"Insecure" alum Phil Augusta Jackson continues to share his creative mind with audiences with his new show, "Grand Crew," which is a new comedy that proves life is better with your crew. The slapstick comedy revolves around a group of young professionals is all trying to navigate the ups and downs of life and love in Los Angeles – and they always find time to gather at their favorite bar to “wine down” and unpack it all.
GRAND CREW -- "Wine & Therapy" Episode 104 -- Pictured: (l-r) Grasie Mercedes as Fay, Carl Tart as Sherm -- (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
Your Voice Media correspondent Ty Cole chatted with Jackson and executive producer, Dan Goor about the topics discussed in the series, why did they decide to go through with this show, and if we can expect Garrett Morris, who appeared in the pilot episode, to potentially make a return if picked up for season two.
Cole: Are you using this show to address the taboo topics that you may feel the Black community needs to address in order for us to grow and move forward as a community?
Jackson: Overall, with each episode, without being preachy - we definitely wanted to cover topics pertinent to the Black community even if some of those topics are uncomfortable conversations to have. In the therapy episode, we felt it was important to address because it is still stigmatized within the Black community. Throughout the course of the season, we have at least one theme relevant to the Black community and Black men specifically - still having the fun without making the joke a taboo thing.
Cole: What was it about 'Grand Crew' that made you want to be a part of the project?
"Grand Crew Premier Party" -- Pictured: (l-r) Erin Underhill, President, Universal Television; Dan Goor, Executive Producer, Grand Crew; Phil Augusta Jackson, Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer, Grand Crew; Jim Donnelly, Executive Vice President, Comedy Development, Universal Television; at Alta Adams, Los Angeles on December 11, 2021 -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Goor: I signed on with Phil first - we used to work on 'Brooklyn Nine Nine' together and I was blown away by his talent in terms of being a funny person, how he deals with people, and how his story tells. When I approached him about making a show together, he said yes, and we spent some time trying to figure out different sitcom ideas we can create - very traditional sitcom ideas. During our meetups to pitch ideas, he would tell me how he would visit this wine bar with his friends and all the different dynamics him - we figured that maybe this was the show we need to make.
Cole: Garrett Morris did an amazing job as the narrator for the pilot episode. Can we possibly get him back if picked up for a season two?
Jackson: Garrett is a legend and is so amazing as a human being. We were lucky to have him for the pilot - we did discuss bringing him in the series in the middle and towards the end but it didn't feel natural. If we're fortunate to get a second season, we will definitely have a conversation we would be open to and how we can have him tee up thematically with the storylines with what we want to achieve broadly.
While we wait for a second season (and hope for a Garrett Morris return), enjoy the rest of this juicy season one of 'Grand Crew' which you can watch every Tuesday at 8:30 PM ET on NBC.
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