Paramount+ has landed a new reboot of a cherished sitcom from the early 2000s. Deadline reports Mara Brock Akil’s (Girlfriends, Love Is) The Game has been picked up for a ten-episode series order on the streaming service. The original series aired for three seasons on The CW and for six seasons on BET. Devon Greggory (American Soul, Forgive Me) has been tapped to write and serve as showrunner.
According to Deadline, the reboot will see the return of original cast members Wendy Raquel Robinson (Insecure, The Steve Harvey Show) and Hosea Chanchez (Black Lightning, Fanatic) reprising their roles as Tasha Mack and Malik Wright, respectively. Tasha was a single mother whose son, Malik, became a pro football star for the San Diego Sabers. As his career blossomed, she rose to prominence as a popular sports agent. Now set in Las Vegas, a new slate of athletes will embark on a sports career that will embody more than just what happens on the field. The series is set to examine different social issues through the lens of modern-day Black sportsmen.
“Fifteen years ago, I created The Game and am so proud of the success we had, and that I was able to create characters and stories that resonated with so many people,” Akil said via Deadline. “I couldn’t be happier about leaving my beloved characters like Tasha Mack and Malik Wright in the hands of Devon, Wendy and Hosea, who I know will build off of the rich foundation the show has,” Akil said via Deadline.
Deadline reports Greggory will serve as an executive producer along with Akil, Salim Akil (Black Lightning, Sparkle) Kelsey Grammer (Fraiser, Boss), and Tom Russo (Light as a Feather, You’re Not a Monster). Grammer and Russo will produce through their Grammnet NH Productions. CBS Studios will also produce.
“The Game is a show I faithfully watched, with characters I grew to love, and now I have the honor of guiding them into the future,” Greggory said according to Deadline. “I’m simply thrilled to be hand-selected by Mara, Julie and CBS Studios to take over the creative reins of such an iconic and culturally significant series.” Greggory continued via Deadline.
The original series starred Tia Mowery (Sister, Sister, Family Reunion) and Pooch Hall (Warehouse 13, Ray Donovan) as a new couple venturing into the world of professional sports. Mowery played Melanie, a medical student who followed her NFL boyfriend, Derwin, on his journey to play football. Along the way, the couple would be tested by different trials notoriously popular with pro athletes. From infidelity and financial woes to injuries and substance misuse. The original series, which was a half-hour, also starred Brittany Daniel (Skylie, White Chicks), Colby Bell (The Passage, Walker), Rick Fox (Greenleaf, All Rise), and Gabrielle Dennis (A Black Lady Sketch Show, The Upshaws). In the later BET seasons, the series expanded to an hour and saw the additions of Jay Ellis (Insecure, Escape Room), Brandy (Moesha, Star), and Lauren London (Without Remorse, ATL). Characters from both iterations of the series are set to make guest appearances.
“From the moment it debuted, The Game was a groundbreaking series that used humor, heart and memorable characters to explore real issues involving race, gender and, of course, football,” added Julie McNamara, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming, Paramount+ via Deadline. “What better time for Devon and the whole team to reunite for fresh look at a world that has only become more at-the-center of the cultural conversation today,” McNamara said via Deadline.
“I love this show,” Grammer said via Deadline. “I am very excited to see this new turn in its life and excited to wave the Paramount+ banner, as well. Grammnet NH Productions has been in business long time and proudly explored diverse and inclusive material for decades. I am really looking forward to seeing this show on the air.” Grammer added via Deadline.