![Saturday Night Live (1975)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTlkZTZmZTctM2QyMy00MDFkLTk2ZjMtYjRmNjg4ZjJmMWFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzQ2MDI5NjU@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Saturday Night Live (1975)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTlkZTZmZTctM2QyMy00MDFkLTk2ZjMtYjRmNjg4ZjJmMWFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzQ2MDI5NjU@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson is adding a third NBC series to his plate. The network has given a series order to The Kenan Show (aka Saving Kenan), a single-camera comedy starring and executive produced by Thompson, from Universal TV and Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video. This is NBC’s second new comedy series pickup for next season, joining Kal Penn’s Sunnyside.
Thompson, who has become the heart and soul of SNL during his tenure, has repeatedly said he has no plans to quit SNL even with its ever-expanding portfolio.
“It’s the best job in the world,” Thompson said recently on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “I can’t see myself just walking away from it like that, even with how busy I’ve been with another show on NBC called Bring the Funny.”
The unscripted Bring The Funny, a reality competition series, is one of his now-three series on NBC.
Thompson, who has become the heart and soul of SNL during his tenure, has repeatedly said he has no plans to quit SNL even with its ever-expanding portfolio.
“It’s the best job in the world,” Thompson said recently on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “I can’t see myself just walking away from it like that, even with how busy I’ve been with another show on NBC called Bring the Funny.”
The unscripted Bring The Funny, a reality competition series, is one of his now-three series on NBC.
- 5/10/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC is getting even more of Kenan Thompson, picking up the “Saturday Night Live” vet’s comedy, “The Kenan Show” to series.
Here is the logline for the series, from NBC: In this family comedy, Kenan Thompson strives to be a super dad to his two adorable girls while simultaneously balancing his job and a father-in-law who “helps” in the most inappropriate ways. Thompson stars alongside Punam Patel, Dani and Dannah Lockett and Andy Garcia.
Despite the series pickup, Thompson is expected to remain on the long-running sketch comedy show when it returns in the fall for its 45th season. “SNL” has two episodes left in its current season.
Also Read: Fall TV 2019: Every Broadcast Show Canceled, Renewed and Ordered So Far (Updating)
Last week, Thompson told Ellen DeGeneres he wasn’t leaving “SNL,” which he has been with since 2003. “It’s the best job in the world. I...
Here is the logline for the series, from NBC: In this family comedy, Kenan Thompson strives to be a super dad to his two adorable girls while simultaneously balancing his job and a father-in-law who “helps” in the most inappropriate ways. Thompson stars alongside Punam Patel, Dani and Dannah Lockett and Andy Garcia.
Despite the series pickup, Thompson is expected to remain on the long-running sketch comedy show when it returns in the fall for its 45th season. “SNL” has two episodes left in its current season.
Also Read: Fall TV 2019: Every Broadcast Show Canceled, Renewed and Ordered So Far (Updating)
Last week, Thompson told Ellen DeGeneres he wasn’t leaving “SNL,” which he has been with since 2003. “It’s the best job in the world. I...
- 5/10/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
![Saturday Night Live (1975)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTlkZTZmZTctM2QyMy00MDFkLTk2ZjMtYjRmNjg4ZjJmMWFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzQ2MDI5NjU@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Saturday Night Live (1975)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTlkZTZmZTctM2QyMy00MDFkLTk2ZjMtYjRmNjg4ZjJmMWFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzQ2MDI5NjU@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
Saturday Night Live veteran Kenan Thompson is indeed ready for prime time: NBC has ordered to series The Kenan Show, a sitcom starring Thompson, TVLine has learned.
The family comedy centers on Thompson’s single father, who strives to be a super dad to his two adorable girls while balancing his job and a relationship with his father-in-law… who “helps” in the most inappropriate ways. Oscar nominee Andy Garcia will play the aforementioned father-in-law, while newcomers Dani Lockett and Dannah Lockett will portray Thompson’s young daughters.
Thompson and SNL boss Lorne Michaels will serve as executive producers on the show,...
The family comedy centers on Thompson’s single father, who strives to be a super dad to his two adorable girls while balancing his job and a relationship with his father-in-law… who “helps” in the most inappropriate ways. Oscar nominee Andy Garcia will play the aforementioned father-in-law, while newcomers Dani Lockett and Dannah Lockett will portray Thompson’s young daughters.
Thompson and SNL boss Lorne Michaels will serve as executive producers on the show,...
