TCA Press Tour: The revolution WILL be televised with 'Undercovers'

J.J. Abrams and the creative team behind NBC's new spy thriller "Undercovers" did not intentionally set out to revolutionize TV by casting two black leads.

But executive producer Josh Reims  said Friday that casting Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as a married couple who become a spy team gives the show an added jolt and visibility.

"When we went to casting, we set out to see every possible incarnation of person," said Reims. "We wanted to look different.... We didn't go out of our way by saying we're hiring two black leads, but we knew it would be great."

Reims added, "We were not going to hire two black people just to hire them. We don't consider we're revolutionizing TV, but we also realize it's a big deal. We all wish it were not such a big deal."

Kodjoe said he was proud to be part of a TV milestone: "It's important to know that it is revolutionary. It's not the norm, but it should be the norm. The world is diverse.... It is important that we get a chance to be trailblazers, but let's also keep in mind that we hope to inspire people that this is normal so it's not seen as taking a chance. It's just being creative."

— Greg Braxton

Photo: Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Boris Kodjoe in "Undercovers." Credit: Chris Haston/NBC.

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Comments

[kwhy8strm]

I am hoping that the show will be a success, and I realize that it depends on a lot of factors, script, story line, and the ensemble cast etc.
But as a Black person I am fearful that old tired traditions
and stereotypical responses will derail, the show.
Traditionally White america is not interested in seeing
Blacks in roles that dont feature comedic formats. They
don't take us seriously, unless we are dancing and laughing.
And our own people, who still make up a substantially small
segment of a TV audience.
Yes there is a place for the tired hackneyed modern day
Amos and Andy sitcoms that Tyler Perry produces, just like
there are plenty of "stupid sitcoms" featuring a primarily
white cast.I would just hope that people are now willing to accept the diversity, when it comes to a Black lead.