An action movie could be a tearjerker — according to Grand Crew star Justin Cunningham. Hmmm, I wonder what action movie made me muster up some tears? Maybe like half of the Spider-Man films?
Anywho, Cunningham is one of the leads of the new freshmen comedy which follows a group of Black friends who meet up at their local wine bar to talk about careers, goals, love, who tend to always find themselves in a quirky situation and finding a way out. The series also stars Nicole Byer, Echo Kellum, Grasie Mercedes, Carl Tart, and Anthony Jennings. The show is based on writer and producer Phil Augusta Jackson's experiences with his own friends who also meet up at a local wine bar.
Your Voice Media chatted with Cunningham and Mercedes about the last film that made them cry, being added to Drew Barrymore's Top 20 shows to watch list, and what are some of the themes they feel the show will address that will stick with the audience.
"Well, I will say it wasn't the new Spider-Man, as I thought it was alright," Cunningham laughs. "It actually was the new Matrix film. Despite folks saying they didn't like it; I can see the writers were exhaling something in the story. It also was a film about finding who you are again and because I suffered from extreme anxiety, I had to go through a similar process with finding myself as well. Now, I'm learning a lot more about myself, especially with the show.
GRAND CREW -- "Wine & Hip-Hop" Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Grasie Mercedes as Fay, Justin Cunningham as Wyatt -- (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
To be added to Barrymore's Top 20 shows list is a big deal, and Mercedes was very excited to see Grand Crew on the list.
"I was super excited as I'm a huge Drew Barrymore fan," she said. "I had the opportunity to meet her once and I freaked out. She was so sweet, and it was the best moment ever. I felt like I grew up with her. It was very cool to not only be on her list but to be amongst so many great shows. It felt like a real honor, and I hope it prompts more people to watch the show."
GRAND CREW -- "Wine & Headlines" Episode 107 -- Pictured: Grasie Mercedes as Fay -- (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
The NBC comedy covers a plethora of themes in each episode from veganism, therapy, marriage, negotiations, mental health days, and more. Cunningham shares how the mental health day episode touched him and hopes it resonates with fans.
"In episode 2, when we covered self-care, it really stuck with me," said Cunningham. "Watching Echo and Nicole, in character, go out and do these activities for their mental health day is something that I'm very big on and I feel it will stick with audiences. Self-care is very important, and it focuses on what you need for yourself. I also think of the complexities in friendship — sometimes push and pull. If you come from a place of honesty and be a righteous person, you'll be okay."
Add watching 'Grand Crew' to your mental health regimen and catch new episodes every Tuesday on NBC.
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