Come this January, A&E will be helping us get up close and personal with the Wahlberg family, as Wahlburgers is set to premiere early in 2014. The series will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Donnie and Mark Wahlbergs’ “tasty business venture,” the burger restaurant, fittingly named Walhburgers.
Combining two elements reality TV can’t seem to get enough of — celebrities and food — Wahlburgers premieres January 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on A&E and will give us an inside look into Donnie, Mark and their brother Paul’s restaurant venture as they join forces to pay homage to “their humble beginnings” with Wahlburgers, a business that will bring the gang from the old neighborhood back together. That includes the original Johnny “Drama,” the man who presumably inspired the character in Mark Wahlberg’s HBO dramedy Entourage.
As a fan of burgers, as well as a former 80s kid and 90s teen who had both Mark and Donnie among her biggest crushes during certain points in their respective music careers, I wholeheartedly approve of this venture on A&E’s part. But given that both of the better known Wahlbergs have active careers in the industry — films and producing for Mark and a starring role in Blue Bloods for Donnie— and from what A&E’s release says, it sounds like their brother Paul will be front and center in this series, along with Alma, the Wahlberg men’s mother, and also Johnny “Drama” Alves and Henry “Nacho” Laun. It’ll be interesting to get to know them as the series airs, and see how they work together to get their business off the ground. Hopefully A&E will share some photos or a trailer soon. In the meantime, here are some more details:
The youngest of nine siblings, Mark and Donnie are no strangers to being in the spotlight. Now it’s older brother Paul’s turn to shine as he takes on the challenges of running a burger joint that touts the family name. Even with his brothers’ full support, this proves no easy task as he gets caught up in a whirlwind of bustling kitchens, an impending expansion and everything in between. The chef and restaurateur iscareful to capture the flavor of their Dorchester home in every aspect of the restaurant.At the heart of the family, and the chaos, is the matriarch of the Wahlberg clan, Alma. The mother who has seen it all is still the apple of her sons’ eyes. The battle to be her favorite is constant among the men who don’t make any big decisions without their mother’s backing. She isn’t afraid to step in and speak her mind and when she does, everyone listens.Never far from the action is Mark and Donnie’s original entourage, Johnny “Drama” Alves and Henry “Nacho” Laun. These childhood pals are not reluctant to take advantage of old friendships, especially when it comes to a free burger. Also from the old neighborhood is Mark’s childhood friend, and former partner-in-crime, Billy Leonard who is by his side when he’s in town and keeps him up-to-date when he’s not.In the city that witnessed the family’s rags-to-riches story become a reality, all eyes are on theWahlbergs who are determined to make the restaurant a success in Boston and beyond. Now they just have to agree on a second location.
