Lindsey has undergone quite the transformation during her time in the Lockup franchise on WE tv. For we’ve seen her at her absolute lowest, and we’ve watched with wonder as she gained control of her addiction and grew before our eyes, and we here at NTG were lucky enough to sit down with Lindsey, to discuss her journey.
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John Betancourt: How did you get involved with the franchise?

Lindsey: Okay, so obviously, this may not surprise you, but Love After Lockup is huge in prisons, like everybody watches it on Friday nights. That and like 60 Days In. I know it's weird, you think like being in prison you wouldn't watch shows about people being in prison, but you do. Oxymoron. But um, I had never considered being on the show, Scott actually said something to me about it. And I was really surprised because, you know, Scott didn't give me the “Let's be on TV vibes.” Yeah, he said, “We'll just, we'll just see how it goes. We'll just send it. Just email them and see how it goes.” And I was like, “I mean, yeah, I guess.” The next thing I know, we're filming, we're on a TV show.

John Betancourt: What changed in your life by being part of this show?   

Lindsey: You know, not much. I got a few additional social media followers. Sometimes, when I'm getting groceries, somebody will take a picture with me, which I always think is really cool, actually. Because I tell people all the time, like, you know, I'm not actually famous, like, I didn't do anything. I didn't take acting classes. I didn't, you know, I didn't work hard to become great at a sport or anything. I just, you know, I'm known for going to jail. (Laughter) So, it's really cool when people like one actually, like, stop and take a picture with me and stuff. I’m just like, “Yeah!”

John Betancourt: Now that brings up an interesting question. What do you think it is that you’ve done to motivate people to gravitate to you in that manner?

Lindsey: I think that the me that you've seen in the past couple of seasons is much more relatable before when I was, you know, dealing with active addiction. You know, the end of the first Love After Lockup I was on… I had relapsed and you could… it's very clear I had relapsed. And you see that, like it's very sensational. It's entertaining to watch. But it's almost like it's very unrelatable. Because generally, when you're not doing drugs, you don't have crazy stuff happening in your life. You just don't. I don't have any just obscenely crazy stories. I haven't scratched anybody's desk; I haven't damaged any properties. I haven't been arrested. You know, you don't see a lot of these just obscene things happening. And so, for me, I think now the person who I am becoming, slowly as it may be, is much more relatable for people to actually… I mean, I'm working a regular job. I'm paying regular bills, I'm having regular problems, which is… it's really fun to me, you know, it's nice when you find boring. When you start equating boring with peacefulness. It's a definite, like, you can see the growth in myself.

John Betancourt: Now what kind of challenges did you run into being on this series? 

Lindsey: So, you have to have a really thick skin, either that or you have to get off social media, and you have to stay off of Reddit, Reddit is a bad place. So because the thing is, you know, you're seeing the show, they have to edit so much out, it's just for content purposes, that they're trying to follow the story of so many people and they have to cut it down to so little, you're missing… so much of the story that I wish could be told, like on the last episode, you really see me having this huge breakdown, after this day. But you don't really understand what the breakdown was for, I was exhausted, you know, you didn't see all the little things that had happened. You didn't see, you know, I didn’t get to lay down and go back to sleep. You didn’t see that I was supposed to be going back to work that night. You didn't see all the little things that built up to that point. That's unfortunately, one of the things that you don't get to see in a lot of these shows is the little bitty tiny aspects. Because if you, you know, straw that broke the camel's back is a very legitimate thing. And that's kind of what I was dealing with that night. You don't get to see a lot of those small buildups, you get to see the peaks and the high points and low points, but you don't get to see a lot of that in between.

John Betancourt: So, how often then, are you on camera?

Lindsey: They're with you all the time. Yeah, they're there all of the time. And that’s another thing, people are like, “Oh, you would never have sex on camera.” Because, you know, I was trying to have sex with Blaine when I found his ankle monitor and people are like, “That's… that's really set up. You would never have sex on camera.” I’ve had sex on camera many times, okay? I have, honestly. They're there all the time. They’re just there. At first, I could have never done that. But after a while, you just kind of get to where you ignore them. They're just… they're just a part of the life. And sometimes they’re in the way when you're trying to get to the bathroom. They just become a norm.

John Betancourt: Would you say there’s a point where this just becomes second nature? Or is there a long transition to getting used to it?

Lindsey: It feels awkward at first, you know, to live your daily life with so many people there, and they do a great job, they stay out of your way. They don't, you know, they don't talk to you. They don't, they don't, they don't bother you. They're there to observe. It's really weird to have people there to observe when you're eating dinner, it just is. At first, it was very hard to get used to. But I was also… a lot of when I first started, a lot of it was in the midst of COVID. So, things were a little bit different then, too, everything was different then, too. And we had a lot of a lot of cameras being set up, it felt like I was basically like, like I had a security system around me. It was very different.

John Betancourt: We’ve been privy to some genuinely honest moments with you, is it difficult to be that open on camera?

Lindsey: Oh, it's extremely hard. It's extremely hard, not all the time, like at this point in my life… like I said, they're almost something I can choose to just ignore and go on about my life. But what gets difficult is seeing the hard times play out on television. The hardest I've ever had was when I was actually in jail. I'm actually watching my first season of Love After Lockup. And because I went to jail legitimately during the season, I was out of jail during the first episode, by the second episode, I was in jail. So, I was getting the entire aspect of it. I was watching my mistakes play out. When you’re in jail, you play it on repeat how you got here, what you did to get here, you're stuck in that. And then I was actually watching it play out in front of me, it was so difficult because I could see the point in the show where I relapsed. You know, you might not have seen it on camera, but you could see it in my actions. You can see it in my eyes, you can see my mannerisms. So, for me, it was legitimately watching the mistakes I had made played out and it was really… I didn’t watch my first season. I didn't watch all of it.