- 5/10/2019
- TVLine.com
With the network screenings wrapping up, we are heading into the final stage of pilot season when network executives take the pilots that had screened the best/tested the highest and see which of them fit into their schedules for next season. With ABC’s order Thursday of Black-ish‘s young Rainbow-centered prequel Mixed-ish kicking off the new series pickups, here is our final pilot buzz list.
The field of leading ABC drama contenders has narrowed down a bit. Staying strong after the screenings are early standouts Pi drama Stumptown starring Cobie Smulders, the soapy, John Mayer song-inspired Heart of Life, the new NYPD Blue and the untitled Hank Steinberg /50 Cent legal drama. NY Undercover also has supporters; I hear its fate might be tied to that of bubble drama The Rookie as ABC is unlikely to go for three cop dramas in these two and NYPD Blue. I...
The field of leading ABC drama contenders has narrowed down a bit. Staying strong after the screenings are early standouts Pi drama Stumptown starring Cobie Smulders, the soapy, John Mayer song-inspired Heart of Life, the new NYPD Blue and the untitled Hank Steinberg /50 Cent legal drama. NY Undercover also has supporters; I hear its fate might be tied to that of bubble drama The Rookie as ABC is unlikely to go for three cop dramas in these two and NYPD Blue. I...
- 5/4/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
![Kenan Thompson](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc5NzQ4MjY4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMjcyNTM1._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Kenan Thompson](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc5NzQ4MjY4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMjcyNTM1._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
Don’t fret, “SNL” fans: Kenan Thompson ain’t going nowhere.
Ellen DeGeneres got to the bottom of Thompson’s “Saturday Night Live” future on her Friday show, asking the longest-tenured cast member in the show’s illustrious history if he’ll still be at the sketch-comedy staple for “a fourth president.” Yes, his 16-year run (to-date) has spanned three different commanders in chief.
“Oh, I would love it,” Thompson responded, adding: “Hopefully it’ll be, like, in 2020.”
Also Read: Is There a New 'SNL' Episode Airing This Week?
“You’re staying?” Ellen followed.
“Yeah,” Kenan said. “It’s the best job in the world. I can’t see myself just walking away from it like that, even with how busy I’ve been lately, like I’m doing another show on NBC called ‘Bring the Funny.'”
Watch the video above. The clip also contains the time Thompson did the “worst,...
Ellen DeGeneres got to the bottom of Thompson’s “Saturday Night Live” future on her Friday show, asking the longest-tenured cast member in the show’s illustrious history if he’ll still be at the sketch-comedy staple for “a fourth president.” Yes, his 16-year run (to-date) has spanned three different commanders in chief.
“Oh, I would love it,” Thompson responded, adding: “Hopefully it’ll be, like, in 2020.”
Also Read: Is There a New 'SNL' Episode Airing This Week?
“You’re staying?” Ellen followed.
“Yeah,” Kenan said. “It’s the best job in the world. I can’t see myself just walking away from it like that, even with how busy I’ve been lately, like I’m doing another show on NBC called ‘Bring the Funny.'”
Watch the video above. The clip also contains the time Thompson did the “worst,...
- 5/3/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
With the WGA-Ata war fully raging, diversity discussions at the forefront of the industry and numerous new rivals entering the original-content game, there is arguably more pressure than ever on the broadcast networks to make the right call when it comes to pilot pickups.
Here’s what Variety’s insiders are saying about this season’s offerings.
ABC
On the comedy front, three female-led pilots look to charge ahead at ABC.
An untitled Hannah Simone project has enjoyed support within ABC from the start. Simone’s “Greatest American Hero” pilot at ABC last year was ultimately passed over, but she still has many supporters at the network.
Another hot prospect comes from writer Jessica Gao, fresh off an Emmy win for her work on “Rick and Morty.” Hopes for the untitled pilot are bolstered not only by Gao’s recent success but also by Brian Grazer serving as exec producer.
Here’s what Variety’s insiders are saying about this season’s offerings.
ABC
On the comedy front, three female-led pilots look to charge ahead at ABC.
An untitled Hannah Simone project has enjoyed support within ABC from the start. Simone’s “Greatest American Hero” pilot at ABC last year was ultimately passed over, but she still has many supporters at the network.
Another hot prospect comes from writer Jessica Gao, fresh off an Emmy win for her work on “Rick and Morty.” Hopes for the untitled pilot are bolstered not only by Gao’s recent success but also by Brian Grazer serving as exec producer.
