''Shasta McNasty'' (later retitled ''Shasta'') is an American

sitcom A sitcom (short for situation comedy or situational comedy) is a genre of comedy produced for radio and television, that centers on a recurring cast of character (arts), characters as they navigate humorous situations within a consistent settin ...

that aired on UPN from October 5, 1999, to August 1, 2000. The show was created by Jeff Eastin and produced by Eastin and Neal H. Moritz. The show starred Carmine Giovinazzo, Jake Busey, Dale Godboldo, and Jolie Jenkins. Although ''Shasta McNasty'' premiered with less-than-favorable reviews from critics, the program was nominated for a People's Choice Award for best new comedy (and nearly won it in a live online vote before eventually losing to ''Stark Raving Mad''). However, the series was cancelled after one season.

Plotline

Scott, Dennis and Randy—are part of the rap rock band Shasta McNasty. After signing to Da Funk Records, the three friends relocate from

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where they find out that the label has become defunct. Keeping their advance money that they received, they rent an apartment in Venice Beach where they share a kitchen with their next door neighbor Diana. The first half of the series focused on the band, their landlord, odd jobbing to earn rent money, and general mischief. The second half of the series focused on the three friends working at a local bar for their friend Vern, while they hoped to sign with another record label again. Also Scott and Diana's relationship began to develop. The series was retooled mid-season, including a month-long break two months after the debut. Renamed ''Shasta'', the series abandon the hip hop premise and remove narrative devices like breaking the fourth wall. The series' concluding episode is set ten years later. It presents as an episode of ''Behind the Band 2010'' (a parody of '' Behind the Music''). It is revealed that Shasta McNasty did become a famous, highly successful band, but ego, addiction, in-fighting, and creative differences took their toll.

Cast

Main

* Jake Busey as Dennis * Carmine Giovinazzo as Scott * Dale Godboldo as Randy * Jolie Jenkins as Diana

Guest stars

* Verne Troyer as Verne Valentine * Nicole Forester as Michelle/Karen * Erik Estrada as Eduado, Himself, Police Chief * Wajid as Farook * Gary Busey as Jack * April Mills as Ren * Kristen Winnicki as Trina * Peter Brost as Young Dennis * Scott Caudill as Bully

Episodes

Reception

A sneak preview of the series after UPN's highly rated '' WWF SmackDown!'' drew 4.52 million viewers. However, when the series was moved to its scheduled 8 p.m. timeslot, ratings dropped. Halfway through the first season, UPN shortened the show's title to ''Shasta'', and the series was canceled after its first season.

References

External links

* * {{UPN 1990s American sex comedy television series 1990s American single-camera sitcoms 1999 American television series debuts 2000s American sex comedy television series 2000s American single-camera sitcoms 2000 American television series endings American English-language television shows Fictional musical groups Television shows set in Los Angeles Television series by Sony Pictures Television UPN sitcoms