John Betancourt: So, how then, do you reconcile that?

Lindsey: I guess… a part of it is just getting used to it and getting accustomed to, to it being there. And another thing is I kind of learned is to separate myself, so I'm on my social medias, but I don't watch a lot of, you know, I don't do a lot of like watching the YouTubers that like kind of recap the show and stuff like that. I don't go on Reddit, you know, very seldomly I'll do so. I learned to draw the line. You know, this is my life. Yes, I'm putting it out there. But there's not a whole lot of point, or sense for me to go and hear what people have to think about it. I see it for myself.

John Betancourt: What would you say being on the show has taught you?

Lindsey: Um, it was hard, it really has taught me to worry about what I think. Because if I really, I mean, I listen to people, I hear what they say, when they're vocal about it, and things like that. But at the end of the day, I'm going to worry about me and mine, I have to worry about how I feel, how my daughter feels, how my mom feels. And sometimes how Blaine feels. (Laughter from Lindsey and John) I have to really draw the line; I had to not let the viewers of the show dictate how I ended up living my life. I had to really watch myself on that. Because it would be very easy to try to say, “Oh, what are they going to say about me if I do this, or they're gonna say about me if I do that,” and I can't… I can't live like that. It's not healthy, and it wouldn't be living, it wouldn't be being true to myself.

John Betancourt: What do you hope others take from your time on this show?

Lindsey: I have to say that I mean, if I can do it, anybody can do it. My addiction… it was severe. Honestly, it was, and when you're in that active addiction, you really feel like you can maintain it, you feel like people aren't gonna notice, you feel like you're gonna be able to continue that addiction and live your daily life and it's just… it's… it's not going to happen. It's not a legitimate option. For me to be able to finally get to the place where I can say, you know, I'm over a year and a half sober, I work a good job, you know, I am becoming the mother that I want to be for my child, I want other people to say, “Hey, if she can do it, I can do it, she was bad off.” Because I was. My addiction was severe.

John Betancourt: And look at you now. What an amazing and inspiring journey you’ve been on and speaking of that journey, what kind of advice would you to offer to folks that are watching and going through their own struggles with addiction right now.

Lindsey: Reaching out, I mean, being vocal that you need help, it's really, it's hard to get started, because you can't do it by yourself. I actually, when I was in active addiction, I tried to quit on my own four times, and I never made it past the fourth day, I was never able to detox on my own, and I never would have been successful in recovery, much less even sobriety, you know, on my own. So, you have to reach out. There are people that are there, there are tons of people that are there for you, you just have to find those resources, it's as simple as calling a 1-800 number sometimes. Get to a rehab, there are plenty that are gonna be paid for by the state, there are plenty that are offered that are free, get to a meeting, it's just taking that first step is really hard. And once you get that first step, you have to have that support system, have some great therapists, I have a team of therapists practically, as I'm in therapy eight times a month, I have group and I have two different types of individual therapy. And that's where so much of my growth has come from. Because I trust these people, I trust them. I trust the people in my group, I trust the people that you know, that are trained to give me good advice. I trust your advice, and I may not always take it! But I trust it’s what I needed to do! (Laughter from Lindsey and John)

John Betancourt: What does it mean to you to be able to share your journey?

Lindsey: You know, when I first got on the show, I really couldn't think of any good reason… like I'm back in jail. And I’ve done, you know, this on TV, and there was really, I wasn't seeing a lot of positive, because all I did was get on TV and you show you exactly what not to do! Don't do these things! Don't carve obscenities into people's desks. Don't destroy other people's property, don't do drugs! These are bad. So, for me, it's good. It's a good place to be and now to finally start to get some positivity and to say, you know, things are moving in a good direction in my life and to have the show be there for that aspect of it. Because I feel like… I feel like a lot of people are really, I mean, I was bad off, you know, my… my addiction is… I am in a one-track mind when I get on that. Once I made to my recovery center, everything else kind of fell in place. I got a good job, you know, things are going… you know, I like paying bills, I like boring, I like regular, it's nice. I advise it for everybody. The addiction is hard. It's miserable. I was so unhappy.

John Betancourt: What does it mean to be part of a franchise that is… a global phenomenon?

Lindsey: It is so cool. And I love that they went out on a limb with me because honestly, after the first season, I was a hot mess. Letting me come back for this, you know, the second time around with Daonte, and then to continue with my storyline like that. That really, really means something to me, I love being a part of this family. I love being part of the franchise. And they're so good to us. Like they really are, they do… I promise you if I relapse tomorrow, and I called the network and said, “I need help,” I promise you, the network will come through for me. Like they are very supportive of us.

John Betancourt: In keeping with that theme of personal meaning, what does it mean to you, to know that you’re likely inspiring people struggling with addiction, to get the help they need?

Lindsey: You know what, that's my absolute all-time favorite. I get so many messages that people say hey, “You’re an inspiration, send me advice.” Like that's the quickest way to get me to respond on social media is come to me and talk to me about your addiction because I love to hear the success stories. I'd love to be there if you're struggling. I love that. That is an initial part of the show. And I love that people who need that help are actually able to get it from a TV show because you know it clicks for some people. It didn't work in jail. I didn't… jail did not make me not want to do drugs anymore. It just… it didn't work. Mine happened to be Church, and God, but whatever it is for you, whether it be church, a TV show, you know, run into somebody who helps you change. It doesn't matter what it is, whatever it is, cling to that, run with that, whatever we can do to get people sober, whatever we can do to get people out of that lifestyle I'm down for I love it. It’s such a bonus.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what you most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

Lindsey: I like… I'm most proud of. So, there's this one scene that I was actually like, with my daughter, and like, we're just walking in heels and just having fun. But I really like that, we’re able to see my growth. Because I watch myself and my first season. I'm like, “Holy crap, that's tragic.” If I watch myself, from when I first got out of prison and the time, I’m with Daonte, you can see my growth between then and now. It's really, really a fun aspect for me getting to see… I have done so much better from this point, you know, you know that you're doing better, you know how hard you're working, but it's another thing to actually get to see it play out. So, I really enjoy that. I really enjoy that each season I'm going a little bit better, a little bit more, a little bit harder.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Andy McQueen is an accomplished actor that has been all over our television screens over the past few years. Courtesy of his work in shows such as Books of Blood. Currently, he plays Jay in the new Peacock series, Mrs. Davis, and we were lucky enough to sit down with Andy to discuss his mysterious character in this dynamic new show.
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John Betancourt: What was it that attracted you to the role of Jay?

