Melina Kanakaredes Developing Comedy “Greek Candy”

Actress and producer Melina Kanakaredes is developing a single-camera comedy titled “Greek Candy” over at IMDb TV, based on her own Greek family’s history.

Melina Kanakaredes in “Greek Candy”

The series focuses on a family with three teen daughters, four Greek immigrant grandparents, and one non-Greek boy they take in like family. Kanakaredes was inspired by her family’s 100-year-old chocolate factory business in Akron, Ohio.

The actress wanted to explore what it means to be chasing the American Dream in the present day and age in the US.

Kanakaredes is both behind the scenes and in front of the camera in this new show. She will star as the mother of the family, work as a writer on it, and executive produce. Her fellow writer and executive producer is “The Goldbergs” producer Marc Firek.

Sony Pictures Television is producing the “Greek Candy” series, part of a slew of new shows meant for IMDb TV. This new network is a free streaming service from Amazon. It recently announced five new series in development to build excitement for the service.

Shows About the Immigrant Experience on IMDb TV

In addition to “Greek Candy”, the series also includes several other shows focusing on immigrant experiences. Famed creator Mike Schur, who brought “The Good Place” to life, is developing a coming of age story about a Mexican-American teenager.

Vijal Patel, an executive producer on “Black-ish”, is producing “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, PA.” The project focuses on the troubles, as well as the comic situations, of an Indian family that moved to Pittsburgh two years ago.

As the US was built on so many experiences of immigration, sharing more stories in mass media of the immigrant experience helps share an important side of American history.

Greek-Americans have been immigrating to the US to escape hard times in Greece, including wars and famine, for over a century. Their children and grandchildren hold a very special dual identity as US citizens with strong Greek cultural heritage.

Kanakaredes’ “Greek Candy” is sure to show a family that many Greek-Americans can relate to, as they have experience this dual identity themselves growing up.

Kanakaredes’ career

The actress has previously worked on Greek-themed series such as “Blood of Zeus.” The animated show that premiered in October of 2020 was heavily inspired by Greek mythology.

Kanakaredes’ work also includes plenty of TV work such as roles on FOX’s “The Resident” and ABC’s “Notorious.”

In the past, Kanakaredes helped write an episode of “CSI: NY” titled “Grounds for Deception.” However, this will be her first foray into writing and executive producing an entire TV show.

She recently announced the development of the show on her Instagram. In the caption, she stated, “So excited to let you all know what I’ve been working on! Such a phenomenal group of people to work with!….I love sharing my deliciously hilarious Greek family with you!!”