A Brief Conversation with Scott Satin, Co-Executive Producer of "Meet My Folks"

It's hard to catch up with Scott Satin. His weekends are busy playing matchmaker, and his weeks are filled with the various flora and fauna that go into producing NBC's surprise hit, Meet My Folks. (Yes, it is a ratings success. And Western civilization still stands. Go figure.) Our intrepid reporter, Andrea Shuman, caught up with Scott and got some answers to some burning questions.

Andrea: So, let's get down to business. Tell me, where did the idea of Meet My Folks come from?

Scott Satin: (much laughter) Well, I'll tell you. Since the caveman days, people have been "meeting the parents." This is nothing new.

Andrea: So, this format has absolutely, positively nothing to do with the movie Meet The Parents, starring Ben Stiller and Robert DeNiro?

Scott: Noooooooo! Why would you think that? (more laughter)

Andrea: It's a complete coincidence then. Okay. Next question: Where do the families come from? California?

Scott: For the summer run, yes, they're all from California. After we get picked up, they'll be from all over.

Andrea: So, you're getting picked up for the fall?

Scott: We were the number 1 rated show in the 18-49 bracket AND the 18-35 bracket. That's why we're moving back to Mondays at 10 p.m., starting this Monday, August 5th.

Andrea: Mondays at 10 p.m. again? Do you realize I'll have to stay up until 2 a.m. recapping your show now?

Scott: Sorry! But it'll be worth it. Wait until you see what's coming up!

Andrea: Like what?

Scott: Episode 6 of the summer run will be a reversal: one guy will bring home three girls to meet HIS parents. One will be the "girl next door" type. But, the two others... (laughing again)

Andrea: What, real wild women?

Scott: Oh, you could say that. And Monday night's episode will be "City Slickers"... a farm girl brings home three city boys. Mom and Dad make them work the ranch.

Andrea: So, speaking of the girls and the guys, do they get to meet before the show?

Scott: Yes, they do, but they have no say in how they all are matched up. That's my job. I talk to the girls; they tell me what kind of guys they like, then I play matchmaker.

Andrea: What about the beautiful houses we see? Do they really belong to the girls' families, or are they rented for the occasion?

Scott: Some are, some aren't. It's really a production issue.

Andrea: Let's talk about the Fax Machines you use to give instructions to the guys and the family. They're everywhere, but are they in the bathrooms?

Scott: No, so far no bathroom faxes!

Andrea: I've got to ask you about the lie detector guy. Who is he?

Scott: His name is Nick Savastano. I interviewed dozens of polygraph experts, and he was the best. Nick's been doing this for years.

Andrea: He's really developing into a cult figure. What can I tell all the Nick fans out there?

Scott: We plan to have Nick on The Tonight Show soon. He'll hook Jay Leno up to the polygraph.

Andrea: Really?

Scott: Yup! It's gonna be great!

Andrea: Anthony (from Episode 2) gave an interview to Entertainment Weekly where he said he actually beat the lie detector with breathing rhythms. What do you say to that?

Scott: (laughing again) The funny thing is, that interview was done before his episode even aired, so Anthony had no idea how he did against the polygraph. Nick and I just shook our heads when we read that. Anthony did NOT fool the machine.

Andrea: So, reading what Anthony said, how did that make you feel?

Scott: Oh, I don't mind. You have to remember, these aren't actors; these are real people. I can't get upset at them. It's all par for the course.

Andrea: Can you give us a sneak preview of any special events coming up on the show?

Scott: (hesitating) I don't know if I should tell you this...

Andrea: Oh, come on... please?

Scott: Well... okay. On an upcoming episode, a Mom has made it clear she wants grandchildren. All I can say is that what follows... involves a specimen cup.

Andrea: Yikes! Alright, last question. This is for my personal curiosity only. Whatever did Bruce Nash do with the leftover sushi from The Glutton Bowl?

Scott: (laughing again) I think it went on the Craft Service table!

Andrea: Thanks for your time, Scott! RealityNewsOnline appreciates it!

Scott: You're welcome, it was a pleasure!

There you have it, folks. Straight from the horse's mouth: Meet My Folks will be back in the Fall, and I'll have to start napping again on Monday afternoons.

Andrea Shuman was tickled pink that Scott Satin took time out of his hectic schedule to chat with her. She also thanks Scott's assistant-extrordinaire, Brenton, for his uncanny ability to find out where Scott was in the building, and get the phone receiver into his hand. Thanks, fellas! Remember, you don't have to be a Reality TV producer to e-mail Andrea Shuman. She accepts all notes, comments, complaints, and compliments at ABostonGal@yahoo.com.

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