Andy McQueen: The scripts are incredible. And the people that are involved in this project are also incredible. And it's just the perfect alchemy with regards to how everything came together, that I'm so fortunate to have gotten to be a part of this project.

John Betancourt: Something that’s come up often in discussions with your fellow cast members, is how much fun everyone had in making this show. What did you enjoy the most about playing around in this incredible world?

Andy McQueen: Ah, I mean, I love getting to play opposite Betty Gilpin. I love playing in that world. I love building this world of Jay and Simone. I loved going to the falafel restaurant on the Warner Brothers soundstage. That was a dream. I mean, pinch me all the time, still pinch me, it seems… this all seems surreal. So, you know, it's just such a wonderful opportunity and such wonderful people that are involved. And outside of the falafel, I could only have ever read what was going to happen and seeing it all come to life on the screen... it is wild and I'm excited for people to see it.

John Betancourt: Now this is a show that has a lot to say about faith and technology, of the many themes present in the show, what’s the one you hope audiences take away?

Andy McQueen: I feel like you know, we're living in a world right now where we put so much faith in technology, we have faith in you know, religion, we have faith, you know, in the idea of magic, all of these things that we cannot see. And I think that, you know, when we were shooting this, I had no idea or wasn't aware of ChatGPT and like since being wrapped, now ChatGPT I believe is ChatGPT… four? Or it's another incarnation of the thing. And we're, it's… it’s moving so fast. And I'm so excited for people to start having conversations, once the show comes out about what we put our faith in, you know, how plugged in are we? And perhaps unplugging for a bit might be better? Or maybe not. It depends. Being connected to people is also great. So, you know, all I could ever hope is that this creates more questions and creates more conversation between people and how we deal with technology and how we view religion and how we, you know, how we see the world.

John Betancourt: What kind of challenges came about as an actor regarding your critical role in this tale?

Andy McQueen: Try to honor the text, I think I always had to go back to what was written on the page, because if I'm not serving the story, then I'm not doing my job. So, I think at the end of the day, to sort of block the noise, or the nerves, nerves are always gonna be a thing, you can use them. And it's one of those things where you get to work, you do all the prep, you can, and you throw it all away. And then you're right there in front of your scene partner, and it’s a testament to Betty Gilpin, it's like two takes two to tango. And it was, you know, just so much fun. Getting to ride that roller coaster, it was like, to me a love story. In the midst of this crazy, wild zany adventure, it was, you know, it was very, very, very great to be a part of.

John Betancourt: What does it mean to you to be part of such an incredible and ambitious project?

Andy McQueen: It means the world to me, I feel like young me, 13 years ago, would have never believed after watching Lost four times that I would have been a part of a Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez show. Tara Hernandez is an incredible showrunner and co-creator of the show, and also a pinch me moment to be, you know, shaking hands with Damon Lindelof. It's a very, very, very cool experience. And then, you know, you got the cast and the crew and it's… it's really the perfect alchemy of things.

John Betancourt: What are you most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?

Andy McQueen: I would say episode six, the mop scene in the falafel restaurant. I think it's such a private moment between Jay and Simone. I think it's the first time we get to see Simone look at Jay without him knowing. I think it's the perfect time for Jay to be in his own element. I think there's a really cool sort of, kind of illustration of what the trinity of the three of them are of, you know, Wiley, and Simone and Jay, we get to see that both worlds kind of collide in that way in a very, in a very beautiful way.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Jake McDorman is an accomplished actor that has popped up on our television screens often over the past few years. Courtesy of appearances in Watchmen, What We Do in the Shadows. Currently he is starring as Wiley in the new Peacock series, Mrs. Davis, and we here at NTG were fortunate enough to sit down with Jake to discuss his character. 
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John Betancourt: What was it that attracted you to the role of Wiley?

Jake McDorman: Oh my god. I mean, what wouldn't, honestly? I think I love the fact that he definitely thinks that he's the star of his own movie. He has a pretty grand entrance, he has a flashy red jacket, a pretty cool motorcycle, a pretty cool little rock hide-out. And within five seconds, his ex-girlfriend just tears him to pieces, as somebody who knows you as well as an ex, would be able to do. So, I liked the idea that he's got himself as this kind of macho Han Solo, you know, archetypal leading man in his head. And Simone can just cut him down to size over and over and over again. He's also a character that, and this is true for like all the characters on the show, really, that they allow him to be so embarrassing and funny and vulnerable. And like kind of oscillate into some pretty like borderline slapstick humor, and then turn back and lean into some drama, it's been a really… just rewarding as an actor kind of process to be able to acquaint yourself with a character in both of those worlds at the same time. And, you know, that was kind of evident from the first time I read the script.

