The new series WHAT’S UP, WARTHOGS! airs on Family Channel and the newly launched Disney XD, following a small group of students who take on the mission of making their school announcement show shine. Karissa Staples portrays Victoria, Tiago Abreu plays Eric, and Eduard Witzke embodies Charlie. Their perspectives provide a window into the show’s energy, the strong character mix, and the camaraderie that fuels every take.
When asked to sum up the show, the actors describe it as pure fun with a fast pace. The ensemble features four distinct personalities: a genius thinker, an enthusiastic AV club member, the cool kid, and the quirky, offbeat Charlie. The cast likens their dynamic to a Scooby Doo style lineup, where different temperaments clash and then click to pull off something entertaining. What makes the show engaging, they say, is that no two people are alike, and that contrast is exactly what keeps the story lively.
On the topic of their characters, Victoria Jagger stands out as an independent and driven young leader who campaigns for student body president. Yet she is relatable and easy to root for, and over time she forms meaningful friendships with Eric, Charlie, and Laney while letting her hair down in moments of levity. Charlie is the wild card, a smart yet zany presence who can shift from serious notes to playful remarks in a heartbeat. He even has his own humorous alien code, a nod to the imagination that threads through the show. The group interprets human codes like 8785A Alpha Den Obi Foxtrot as a playful touch that mirrors Charlie’s quirky mindset.
Aliens make an occasional appearance as a playful premise, and the cast members admit there might be more out there. One of the actors notes that the universe can feel larger than the high school setting, hinting at ideas the show explores with curiosity and humor.
Eric is described as an energetic and natural showman who defies the stereotype of the shy AV club kid. He cares deeply about his friends, especially Charlie, and shares a complex, brotherly dynamic with Victoria that blends banter with genuine care. The group has history too, stretching back to early elementary school, which adds a frictionless familiarity that fuels their on-screen chemistry. The four personalities constantly challenge each other in a way that feels real, yet uplifting, and the cast highlights that their teamwork brings out the best in every scene.
In reflecting on personal ties to the characters, the actors share relatable threads. One notes that a bit of Eric lives in them, even if the energy level differs in real life. Victoria’s actress says she sees her character as an amplified version of herself from high school, driven and involved in everything, while still staying relatable. Charlie’s portrayer admits that he is not like the character in most ways, since the latter thrives on wild theories, yet he enjoys stepping into that imaginative mindset and running with it on screen.
Moments on set are described as consistently enjoyable. The cast points to the strong chemistry among the performers, the directors, and the production crew as a key factor in the show’s atmosphere. Off camera, friendships form that extend beyond work hours, and the crew’s openness to experimentation allows for spontaneous ideas that often land as memorable moments in a scene. There is never a dull day on set, and the team appreciates the opportunity to explore ideas that go beyond what is written in the script.
The actors recall their own high school announcements, which many find underwhelming compared to the on-screen antics. The experiences differ: one notes a forgettable routine, another recalls the nervous energy that filled the room, and a third describes a French Immersion program where announcements were shared via intercom rather than broadcast. The contrast helps convey why the show’s premise—turning school announcements into entertaining television—feels fresh and exciting to viewers.
When asked about favorite TV shows, the cast members share a mix of classic and contemporary tastes. One favors FRIENDS and SEINFELD, another grew up loving Will Smith and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, while a third names Family Guy as a personal favorite. If the actors were not performing, career paths would diverge. One studied theatre at a university, another admits uncertainty about any alternative path, and a third explored sciences before choosing acting as the main focus. Even with the pull toward performance, the door to other creative endeavors remains open for each of them.
Stand-up comedy is part of Eduard Witzke’s background, and the conversation turns to which he prefers: acting or stand-up. Acting wins out for him, thanks to its collaborative nature and the chance to work with others in a shared creative process. Stand-up remains appealing in its own right, but the energy of a live show and the teamwork behind a performance make acting the favored path.
The conversation closes with thanks to the cast of WHAT’S UP, WARTHOGS!, whose enthusiasm and warmth come through in every answer and every joke. The show continues to draw in viewers with its friendly chaos, smart humor, and the sense that a group of students can pull off something surprisingly bright and memorable on screen.
Source: cast interview materials for WHAT’S UP, WARTHOGS!