Mr. Marsh emphasized that “Andi Mack” was written in a “relatable, respectful
and age-appropriate way.” Consultants from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and the National Center on Adoption and Permanency were hired to help Ms. Minsky navigate the family-twist drama.
Where can I go that would elevate the content and get people talking about us in a way that is different from the way they talk about us normally?”
Sitting in his office here, amid mementos from glory-days hits like “High School Musical,” Mr. Marsh mused about
breakthrough shows for adults like “Orange Is the New Black” on Netflix and “The Walking Dead” on AMC.
“As long as you don’t let go of your pivot foot, you will be safe.”
An earlier version of this article omitted part of the name of an organization
that was hired to consult on “Andi Mack.” It is the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, not the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
“He said, ‘We’re kind of looking to do something different — we feel like ABC Family has abdicated
that market for teenagers, and there is an opportunity for us,’” Ms. Minsky recalled.
“Andi Mack” got its start in 2015, when Mr. Marsh asked a television writer named Terri Minsky to have breakfast.