I mean, the script was just bananas. I mean, you saw it, imagine reading it and all that being in your head and being like, “How the hell are we gonna do this?” So, reading it was surreal. And you know, it was clear from the first time I read the script and all the subsequent scripts after that we were really… Tara and Damon had kind of carved out this really unique line to walk where it's like, you can't be too silly that we don't care anymore, when it gets serious. You can't be so serious, that we don't want to laugh when something happens to them. Betty Gilpin is probably the best actor in the world, to put in charge of that responsibility because she can walk that line so well, but they really did let me, and Chris Diamantopoulos, and Beth Marvel, and Andy, all of the characters in the show, have an opportunity to kind of endear themselves to the audience. And definitely endeared themselves to me playing it through comedy and vulnerability, and drama and vulnerability in a way that I don't think I've ever, ever, ever gotten to do before.

John Betancourt: So, Wiley is hands down just a ball of energy. How did you as an actor get into the mind of playing someone so explosive?

Jake McDorman: When they write a scene for you to punch yourself in the face, you know, it really just gets it going. (Laughs) And it really lights a fire. I don't know man; every single episode was kind of more ambitious than the one before it. And you know, before we started shooting the first episode, I think I'd read the first three. So, the third one has a lot of the Simone/Wiley backstory. So, I can kind of go into the shooting the first episode with that information in mind knowing their history, both Betty and I, you know, and then Tara actually gave us an outline of where the entire season, kind of vaguely broken up into episodes, we're going to go even though the scripts weren't broken yet. So, you know, we had a good handle.

By the time I think we were in episode two, where the entire arc was going to be in it, it didn't change, some things changed around, the order moved around. But we had a good idea of the arc of it all so, you know, we knew we were getting into a heist episode, and like, we knew we were going to be on a desert island, and that we were gonna be separated in four, so we saw some of these major set pieces coming, which helped kind of, like dictate the energy that you should probably bring earlier to the season. But yeah, I mean, I'm telling you, man, being able to play the same character, Betty, and honestly, all the characters in the show, all of them get to be so funny. And then so heartbreaking. It's a real gift. It's all Tara, and Damon. And it was just… It was great to play, honestly.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?

Jake McDorman: Oh, man, my god… I… all of it, I'm really, it's a, it's a joy to talk to you guys about. And sometimes it gets so boring to hear actors be like, “It was great, everything was great.” but we really mean it this time! (Laughter) We really had a good time doing this. And you know, it's hard to say I'm proud of myself without really talking about how proud I am of really everyone because you read a script like the one Tara and Damon wrote, and it has every opportunity to go awry. I mean, it's so ambitious, but to actually get it on its feet elevated the way that their text deserves to be elevated, requires so many people all swinging for the fences and all being as ambitious as their writing was and from top to bottom, everybody really showed up and did that, so I'm proud of it. But I'm mostly proud to be a part of it. That might be a cop out answer but it's kind of the truth. It does feel like a family. And yeah, I really can't wait to share it, finally. Because trying to explain it to your friends, you sound like a psychopath.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof are two highly accomplished writers that have both worked on wildly popular franchises, such as The Big Bang Theory and Lost respectively. Recently, they teamed up to give life to the new Peacock series, Mrs. Davis, and we were fortunate enough to be able to sit down with both of them to discuss this refreshing new show.
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John Betancourt: Let’s talk a little bit if we could, about each of your respective roles in bringing this series to life.

Tara Hernandez: Absolutely. So, I'm co-creator of the series, which means that early on, Damon and I got together and developed this wonderful world together. We wrote the pilot script together and spent time in the writers’ room with our writing staff. I also act as showrunner. So, I ran the room. And also, you know, oversaw production with many amazing collaborators.

Damon Lindelof: Yeah, and as Tara said, I co-created the show with her and was involved in a lot of the story breaking process, throughout, and was able to offer guidance, and lack of guidance, throughout the process, based on my own personal experience, but really wanting to be sitting in the passenger seat, as Tara drove, as for those of us who sometimes sit in the passenger seat, you can be like, “Why didn't you make a left, there!?” But I'll just say that Tara is an excellent driver, always knew how to get to where we were going, safely, and quite excitedly. And so, it's been almost 20 years since I worked on a show that I didn't run. But it was, it was an honor and a pleasure to work on this one.

John Betancourt: What kind of challenges came to light in crafting such a wonderfully woven story?

Damon Lindelof: Well, thanks for, you know, phrasing the question that way, I think the challenges are constant. I mean, I think on sort of the most obvious and meta level, I think a lot of writers have a desire to do something original. That's, that's not based on pre-existing IP. And even though we love, you know, the sequels and the adaptations of books, and movies and franchises, that have kind of come before, when you actually seek out and try to do something original, you suddenly feel the weight of the of the blank page. And so, when you're… when you have nothing that you're adapting from, every single idea is new, and the limitlessness of that it can be a challenge in and of itself. So, from the jump, Tara and I needed to kind of build some very, you know, tight guardrails. And then it was kind of amazing.

After we'd wrote the pilot, once we brought new writers into the process, to watch them sort of rebel against the guardrails, and then you have to start to question why is that rule even in place in the first place, and our rule is not there to be broken and, and so I think that the challenge is figuring out what the tone of the show was, you know, where you have a group of individuals starting in the writers’ room, but eventually, by the time, the thing is made, you've included 200 Other artists in the process, this sort of idea of we all took our jobs very seriously, but the show doesn't take itself that seriously. And like wanting the show to feel like it was a bit of an escape and a relief from you know, the post-apocalyptic… you know, I love watching, you know, The Last of Us, and I love watching Succession, but those shows give me a heart attack. And it's like, we… we need whatever the opposite of a heart attack is. It needs to be stressful enough that it has dramatic stakes, but those were the waves we are attempting to serve.

Tara Hernandez: You need a defibrillator. (Tara makes a zapping noise)

Damon Lindelof: Oh, yeah, that’s right… clear! (Laughter)
John Betancourt: Tara, anything to add?