- 5/1/2019
- by Joe Otterson and Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
![Saturday Night Live (1975)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTlkZTZmZTctM2QyMy00MDFkLTk2ZjMtYjRmNjg4ZjJmMWFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzQ2MDI5NjU@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Saturday Night Live (1975)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTlkZTZmZTctM2QyMy00MDFkLTk2ZjMtYjRmNjg4ZjJmMWFlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzQ2MDI5NjU@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
In May 2012, Saturday Night Live said good-bye to two of its biggest stars, Andy Samberg and Kristen Wiig, prompting the usual gloom-and-doom forecast for NBC’s veteran late-night sketch comedy program.
A few months later, SNL introduced one of its strongest group of female performers ever with Kate McKinnon, Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant, who all were featured players at the start of Season 38 in the fall of 2012 (McKinnon made her debut on the show at the end of Season 37). The trio, along with SNL doyen Kenan Thompson and several strong newer cast additions, including Leslie Jones, have kept SNL thriving even after Samberg and Wiig’s departures were followed by the exits by Jason Sudeikis, Fred Armisen, and Bill Hader a season later.
The standard SNL contracts are for seven years. I hear McKinnon is under her original contract, which is coming up. Meanwhile, I hear Strong and Bryant...
A few months later, SNL introduced one of its strongest group of female performers ever with Kate McKinnon, Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant, who all were featured players at the start of Season 38 in the fall of 2012 (McKinnon made her debut on the show at the end of Season 37). The trio, along with SNL doyen Kenan Thompson and several strong newer cast additions, including Leslie Jones, have kept SNL thriving even after Samberg and Wiig’s departures were followed by the exits by Jason Sudeikis, Fred Armisen, and Bill Hader a season later.
The standard SNL contracts are for seven years. I hear McKinnon is under her original contract, which is coming up. Meanwhile, I hear Strong and Bryant...
- 4/29/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s late April. Normally at this time TV business’ attention is focused almost squarely on the broadcast pilot season as it is heading into its final stages — network pilot screenings followed by new series pickups. But this is not a normal time. With the WGA-Ata standoff completely dominating the Hollywood conversation following the mass firing of agents by writers, it has been hard for anyone to focus on pilot season. Here is what I hear is hot at the networks. Keep in mind that the information is still incomplete as not all pilots have been delivered to the networks. We will have a fuller picture at the end of next week when most of the pilots will have screened.
Pi drama Bad Alibi (fka Stumptown) starring Cobie Smulders and the untitled Hank Steinberg /50 Cent legal drama continue to be getting strong buzz, with ABC authorizing all...
Pi drama Bad Alibi (fka Stumptown) starring Cobie Smulders and the untitled Hank Steinberg /50 Cent legal drama continue to be getting strong buzz, with ABC authorizing all...
- 4/27/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
![Punam Patel](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmZhYmE2NWMtNTBkNi00ZTcxLWFjYjUtNTMyOGQ1YjZiY2E0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTgyNDk3Njg@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,1,140,207_.jpg)
![Punam Patel](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmZhYmE2NWMtNTBkNi00ZTcxLWFjYjUtNTMyOGQ1YjZiY2E0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTgyNDk3Njg@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,1,140,207_.jpg)
Exclusive: Punam Patel (Kevin From Work) is set as a series regular opposite Kenan Thompson and Andy Garcia in NBC’s single-camera comedy pilot The Kenan Show (fka Saving Kenan), from Universal TV.
Written by Jackie Clarke and directed by Chris Rock, The Kenan Show centers on a newly widowed dad (Thompson) determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law, Percy (Garcia), a retired police officer, become more involved in their lives.
Patel will play Erica, Kenan’s loyal friend and co-worker.
Thompson, Clarke and Rock executive produce with Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer for Broadway Video.
Patel, who played the series regular role of Patti on Kevin From Work, most recently recurred on Fox comedy series The Cool Kids and in Amy Poehler’s NBC series I Feel Bad. Her other previous TV credits include Freeform’s Alone Together and truTV’s Adam Ruins Everything.
Written by Jackie Clarke and directed by Chris Rock, The Kenan Show centers on a newly widowed dad (Thompson) determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law, Percy (Garcia), a retired police officer, become more involved in their lives.
Patel will play Erica, Kenan’s loyal friend and co-worker.
Thompson, Clarke and Rock executive produce with Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer for Broadway Video.
Patel, who played the series regular role of Patti on Kevin From Work, most recently recurred on Fox comedy series The Cool Kids and in Amy Poehler’s NBC series I Feel Bad. Her other previous TV credits include Freeform’s Alone Together and truTV’s Adam Ruins Everything.
