noxon and three children Charlie, Eliza and Oscar.

 

 

ROBERTO BENABIB                    Executive Producer

 

A graduate of New York University’s prestigious film school, ROBERTO BENABIB began his career as assistant to acclaimed director Jonathan Demme. Benabib has gone on to produce and write numerous television series, including Ally McBeal and House Rules. He also wrote and directed the Miramax film Little City and adapted the libretto for Baz Luhrmann’s Broadway production of La Bohème.

 

 

MATTHEW SALSBERG                Executive Producer

 

MATTHEW SALSBERG joined WEEDS as a co-producer in its first season and has risen to become an executive producer. Previously, he was a co-producer on HBO’s Entourage, as well as a contributing writer for the network’s hit comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm. Salsberg and Jenji Kohan are now co-writing a new poker-themed comedy, Whales, that’s currently in development at SHOWTIME.

 

 

MARK A. BURLEY                         Executive Producer

 

MARK A. BURLEY has worked as a producer on WEEDS since the pilot, which was shot in 2004, and has been involved in every episode of the series. For his work on WEEDS, he was nominated for an Emmy® and a Producers Guild Award. Burley has produced hundreds of hours of television series, including projects for all four major networks. His series credits include multiple seasons on Murder, She Wrote and Simon & Simon. He has also produced TV movies and numerous pilots. Burley is a long-standing member of the DGA and the WGA.

 

WEEDS SEASON 8

Credit List

Cast Credits

 

Nancy Botwin……………………………………………….MARY-LOUISE PARKER

Silas Botwin ………………………………………………………HUNTER PARRISH

Shane Botwin ………………………………………………… ALEXANDER GOULD

Andy Botwin ……………………………………………………………..JUSTIN KIRK

Doug Wilson ………………………………………………………….KEVIN NEALON

 

 

Special Guest Star

 

 

Jill Price-Gray……………………………………………...JENNIFER JASON LEIGH

 

 

Production Credits

Creator/Executive Producer………………………...………………….     JENJI KOHAN

Executive Producers …………………………………………        ROBERTO BENABIB

  MATTHEW SALSBERG

MARK A. BURLEY

Co-Executive Producers…………………………………….….    LISA I. VINNECOUR

                                                                    VICTORIA MORROW

STEPHEN FALK

 

Supervising Producer……………...………………………...............       MICHAEL TRIM

 

Produced by ……………………………………………………    LESLIE D. WALDMAN

 

Co-Producers.………………….………………………………     JONATHAN TALBERT

       DAVID HOLSTEIN

       BRENDAN KELLY

  CARLY MENSCH

 PATRICIA VAN BAALBERGEN

 

WEEDS is produced by LIONSGATE

 in association with

TILTED PRODUCTIONS