Tara Hernandez: Just the defibrillator joke. (Laughter)

John Betancourt: I love it. Last question that I have for today, what does it mean to each of you to have a passion project finally find its way to audiences.

Tara Hernandez: It's, it's totally surreal. And I think it's never a guarantee in this business as a writer, to get to do something that feels so wholly, you know, just a reflection of yourself and the creatives that you brought along for the journey. So, sort of, we get to sit here today and talk about it and have a lot of pride in it. But you know, we're standing with, you know, all of the other amazing, talented individuals who worked on it. So, on behalf of the team, I really just feel an immense amount of pride.

Damon Lindelof: Yeah, and I guess I would echo what Tara just said, but also, you know, I've been doing this for a long time now, almost 20 years. And I know that left my own devices, you've heard, you've tasted all the food, I know how to cook. You've heard all the music; I know how to play. And so, like the fact that I was constantly surprised and delighted by the show, is a testament to Tara and her vision. And so, I think that I'm actually really enjoying the ride through the prism of watching, you know, I had my first ride back on Lost and seeing her do it as if she's already done it before, is quite incredible.

And I do feel like… this isn't to pat anybody on the back… but when you are trying to make something original that's not based on, you know, a book or movie or a comic book or any of those things. You're making something out of nothing. You know, it literally started with a conversation that Tara and I had when you know, we were walking our dogs. And now three years later, we're talking to you guys about these eight episodes that you've seen, and it… I never take it for granted, it does… it does feel like a miracle that the show exists, let alone this show. Um, and it kind of willed itself into existence and so that's kind of how I'm feeling about it today.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Betty Gilpin is an accomplished actor that has made her mark across multiple iconic franchises over the past few years. Currently, she is starring as Simone in the new Peacock series, Mrs. Davis, and we here at NTG were fortunate enough to sit down with Betty to discuss her new character and this exciting new series.
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John Betancourt: Simone is a deeply layered character, and there is so much to her. How did you as an actor create those layers?

Betty Gilpin: I mean, the layers were really there in the writing. It's such a rare gift to have… the richest backstory just served to you. So, yeah, I was kind of provided with every answer to any question I had about her. And then Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof? You know, any question that I lobbed at them? They had a 10-paragraph detailed answer for. So really, my homework was done for me. I just had to say the words out loud.

John Betancourt: In keeping with your character, she goes on quite the journey in this show. What are you hoping audiences ultimately take away from Simone’s journey?

Betty Gilpin: Well, I think that… Simone, when we meet her, if you asked her, she would say, “Oh, I'm at the end of my arc. This is… the credits will have rolled. I have achieved enlightenment, I'm there. I'm a woman of faith. This is the end of my story.” And I think we slowly learn over the course of the season that she still has some growing to do and some facing her past. And, you know, are you really a person of faith when you have proof in your hands? Is real faith not having all the answers? And there has to be some risk involved in faith. And, you know, I think that the most beautiful things in life and in humanity involve risk and faith, something that AI tries to buy us out of. But of course, does that mean, it's bypassing the purpose of being alive? So, yeah, we just tackle those calm, casual themes, the purpose of being alive.

John Betancourt: What would say you’re most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?

Betty Gilpin: I think that being surrounded by people who are so passionate and so kind, constantly makes you able to be as creative as possible. And I think that uh, I think that I let… for a long time… I let fear really drive the brain boat. And I would show up on set and just be super nervous or scared or not wanting to step on toes. And as a result, I think… I… I just kind of played it a little safe in terms of creative swings. And on this one, I was like, “The world almost ended… let's swing for the goddamn fences.” And everyone else around me was swinging for the fences. So, it made it pretty easy. So yeah, I was proud of that.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are most looking forward to audiences experiencing in general when it comes to this show.

Betty Gilpin: Um, you know, I think that we went through this era of “Too Cool for School,” mumblecore where it was kind of Emperor's New Clothes-y of, you know, it was all kind of everyone was cool and quiet. And, you know, if you don't get it, like you're not even really an artist, I guess. And we are loud and brazen and cartoon and also dealing with huge, huge, insane themes that are dark and wonderful, but also in a joyful and hopeful way. You know, I think that in a world where we're taking existing IP and doing it over and over and over and over again, this is something original and joyful and so insanely strange, that you'll want to rewatch it to see how you missed every twist. Yeah, I just think it's a joyful, insane ride.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Jef Kaminsky is an accomplished Executive Producer that has brought countless family themed programs to the small screen over the years. His most recent project, Eva the Owlet, is currently streaming on Apple TV+, and we here at NTG were lucky to sit down with Jef to discuss this wonderful new series and his career.
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John Betancourt: What is it about animated family shows that ignites your imagination as a producer?

Jef Kaminsky: That's pretty easy. For me, I would love it… if everything we make inspires kids to have a better life, be happy in the world and be excited to be out there and make friends and do the right things and learn from our shows.

John Betancourt: What was it that attracted you to this particular project?

Jef Kaminsky: Oh, my gosh, this is a book series that Scholastic Incorporated, our parent company publishes. And it's a book series that's really flown off the shelves… for years. I think there's almost 11 million copies in print in eight different countries. Kids love it. And it seems to be gender neutral. Boys and girls alike, seem to like it, even though Eva is a girl owl. So, it's something that we saw, and we fell in love with just as much as kids do. And just thought this would be a great show, and the Apple TV Plus kids and family team agreed.

John Betancourt: Walk us through how this show was assembled from a producer’s standpoint.

Jef Kaminsky: Sure, I think it's a little, probably just a tiny bit different that it comes from a book, which is what we focus on, its fast entertainment, our primary function is to pick great books out of the catalogue from the company and figure out which ones might work well for film and television. Basically, the process is really; identify the book, and or the series, and then find great people to work on it that are creative. So, you know, let's start with, with a writer that we think has a great vision for the show and work with them for months and months and months and months together. And then once we have that, we zoom to the pitch process and in the end, Apple TV+ loved it as much as we did.

