'Red Oaks' is a coming-of-age comedy series set in the vibrant 'go-go' 1980s, following David Myers, a college student working as an assistant tennis pro at the Red Oaks Country Club in suburban New Jersey during the summer of 1985. Balancing the aftermath of his father's heart attack and uncertainty about his college major, David navigates a colorful world filled with misfit co-workers and affluent club members, including the intriguing art student Skye and her tough corporate raider father Getty. The show combines lighthearted hijinks with heartfelt moments, capturing the essence of youth and the cusp of adulthood.
Trivia:
1. The show's costumes and set designs authentically recreate the 1980s, using extensive research and vintage items to immerse viewers in the era's style and culture.
2. Craig Roberts, who plays David, was meticulously trained in tennis to convincingly portray an assistant tennis pro, adding realism to his performance.
3. The series was filmed on location at an actual country club in New Jersey, enhancing the authenticity of the setting and atmosphere.
Ran for 3 seasons.
Main Cast of Red Oaks
Craig Roberts
David
Fans of Craig Roberts will likely enjoy his role in the TV series 'Red Oaks' because it showcases his talent for blending humor with heartfelt coming-of-age moments, similar to his most iconic performance as Oliver Tate in '
Submarine.' In 'Red Oaks,' Roberts plays David, a college student navigating the complexities of young adulthood while working at the titular Red Oaks country club during the 1980s. Unlike the introspective and quirky Oliver, David's character is set against a vibrant, retro backdrop, allowing Roberts to explore a more dynamic and socially interactive persona. An interesting detail about his casting is that Roberts was chosen for 'Red Oaks' partly due to his previous work in 'Submarine,' which impressed the creators and made him a natural fit for portraying nuanced, relatable young men.
Alexandra Socha
Skye
Fans of Alexandra Socha would appreciate her role in the TV series 'Red Oaks' because it showcases her versatile acting skills and ability to capture the nuanced, comedic-comecoming-of-age tone of the show. In 'Red Oaks,' she portrays a character immersed in the 1980s midwestern summer camp setting, balancing lighthearted humor with deeper emotional layers, which complements her most iconic performance as Skye Leighton in the Broadway musical 'Spring Awakening.' While 'Spring Awakening' highlighted her powerful vocal talent and intense dramatic presence, 'Red Oaks' allows her to explore a more understated, relatable character in a different genre. An interesting detail is that her casting in 'Red Oaks' was partly influenced by how her previous theater experience brought authenticity and depth to the ensemble, enriching the show’s dynamic beyond traditional TV casting choices.
Paul Reiser
Getty
Paul Reiser played the role of Sam Grossman in the TV series 'Red Oaks.' In this coming-of-age comedy set in the 1980s, Reiser's character is a wealthy and charming tennis instructor who brings a mix of humor and depth to the show. This role fits into Reiser's overall career by showcasing his ability to blend comedy with more nuanced, character-driven storytelling, extending beyond his earlier work primarily known from sitcoms like '
Mad About You.' What made this performance stand out is how Reiser adapted to a period piece with a unique tone, combining his comedic timing with a more dramatic style, thereby enriching his repertoire and appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences.
Oliver Cooper
Wheeler
Oliver Cooper portrayed the character David in the TV series 'Red Oaks,' a coming-of-age comedy set in the 1980s. In this role, he plays a key figure within the country club staff, contributing to the show's blend of humor and nostalgia. This performance marked a departure from his earlier, more prominent roles defined by youthful recklessness, such as his breakout role in '
Project X.' In 'Red Oaks,' Cooper showcased a more nuanced and comedic side, balancing charm and awkwardness in a period setting. This allowed him to demonstrate range beyond the party-centric characters he was known for, making it a standout performance that expanded his appeal and depth as an actor in television comedy.
Gage Golightly
Karen
Gage Golightly delivers a charming and nuanced performance as Karen in the TV series 'Red Oaks,' bringing warmth and complexity to the character's coming-of-age journey. Her portrayal stands out compared to her previous roles, such as her edgy turn in 'The Secret Circle,' showcasing her versatility as an actress. A fun trivia fact is that Gage Golightly actually learned to play some tennis scenes herself for 'Red Oaks,' adding authenticity to her role as a camp counselor.
Ennis Esmer
Nash
Ennis Esmer played the character Nash in the TV series "Red Oaks," where his performance was widely praised for its charismatic and humorous portrayal, which brought a unique blend of wit and charm to the show. What made his role stand out was his ability to balance comedy with depth, making Nash a memorable and relatable character. A lesser-known fact about Esmer's involvement is that he often improvised many of his lines on set, which added an organic and spontaneous feel to the character, much appreciated by both the cast and crew.
Jennifer Grey
Judy
Josh Meyers
Barry
Alexandra Turshen
Misty
Richard Kind
Sam Meyers
Crew of Red Oaks
Full backstage crew list →