Earlier this month, ABC premiered its only new comedy for the season called The Mayor. It’s a hilarious sitcom
about a young man (played by Brandon Micheal Hall) who, in an attempt to get some attention and build his music career, decides to appear in a local mayoral debate and ultimately, gets elected as the Mayor. Along with his family and friends, he is now tasked with making some pretty important decisions that affect his community, all while still living at home!
During my recent #ThorRagnarokEvent, we had a chance to visit ABC Studios and sit with 2 of the hilarious stars from the show, Bernard Davis Jones and Marcel Spears. Our interview went pretty much just as the show does – we talked about some real life issues and how young people could and should feel empowered to make a difference in their societies – all while laughing hysterically!
From the moment we walked into the room, the intense energy and warmth of these two guys was apparent. This is actually both of their first tv show experiences and you could immediately see just how humbled and passionate they are about this show. They gave us a look into what’s to come this season and some of the upcoming episodes that really resonated with them. I don’t want to give you any spoilers, but here are some things you can look forward to this season on The Mayor.
We can all appreciate this. I’ve shared about some of my grief recently when watching what I thought was a family show with my kids and all of a sudden found myself being asked the question “Mommy, what is a sex toy?” by my 5 year old!
Not only is this a family show, but it’s a safe space for kids with characters your kids can aspire to become. Hellooo…a young African American city kid turned mayor? YES!
Marcel recalls growing up in an underprivileged neighborhood in New Orleans and how this show really speaks to his younger self. I can definitely relate to this sentiment.
Important issues addressed in a fun, non-exhausting or scary way.
Although this isn’t just an issue-driven show, it is centered around young people trying to be a catalyst for change in their communities. For example, in the episode we screened during our interview, the Mayor wanted to place a music program in schools and had to go up against the powers that be to push for that change.
Great chemistry between the characters
If you watch the show and believe that these characters really are as close as they seem, it’s because they are. The guys shared with us how well they all get along and support each other both on and off set. We were touched to learn that Yvette Nicole Brown, who plays the mom in the show, actually helped Marcus pay to get to New York and find and apartment. The guys were sure to point out how the women on the set were truly bosses (as we know), but were still just like big sisters to them. We had to know what it was like to work with David Spade who plays Councilman Ed Gunt (also the antagonist in the show) and learned that he is just as much of a fun loving, down to earth guy we thought.
The Music
As I mentioned earlier, the whole premise of the show was how the character of the Mayor drummed up this publicity stunt to promote his music career. So, naturally, the music is a part of the show. All of the songs from the show are also available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.
Photo credit: (ABC/Tony Rivetti)
(L-R) BRANDON MICHEAL HALL, MARCEL SPEARS, YVETTE NICOLE BROWN, BERNARD DAVID JONES
Be sure to check out The Mayor on Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC. (You can also watch On Demand or on the ABC App.)
Have you seen it yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the show in the comments!
Awesome interview. I am so excited for this movie. Love me some Thor.
That must have been the best time ever! When I decided to give this show a chance, I didn’t have high hopes for it. I figured it was be goofy and miss the mark. I was SO WRONG! It’s one of the best shows on network television right now, in my opinion.
YAY! Glad you gave it a chance!
The Mayor is one of the best shows on network television right now. Of course, it’s funny, but it’s also incredibly smart, which is so important to its premise.
It is very smart and important. I’m so glad you like it!
I haven’t watched this one yet. I need to catch up- you make it sound so good!
Thanks for letting me know about another show that would be a worthwhile watch. I will let my husband know about The Mayor too. Sometimes we get bored watching re-runs!
I haven’t seen this show yet, but I like the storyline and the life lessons it imparts. To be a catalyst for change, at such a young age and coming from an underprivileged neighborhood will teach young viewers that they too can do their part to be part of that change for a better, and safer world.
It’s really cool that the cast gets along so well off-camera too. That definitely tends to carry over to their chemistry on-screen!
I’ve yet to watch this! I don’t watch a lot of TV but I have heard this is a pretty good show. Sounds like the actors are good guys too.
I’ve never seen an episode but it sounds like a great show! I’m pretty sure I’m going to enjoy watching this!
I haven’t seen it yet, but I did record it. It looks like such a great show that really does address a lot of important issues. As soon as I get some free time, I am going to watch it. It sounds like it will be such a good show!
What a fun experience to share, sounds like this was certainly something to remember. I love seeing others have great experiences like this. Glad to read more.
My daughter would be super jealous of you right now! She just loves Thor and Lokie!
I haven’t caught The Mayor yet. Love that the characters have great chemistry though. That’s so important for a good show.
What a cool interview! I so need to watch this show! Putting it on my list now!
This looks like a great show! Will definitely give this a try!!
I think I have moved to exclusively binge watching shows. Need to check out The Mayor on demand or on the app. Sounds like it’s right up my alley.
I keep seeing commercials for The Mayor. It looks like an interesting show and awesome you got to go to the media event for this and Thor!
I hadn’t heard of this show before, but it looks like a good one. I would love to check it out!
I love to hear about people being warm and fun off-screen. Even better if they love the work they’re doing. You really can feel that passion if they do. Glad you got to have this visit!
Shows like this are always nice to watch, they address issues without offending people and that’s really amazing! It’s so nice that you got to interact with the cast and visit the set!