John Betancourt: The show features a bevy of beautiful lessons, what is the top one you hope audiences take away?

Jef Kaminsky: I will give you, two. The first one is, you know, we want kids to be to be delighted and entertained while they watch it, we want them to just be happy and feel good. But the second thing is, really, the curriculum behind this series is about journaling, and using a diary, and it's about processing your feelings, understand the emotions you're having, and being able to come up with strategies and mechanisms to cope with all the feelings you're having. And that's what Eva does. That's what she models. And that's what we’re hoping to get take away from it. Be really amazing if kids could see her doing this. And either they do it literally in their own journal, or they do it imaginatively and say, like, what Eva do?

John Betancourt: What are you most excited for families to experience when it comes to this series?

Jef Kaminsky: I think you hit it when you said families. We want kids to watch it. But we want to we want families to co-view it and we want them to all sit down together. And we think we've made a show that will do that. That's not you know, that's something that everybody can enjoy moms, dads, caregivers, and kids, most importantly. And hopefully that happens all over the world, because Apple TV Plus is everywhere.

John Betancourt: What does it mean to you, to have this series on the air?

Jef Kaminsky: It is amazing. It's just been a few minutes that we've been working on this but in reality, myself and the other executive producers at Scholastic… we've probably been doing this for maybe six years. We've probably been in direct production of it for like three. So, to be able to work on something like this and have it sustain across that amount of time is an incredible testament to all the people that we've worked with across Apple TV Plus, at our studio, Brown Bag Films in Dublin, all the freelancers we've hired, it's basically all the people that we've worked with on the show. We love them. They're amazing. It's an incredible team.

John Betancourt: What does it mean to you to have so many wonderful family shows on the air that impacts families in a positive manner?

Jef Kaminsky: It feels good. It's… it's nice to know that that I've been able to work at Scholastic and make content for kids and families that… that does try to do better, does try to make the world a little bit of a better place. And to inspire kids across different generations. I've been doing this a long time, but to be able to inspire different generations of kids with content that… that is pretty good for them is a lovely thing.

John Betancourt: What are you most proud of when it comes to this show?

Jef Kaminsky: I love the look of it. I love the sound of it. I love the stories. And I love the way that we've created this world that models these different characters, all come together and to have them feel pretty real. I think for a kid viewer. Very proud of the whole thing. And, and it was a joy to work on it with all the people that we worked with. So proud of… proud of the relationships we've created, but also the end product.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Monique and Derek are long time icons of the Lockup franchise on WE tv. To the point where they have now appeared in two shows in the franchise, and we were able to sit down with this couple to discuss their experiences as former stars of Love After Lockup and as current stars of Life After Lockup.
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John Betancourt: Let’s talk about what motivated the two of you to join this storied franchise.

Monique: Well, we, first of all, we didn't apply to be on the show, like the opportunity presented itself to us. And it definitely took us some time to think about before we actually agreed to it. Only because we knew like our life was gonna be displayed in front of the world. But I would say I mainly agreed to do it just to give other couples that was in my position hope that it may or may not work out but could be positive and just still go for it. Just still follow your heart.

Derek: Like Monique said we didn't apply for it. She was in the Facebook group that focused on incarcerated family and friends. And in that group, casting directors had reached out to the group and was actually inquiring about relationships and whatnot. And Monique was one of the females who they reached out to; Monique told the story. And they took a liking to it. By that time, it was about two years together. So, I was going to come home. And I was hesitant at first because I was like a private person. So, it took a lot of Monique, my family, my supporters, saying, “You should try it out. You know, you really love her. Y'all should do it.” And I thought about it. And then it finally was like, I was like, “I’ll do it. Let's go. I want to do it. Let's do it. Let's make it work.”

John Betancourt: So, you mentioned a bit of trepidation and concern about how this might change your lives, so with that in mind… what has changed now that you are both reality television stars?

Derek: Well, the smallest things, I'm gonna start with the smallest things, first. No more phone calls now that I'm with her in person. Like no more FaceTime, no more letters, we're right here together, we're loving on each other. And we're in the physical. So that's been one of the biggest differences that has kind of turned for the better, and now that we're well received and liked and out there like you said, it’s good. All the eyes on us, we’re getting notoriety and recognition. And now that we're able to have that light I want to be hope for others. Couples that are going through the things we're going through or went through and be able to show them that it's possible. We can have our bad moments and some hard times and get past it and be able to continue to love on your significant other, and be able to have some good moments, good memories and, you know, have some fun, be happy.

Monique: Pretty much everything that he said changed for me also. And then a lot of supporters are like you know, “You know, you give me and my relationship hope. My man is coming home at X amount of time.” So, I think me and Derek’s relationship definitely inspires others, like you go can through things, have bad moments and still overcome.

John Betancourt: What are some of the challenges you’ve run into in doing this kind of show?

Monique: The challenges for me was the… all-day and all-night filming. That was really tiring for me. And then like me wanting to spend that alone time with him. Like we really didn't have a long time like that because we were filming all the time. When we weren't filming, we were sleeping. So, we basically went through a lot of things like, on camera. So, we really didn't have that much alone time, per se, that was.

Derek: And the challenges like, as of late, recent challenges is having like, more voices, more comments, more opinions, on our relationship, more eyes. So, with that, it’s like, if we let that take hold, and if we let that voice be a little louder in our ears, or we see something that we don't like, it can really change our mood. And I try to stay away from that. But Monique, sometimes I think she lets some things get to her, she's doing better now. But in the early on, it was getting to her and that was a challenge. I had to tell her like, “Everybody will have an opinion, not everybody's gonna like us, not everybody's gonna have something good to say about us.” You to have, like, sometimes ignore it. It's easier said than done. It's like me, I'm better at it than others. But that right there was a challenge early on that we had to really dig deep and figure out how to get over that. And then now like you said, we’re still on TV. And people still come in and it's not stopping, not letting up. So, I gotta tell her sometimes you just gotta… just don't even look at it. Pay no attention.

