If you’re going to start a new comedy this year, it better be The Mayor. ABC’s newest 30-minute sitcom is the perfect blend of family, politics, friends, and an all-around good time. Created by Speechless’ Jeremy Bronson and produced by Hamilton and Black-ish’s Daveed Diggs, you know you’re in for a good time.
The Mayor tells the story of a 27-year-old rapper, Courtney Rose (Brandon Michael Hall), who runs for mayor in Fort Grey, California to promote his mixtape and ultimately wins the election.
Not only is the writing phenomenal but the chemistry of the cast is unparalleled. Lea Michele gives us pure Rachel Berry vibes as Valentina Barella, a former classmate of Courtney’s. In a very Rachel Berry way, Val forces herself onto Country as his Chief of Staff after he wins because she knows he’s going to need structure to succeed.
Even with their characters’ obvious differences, both Hall and Michele just click. You can’t help but crack a smile when Courtney does something obviously wrong and Val is there to fix it. Their characters feed off of each other’s actions, just like how Hall and Michele feed off of each other’s vibes. And the amazing cast doesn’t stop there.
Yvette Nicole Brown as Dina Rose, Courtney’s mother, is the perfect role for Brown. While Val might be the political structure Courtney needs, Dina is his wise words of wisdom. She reminds him that he raps to critique the status quo and now that he’s the mayor he could actually change it, but she reminds him that she’s still his mother every step of the way.
The creators did a great job surrounding Courtney with people who keep him on the right path. His two goofy friends, T.K. Clifton (Marcel Spears) and Jermaine LeForge (Bernard David Jones) are the unsung heroes with hearts of gold. They are the friends who will be there for you through the thick and thin, but have no problem telling you what you should do, whether you listen or not. Spears and Jones are the final pieces that bring the cast chemistry together.
I’m excited to see how Courtney’s term as mayor of Fort Grey turns out because with the structure of Val and the support of his mother and boys, he can’t be stopped. This 30-minute comedy is just what we need during these political times. It’s light, fun, and it brings out the best in people. If this was a real campaign, The Mayor would definitely have my vote.
Advertisement
Advertisement