- 4/4/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
![Dannah Lane](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjE5MDE5YTEtM2I5MC00OTFiLThmZGQtZjMxMjgxNTdkYjAzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTI5MTAzNzUx._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Dannah Lane](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjE5MDE5YTEtM2I5MC00OTFiLThmZGQtZjMxMjgxNTdkYjAzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTI5MTAzNzUx._V1_QL75_UY207_CR1,0,140,207_.jpg)
Dani and Dannah Lockett have been cast in the NBC comedy pilot “The Kenan Show,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The single-cam project stars “SNL” mainstay Kenan Thompson as a newly widowed dad determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law (Andy Garcia) become more involved in their lives.
Dani will play Emma, Kenan’s daughters who is good-hearted and trusting almost at her peril. Dannah will play Sophie, Kenan’s daughters who is less trusting than her sister.
The Locketts rose to fame thanks to their YouTube video “Call Jesus,” which currently has nearly 2 million views. Their official YouTube channel also has over 250,000 subscribers, which has led the sisters to appearances on shows like “The Real,” “The Today Show,” and “The Steve Harvey Show. They are repped by Abrams Artists and 3 Arts Entertainment.
Jackie Clarke will serve as writer and executive producer on “The Kenan Show.
The single-cam project stars “SNL” mainstay Kenan Thompson as a newly widowed dad determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law (Andy Garcia) become more involved in their lives.
Dani will play Emma, Kenan’s daughters who is good-hearted and trusting almost at her peril. Dannah will play Sophie, Kenan’s daughters who is less trusting than her sister.
The Locketts rose to fame thanks to their YouTube video “Call Jesus,” which currently has nearly 2 million views. Their official YouTube channel also has over 250,000 subscribers, which has led the sisters to appearances on shows like “The Real,” “The Today Show,” and “The Steve Harvey Show. They are repped by Abrams Artists and 3 Arts Entertainment.
Jackie Clarke will serve as writer and executive producer on “The Kenan Show.
- 3/22/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
![Andy Garcia](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjM3NDA5NTgxNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzU3NDc4NDE@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR13,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Andy Garcia](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjM3NDA5NTgxNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzU3NDc4NDE@._V1_QL75_UY207_CR13,0,140,207_.jpg)
Andy Garcia has been tapped to star opposite Kenan Thompson in NBC’s single-camera comedy pilot The Kenan Show (fka Saving Kenan), from Universal TV. This marks Oscar nominee Garcia’s first TV series regular role.
Written by Jackie Clarke and directed by Chris Rock, The Kenan Show centers on a newly widowed dad (Thompson) determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law, Percy (Garcia), a retired police officer, become more involved in their lives.
Thompson, Clarke and Rock executive produce with Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer for Broadway Video.
This is a rare TV acting gig for Garcia whose biggest series commitment to date had been an arc on HBO’s Ballers. He received two Emmy nominations for the HBO film For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story.
In features, Garcia appeared in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, Book Club, The Mule and Bent last year.
Written by Jackie Clarke and directed by Chris Rock, The Kenan Show centers on a newly widowed dad (Thompson) determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law, Percy (Garcia), a retired police officer, become more involved in their lives.
Thompson, Clarke and Rock executive produce with Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer for Broadway Video.
This is a rare TV acting gig for Garcia whose biggest series commitment to date had been an arc on HBO’s Ballers. He received two Emmy nominations for the HBO film For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story.
In features, Garcia appeared in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, Book Club, The Mule and Bent last year.
- 3/20/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC just landed one of the biggest names this pilot season.
Andy Garcia, who has fielded multiple broadcast offers over the past few pilot seasons, has been tapped to star alongside Kenan Thompson in NBC's comedy pilot from Lorne Michaels.
Formerly called Saving Kenan and now called The Kenan Show, the single-camera comedy stars the Saturday Night Live favorite as a newly widowed dad determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law become more involved in their lives.
Garcia (the Ocean's franchise, The Godfather: Part III) will portray Percy, Kenan's father-in-law and ...
Andy Garcia, who has fielded multiple broadcast offers over the past few pilot seasons, has been tapped to star alongside Kenan Thompson in NBC's comedy pilot from Lorne Michaels.
Formerly called Saving Kenan and now called The Kenan Show, the single-camera comedy stars the Saturday Night Live favorite as a newly widowed dad determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law become more involved in their lives.
Garcia (the Ocean's franchise, The Godfather: Part III) will portray Percy, Kenan's father-in-law and ...
