NBC had a busy day, ordering three pilots to series, renewing a slew of its programs likeYoung RockandGrand Crew, and canceling three shows includingKenan Thompson’s comedyKenanand the heist dramaThe Endgame.Kenanends its run after just two seasons on the network whileThe Endgamecouldn’t make it past its inaugural outing.
Kenanwas theSNLstar’s return to the sitcom genre, this time without his partner in crimeKel Mitchell. The show featured Thompson as a widowed dad who’s doing his best to balance life as a morning show host in Atlanta and as a father with two daughters. Throughout the series, he constantly receives advice from those around him about how to move on and live his life, including from his father-in-law Rick (Don Johnson), brother Gary (Chris Redd), and his co-workers. The show also featuredKimrie Lewis,Dani Lane,Dannah Lane, andTaylor Loudermanamong others.
The Endgamescratched a very different itch meanwhile, starringMorena Baccarinas a criminal mastermind of unparalleled levels. It centered on Baccarin’s Elena Federova who, after being detained for her schemes as an international arms dealer and general crime lord, still manages to orchestrate a number of high profile and highly coordinated bank heists while still imprisoned. Meanwhile, Val Turner (Ryan Michelle Bathe), a socially outcast FBI agent with relentless grit and determination, is dedicated to cracking down on her plans.Kamal Angelo Bolden,Costa Ronin,Noah Bean,Jordan Johnson-Hinds, andMark D. Espinozaalso starred in the drama.
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Universal Television producedKenanin association with Broadway Video. Thompson headed the list of executive producers which also included hisSNLbossLorne Michaelsalong withKen Whittingham,Andrew Singer, and series creatorsDavid CaspeandJackie Clarke. Thompson was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy in 2021 for his role in the series.
The Endgame, meanwhile, also hailed from Universal Television withChuckandScorpionexecutive producerNick Woottonas the writer alongsideQuantico’sJake Coburn.Justin LinandJulie Plecalso worked on the series. All four executive produced through their respective banners withEmily Cumminsjoining through Plec’s My So-Called Company andAndrew Schneiderthrough Lin’s Perfect Storm Entertainment.
As NBC sunsets the pair of shows along withTed Danson’s comedyMr. Mayor, it makes way for a new era of older television shows on the network. Both theQuantum LeapandNight Courtreboots were ordered to series for the 2022-23 season, as wasGeorge Lopez’sreturn to broadcast televisionLopez vs. Lopez.
