UB Spotlight: ‘Kenan’ Series Premiere | Tuesday on NBC
Kenan Thompson is gearing up for his new executive produced sitcom.
“Kenan” Premieres next Tuesday, February 16th at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
Kenan Thompson is currently in his 18th season on “Saturday Night Live” as the show’s longest-running cast member.
This single-camera comedy follows a widowed dad, Kenan, who’s juggling a high-profile job as the host of an Atlanta morning show and raising his two girls. As Kenan tries to move on, his father-in-law played by legendary actor Don Johnson and his brother played by Chris Redd.
Also featured are his co-workers who all have strong opinions on the best way to live his life.
The show centers on the familial relationships as Kenan tries to reclaim his life after his wife’s death. Kenan’s daughters are his world – the too smart Aubrey (Dani Lane) and the silly, unpredictable Birdie (Dannah Lane). He struggles to balance parenting them as a single dad and hosting his show, which leads him to reluctantly accepting help from his father-in-law. Rick was a gallivanting sax player when his daughter, Cori (Niccole Thurman), was young and missed out on a lot of her childhood, so he is aiming to make that up with his granddaughters, although his old-school parenting style doesn’t often match up to Kenan’s.
At work, Kenan excels at his job with the help of his driven executive producer Mika played by Kimrie Lewis). Mika can be tightly wound, especially when Gary, as Kenan’s not-so-managerial manager, tries to insert himself, but Mika remains a confidante and ally to Kenan. They are able to be vulnerable with one another and connect as friends … and maybe something more.
On Tuesday‘s Pilot; Kenan thinks he’s adjusted to life as a busy, single parent but after everyone confronts him about denying his grief, he realizes it’s time to make some changes. Gary thinks it’s time for Rick to move out of the house.
UB screened the pilot this week and we can co-sign it by saying, it’s a winner! One of the first things we loved about it is the plot is based around a single black father. We haven’t seen that on television since since Flex Alexander’s One on One.
Another great thing about Kenan, is it’s current and this generation of youth will connect right away. Influencers and even Beyoncé’ and the Beehive, have references in the pilot.
A story about a man, newly widowed, trying to further his career and being forced to get use to being a single father, touches home for some. It’s great to see Kenan take this route, while continuing to expand his brand with his first prime-time series.
Legendary Don Johnson is always a pleasure when on screen and Chris Redd definitely brings the funny along with Kenan. The Lane twins are a delight and Kimrie Lewis is another great addition to the cast.
Upcoming projects for Kenan include Paramount’s “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and the Disney+ “Home Alone” reboot.
Check out Our Clips. Kenan Tells us About the New Series Plot and Kimrie Lewis, Dani Lane and Dannah Lane also talk “Kenan.”
Tuesday, February 16th at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