- 3/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
![Jude Weng on the set of FRESH OFF THE BOAT](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTYyOTdjM2MtMzI1OC00ODU3LTg1ZTktNWE2NmYwNjZjNTYzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjQwMDg0Ng@@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,76,500,281_.jpg)
Female directors broke new ground this pilot season. Jude Weng has been tapped to direct ABC’s untitled single-camera comedy pilot from writer Jessica Gao. The Taiwanese-born is believed to be the first Asian-American woman ever and the first woman of color in nearly 30 years to direct a half-hour broadcast network pilot, since Debbie Allen helmed the pilot for NBC’s The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air in 1990.
Meanwhile, Jessica Yu is set to direct NBC’s drama pilot Bluff City Law. She is believed to be the first Asian-American woman directing a broadcast drama pilot.
Weng, an alumna of the AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, the ABC-Disney Directing Fellowship and the Warner Bros. Directing Program, and Yu are among 21 female pilot directors this year, 13 on the drama side and eight in comedy, up from 20 last year. A significant portion of them are first-time pilot helmers, like Weng and Yu.
Meanwhile, Jessica Yu is set to direct NBC’s drama pilot Bluff City Law. She is believed to be the first Asian-American woman directing a broadcast drama pilot.
Weng, an alumna of the AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, the ABC-Disney Directing Fellowship and the Warner Bros. Directing Program, and Yu are among 21 female pilot directors this year, 13 on the drama side and eight in comedy, up from 20 last year. A significant portion of them are first-time pilot helmers, like Weng and Yu.
- 3/1/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
![Chris Rock at an event for Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTEyNjM5MjgyNzdeQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU3MDAzMzUyODc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,2,140,207_.jpg)
![Chris Rock at an event for Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTEyNjM5MjgyNzdeQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU3MDAzMzUyODc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,2,140,207_.jpg)
Chris Rock has come onboard to direct the NBC single-cam comedy pilot “Saving Kenan,” Variety has learned.
Rock will also executive produce the pilot, which stars “SNL” mainstay Kenan Thompson. Thompson will play a newly widowed dad determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law become more involved in their lives
Rock is best known for his work as a stand up comedian and actor, but he has directed multiple projects throughout his career. He previously directed himself in the films “Head of State,” “I Think I Love My Wife, and “Top Five,” all three of which he also wrote or co-wrote. He also directed an episode of the CW series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which he co-created with Ali LeRoi and was based on Rock’s own childhood. Most recently, he directed the comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo.” Rock has also...
Rock will also executive produce the pilot, which stars “SNL” mainstay Kenan Thompson. Thompson will play a newly widowed dad determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law become more involved in their lives
Rock is best known for his work as a stand up comedian and actor, but he has directed multiple projects throughout his career. He previously directed himself in the films “Head of State,” “I Think I Love My Wife, and “Top Five,” all three of which he also wrote or co-wrote. He also directed an episode of the CW series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which he co-created with Ali LeRoi and was based on Rock’s own childhood. Most recently, he directed the comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo.” Rock has also...
- 2/15/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
![Kenan Thompson](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc5NzQ4MjY4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMjcyNTM1._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
![Kenan Thompson](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc5NzQ4MjY4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMjcyNTM1._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,207_.jpg)
Chris Rock has been tapped to direct and executive produce Saving Kenan, NBC’s single-camera comedy pilot, starring and executive produced by SNL star Kenan Thompson. Rock, an SNL alum himself, is reuniting with SNL boss Lorne Michaels whose Broadway Video company produces the project alongside Universal TV.
Written by Jackie Clarke, Saving Kenan centers on a newly widowed dad (Thompson) determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law become more involved in their lives.
Thompson, a married father of two, and Clarke executive produce with Michaels and Andrew Singer for Broadway Video. Rock will continue as an executive producer if the pilot is picked up to series.
Thompson likely will leave SNL — at least as a full-time cast member — should Saving Kenan goes to series as the two would be difficult to juggle. He is currently in his 16th year on the venerable late-night sketch program.
Written by Jackie Clarke, Saving Kenan centers on a newly widowed dad (Thompson) determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law become more involved in their lives.
Thompson, a married father of two, and Clarke executive produce with Michaels and Andrew Singer for Broadway Video. Rock will continue as an executive producer if the pilot is picked up to series.
Thompson likely will leave SNL — at least as a full-time cast member — should Saving Kenan goes to series as the two would be difficult to juggle. He is currently in his 16th year on the venerable late-night sketch program.
- 2/15/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
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