John Betancourt: Now having cameras around you for a better part of you day, how do you prepare for that mentally?

Derek: So, me, well, honestly me leaving prison. You know, it was so fun. Like, I didn’t have to read a script. I didn't have to, like, do any type of prep work. That's one thing that I like, how could this be me? Do me. And this is who I am. So, it was fun. It was fun. It was really fun. I really had a good time. It was fun. Because I was intrigued. You know, I went from a new day, slow pace in prison, cells, bars, you know, just that life in itself is boring. Nobody wants to be there. I didn't want to be there. And then I get out. And then I'm having a time of my life on camera. That was fun. That was really fun. I really had a great time.

Monique: Me on the other hand. I mean, the whole overall experience was fun for me. But the long hours I did not like, um, people used to always be like, “Why does she have an attitude?” Like because I was angry. I was tired. Like, my bedtime is at seven o’clock at night. So, the late scenes that we had and like the early morning scenes, like I was like annoyed. But I enjoyed the experience. It was fun.

John Betancourt: Out of curiosity, how many hours a day do you two spend on camera?

Monique: We were filming for at least like… what? Ten, twelve hours a day?

Derek: Yeah. Ten, twelve hours.

John Betancourt: What’s changed from a relationship perspective for you two in doing this show?
Derek: I want to say nothing changed.

Monique: Yeah, I wouldn’t say anything.

Derek: Nothing changes. It’s more so like right now, we're not filming. And they're not getting the good moments. Like all the moments you see on TV, is every moment that we share in the first of our, in the beginning of our relationship. So now that like we have been through that. I had to get to know Monique all over again and people didn’t understand that. Oh, hey, I have to get to know her again. That was the real-life truth reality of it. I was in prison. She was out in the free world. We didn't have any contact visits. And we was going off like video visits, letters, phone calls. And pictures, so I had to relearn Monique all over again, and really be honest, this is the raw uncut there. I had to really… and she had to do the same thing. Everything I was saying to her and everything she said to me, I had to see… was it true? So, we had to go through that phase, “You said you liked this? Do you really like that? Are you just saying that to make me feel comfortable?” And now she had to look at me, like, “You said, Derek, you like the pink lemonade? Do you really like pink lemonade?” Now that was the part that like, even her family didn’t understand that part when I say that, and that was just me being, you know, just, unapologetic. Just raw with it like, her sisters, I gotta get to know your sisters all over again. She gotta get to know me all over again. Granted, we going off of what each other said, but we realistically we had to get to know each other all over again. Now that we past that, we got to know each other all over again, we know each other and we’re moving forward. We happy.

John Betancourt: Now this show is obviously a global phenomenon, what does it mean to each of you to be part of that?

Monique: It’s great. I was a fan of the show before I watched it from season one. And for me to actually be a part of it, is kind of surreal for me, because I didn't expect that story to blow up as big as it did. Like, I was just following my heart and just being myself on TV. So, I had no idea it was gonna be so successful.

Derek: And me on the other hand, I didn't really watch. I didn't know nothing about it. So now that I'm actually on it, and it's doing well, like you said, like, I like it. It's fun. It's like, I'm watching it now. And I'm liking it. And I'm, I'm tuned in. I'm like, “Okay, I can get used to this.” It's been fun.

John Betancourt: To expand on that a little bit. We’ve shared in some really intimate moments with the two of you, what does it mean to have your love and your life shared with the world?

Derek: So, it’s delicate, it’s really delicate, because I can say some things that might not sit well with Monique and vice versa. And then the world sees, and it makes a comment that my agrees with how I felt in that moment. And Monique has dealt with that. And I had to tell Monique. “Yes, that's the way I felt. And I was just being honest, or this will happen, I was just being honest.” And then having people speaking about it and talking about it and agreeing with that feeling… it can really put a strain on a relationship. So, we've been able to overcome a lot of those moments and get past it, and still be happy and that is… just amazing. It's amazing. Like, I never really thought I'd actually put my life and my love on camera for the world to see. And it's really shown me that I've grown up and matured to be able to do that. And what better way to do that with the love of my life. So, I'm, I'm proud of myself, and I'm proud of Monique for sticking with me through the ups and downs.

Monique: I would say everything is magnified. So, every little bit and piece that we say. So, like every episode that we're on, it's trending all over. So, I think we were just honest with like, how we feel what we were going through. So, I just think that… I just feel like everything that we do or say is criticized, and at times, it can be a little hard for me, but now I'm learning how to deal with it better. So, I'm still gonna be me.

John Betancourt: Of course, being in a show this popular definitely puts you in a place of influence, where you can provide folks with a lesson. What do you hope audiences learn from your journey on this show?

Monique: What I want people to take away from my journey, is to be yourself, follow your heart, and just do whatever your heart tells you to do, don't care about what people may say or think. Just do you.

Derek: Specifically, I want to tell others that… don't let others dictate what you do or what you say, you know. And over, over time, a person grows up and changes for the better, in the things that he wants. And joy, kind of gets old, and a person grows up and broader things. And as, for me, I grew up in prison. So, I learned how to be a man while I was inside. And a lot of people didn't know that. And now they're seeing that. And I'm having setbacks, while they're seeing that. And it's okay, that's the human side, making mistakes is human. I made some mistakes. You have to use old mistakes and learn from them, and I want to be some motivation. Like, even though you make the mistake, get back up, pick your head up, learn from the mistakes and make, like, not like let your life or your time and that moment define you. Because you can be better, you can do better. You just have to learn from your mistakes. And don't let people put you down. Never give up and love who you want to love. That would be my message to anybody else. Like, it's okay. It's okay to cry. It's okay to hurt, feel pain. It's okay for you to love whoever you want to love.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

Monique: I'm most proud of everyone seeing me experience my first true love. Pretty much. It wasn't everything that I imagined. But as far as me, and Derek having our most private and first moments found on camera. That was good for me. Like we had a lot of good times on TV. And I'm just happy it all worked out in my favor.

