TCA Press Tour: The revolution WILL be televised with ‘Undercovers’
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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
Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Boris Kodjoe in ‘Undercovers.’ Credit: Chris Haston/NBC.
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