EPISODE OVERVIEW:
Melody takes on the challenge of Olympic swimming training, but Mr. Ernst seizes the opportunity to turn a profit by exploiting her talents for the ranch's benefit.
SERIES OVERVIEW:
"Hey Dude" is an American Western comedy series that aired on Nickelodeon from July 14, 1989, to August 30, 1991, comprising 65 half-hour episodes spanning five seasons.
PREMISE:
Set against the backdrop of the fictional "Bar None Dude Ranch" near Tucson, Arizona, the series caters primarily to a teenage audience. It revolves around the lives of the ranch owner, his son, a female ranch hand, and four teenage summer employees.
Ben Ernst, a good-natured divorced father from New Jersey, seeks refuge from his high-pressure job as a New York City accountant by purchasing the Bar None Dude Ranch. His son, Buddy, is less than thrilled with the change, particularly because he can't use his skateboard on the desert sand.
In Season 1, the teenage staff includes Ted, an enterprising troublemaker; Danny, an easy-going Hopi teenager; Melody, the girl-next-door; and Brad, a rich girl from Michigan with a love-hate relationship with Ted. Following David Lascher's departure in Season 3, Ted is replaced by Ernst's nephew Jake, an eccentric slacker, and Kyle, a handsome cowboy type, joins the ranch. Romantic rivalries ensue when Ted returns, involving Brad and Kyle. Lucy, a tough ranch hand, serves as a mother figure to the teens.
Each episode begins with a pun-filled cold open, followed by character introductions and the show's logo. The closing features an instrumental version of the theme song over stills from the episode.
PRODUCTION:
The show was taped at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, and produced by Cinetel Productions. Noteworthy is the construction of a ranch set, located separately from the main public areas, for a more authentic Western look. The set, abandoned after production, still stands today, while the swimming pool remains in use at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch.
CAST & Characters:
- Benjamin Ernst Sr. (David Brisbin): Ranch owner and successful accountant.
- Brad Taylor (Kelly Brown): Riding instructor from Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
- Lucy (Debra Kalman): Ranch hand foreman and supervisor.
- Ted McGriff (David Lascher): Senior staff.
- Melody Hanson (Christine Taylor): Lifeguard and dance instructor from Allentown, Pennsylvania.
- Danny Lightfoot (Joe Torres): Hopi teenager.
- Kyle Chandler (Geoffrey Coy): Lucy's ex-boyfriend's son.
- Jake Decker (Jonathan Galkin): Mr. Ernst's nephew.
- Benjamin "Buddy" Ernst Jr. (Josh Tygiel): Mr. Ernst's son.
#HeyDude #90sNostalgia #NickelodeonClassics