This week, NBC’s streaming service “Peacock” premiered its new series “Kenan”, starring comedian and actor Kenan Thompson. So, let’s start by giving Kenan his flowers! Thompson has been a part of my childhood as he broke out as the better half of Kel Mitchell in the Nickelodeon hit show “All That”, and then we can’t forget the pairs very own show, “Kenan and Kel”. Since then, he’s spent time as part of “Saturday Night Live’s” cast, showing off his enthusiastic smile and inviting personality. Kenan’s all grown up and making his way in Hollywood as a talented actor and comedian, so It’s definitely fun seeing him in the lead role of this new sitcom.
The show begins with Kenan waking up and preparing for work. He lays out his daughters’ clothes and prepares their lunch. As he’s preparing to head out, he’s startled by a man who we learn is his father-in-law, Rick, played by Don Johnson (for all the youngins’ like myself, Don played on the 80’s hit sitcom “Miami Vice”.) His two daughters come down, played by Instagram stars Dani and Dannah Lane, and then they’re joined by Kenan’s brother/manager/assistant Redd, played by his “SNL” co-star Chris Reed.
The show transitions and shows Kenan at work, as the host of an Atlanta morning TV show. It’s there that we see the chipper personality we’re used to from Thompson. In one scene, Kenan verbally puts his foot in his mouth after sharing a story about his wife’s childbirth experience, which puts him in the hot seat. He offends women and mothers and once he goes home, he hears about it from his brother and two daughters. That scene seems to solidify the ongoing conversation in the beginning of the show, where his boss, coworkers and even his brother address his inability to admit his hurt over the loss. It’s a denial equally shared by his father-in-law. The episode ends on a lighter note with Kenan going back to work and publicly addressing the issue and righting his wrongs with his audience and viewers. And it’s the heartwarming ending that ties it all together, showing Kenan and his two daughters watching a blooper reel that showed him and their mom Cori, played by Niccole Thurman, on the set of a show where they met, where Cori played Kenan’s mother. The chemistry was extremely awkward but very funny, which makes it very interesting to see how the show will continue on, and hopefully they’ll keep featuring Cori throughout the season.
I love how they used this first episode to set things up. You see how fast paced Kenan’s life is, juggling a job working as a TV personality, but then coming home and being such a hands-on full-time dad. Another thing that was interesting to see was a sitcom that shows a Black man raising two bi-racial daughters with the help of Redd, and White father-in-law. What’s so interesting to me is that his “tribe” is all men, and while I’m not sure where things will go and whether or not the show will expand and bring in a more maternal character, so far, I love seeing this “girl dad” image! It’s my favorite element of the show, especially when showcased the way it was early on in the show. We see Kenan laying his girls clothes for school out and struggling to come up with the perfect outfit. But when he finally does, he puts his hands over his heart, smiling and feeling relieved. It’s so beautiful to see a Black man portrayed positively as a role model and positive force in his daughter’s lives, and not just for Kenan, but seeing the support and backing he receives from his deceased wife’s father and his brother.
Another thing that I loved was the two totally different, but very similar settings. Kenan’s workplace setting is whacky, as he’s surrounded by quite the characters. There’s his ratings obsessed, quirky co-host Tami, played by Taylor Louderman and his “tomboyesque” sports reporter known as “Pam on Sports”, played by comedian, Fortune Feimster. While his coworkers are wired and full of this weird energy (like most morning tv show hosts are), they are the perfect balance for Kenan’s sassy daughters and comedic father-in-law and brother. I can’t lie, prior to watching the show I wasn’t immediately drawn in, simply because this isn’t my type of guilty pleasure tv. But I must admit, after watching it I was hooked and love seeing Kenan excel in the role. I think all the elements are there, including a good balance of personalities between the cast. I will say that I think the two girls playing Kenan’s daughters are going to eventually steal the spotlight! Their acting is on point and they are just so cute! I’m also very interested to see what other issues they tackle, as well as address. Overall, the sitcom is a breath of fresh air, especially during these trying times when we all could use a laugh! But don’t just take my word for it! You can see for yourself and catch “Kenan” every Tuesday night, airing at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.