Derek: I'm proud of Monique giving me the chance because she was hesitant to make the next step, the journey from Chicago to Ohio, and be with me. And that's a big step because I'm like, “Wow.” We had to really talk about that. That was a big step for her, you know, but I had helped her along the way when I was incarcerated. I helped her study and get her driver's license, because it took her some time to get her driver's license. And I was her motivation then, and I'm proud of me being that positive light for her while I was inside. And like inspiring her in seeing and believing in her potential. And to tap into her potential. And so I'm proud of myself, to be able to help her and be able to help others, like, be all they can be like I said, and not letting setbacks or mistakes, define them. So that's, that's the moment itself, for me, I'm proud of. I know get a lot of flak on TV. But if people can see anything, take anything from Derek is, you know, you can go through some things, you've got some setbacks, you're gonna get knocked down, pick your head up, never give up on yourself. And don't let that moment that mistake, define you. And you can always be better and do better.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.  

The season one finale of Hello Tomorrow! on Apple TV+, definitely sent a lot of surprises our way. After all, Jack made his best attempt to do everyone a solid, complete with setbacks of course, and he even made a bold decision regarding his family and his future. And in order to learn a little more about the gravity of this finale, we with sat down with Series Co-Creators Amit Bhalla and Lucas Jansen to discuss this epic season finale.
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John Betancourt: What went into the decision to explore to end this season on a more hopeful note?

Lucas Jansen: Was that hopeful to you? (Laughter)

John Betancourt: It was! The hope is a little bit deceptive, but it’s in there.

Lucas Jansen: I mean, look, the, the story itself is about the sort of dual forking nature of our hopes and aspirations, right. And there's something magical that happens when you, when you start telling yourself, there's no chance you can fail. Or even just telling yourself, you're equal to your own life or to the tasks ahead, it unleashes tremendous energy. And I think in Jack's case, there are thrilling things that happened with his son and even with the promise of his wife, and, you know, deep, deep, deep urges in his spirit that are being answered by the fact that he's able to able to look to the horizon, hopefully. At the same time. He's just sent a rocket full of people to God knows where to God knows what fate. And those are the reckonings. Right. Those are the reckonings of living with no conception of your own ability to fail. And that will be his continued, you know, his continued journey is to reconcile those impossible things. He's done something, he's done something so, so powerful, and so potentially dooming and damning at the same time, that's, you know, this is why we, this is why we love riding along with Jack and why we feel like he's the hero of our age, right? I mean, every day, every day, we hear a new story about a bank failing, about us getting over our skis as a culture in terms of our own hope.

Amit Bhalla: And people want to go to the Moon or to Mars! Or, you know, selling self-driving technology that doesn't entirely work or new, you know, there's, it's so in our culture, and it's, it's so fascinating. You know, it's been in it for a while now. You know, I think since 2008, kind of this notion that the only way to make it all work is to keep pumping. You know, it's kind of Jack is the, the psycho spiritual, you know, emblem of that impulse.

John Betancourt: And I have to say, the only reason I say hopeful… is we had some growth here. 

Amit Bhalla: Oh no, that IS a very hopeful thing! (Laughter)

John Betancourt: But don’t get me wrong, I saw that rocket take flight and I thought, “I hope there’s going to be someone on the moon that sees that a crater away and goes… ‘That’s strange. I might need to go check on that.’” But that growth was special, in fact, since we saw so much of it from Jack here, would you say this is the start of his redemption?

Amit Bhalla: Oh, my god. That's so good a question. I don't know. (Laughter) No, no, no. I think it's something that you… you know, we're going to find out all-together. I would say that the beginning of redemption for Jack might have happened at the end of nine when he speaks to Joey and kind of says something that for the first time in the whole series, did he just say something honest? And like, deeply authentic and that comes from a part of him that we're yet to understand? And there is something, something that looks like growth or progress there. But I also think that you know, old habits die hard, and you know, you can't shed the identity that that also animates your whole life. Which is what Jack is kind of… it’s the duality that Jack is trapped in right? But that in a desire to kind of maybe build a relationship with his son, he has to keep the circus going. Yeah, and, you know, I think he's going to find that, you know, he still likes being a circus master.

Lucas Jansen: Jack will never rule out the possibility of its own redemption.

Amit Bhalla: Yeah!

Lucas Jansen: Jack never rules anything out. For better or for worse, you know, it's all… it's all on the table. And that's, that's the beautiful thing about him. And that's the dangerous thing about him.

John Betancourt: Now one of the biggest surprises of this episode, is after spending weeks scheming to make the world as he wants it, he just decides, “Okay. Time to go home. Time to be with my family.” What went into the decision to make him be a family man again?

Lucas Jansen: Well, you know, the salesman is always capable of the grand theatrical gesture. And, you know, it's one thing to say, “No, son, we're going home,” and take the 10-minute drive and show up there. It's another thing to live there for 20 years. And, and, and feel the experience of life as lived at life's pace on life's terms. So, you know, that's, that's the drama now. Now that Jack's made the grand theatrical gesture with his family, what's it gonna be like to actually earn a relationship? And it's great when it can start with a bang, but then, you know, then then the dictates of human life intervene. And I think that's what, that's why we keep coming back.

Amit Bhalla: I think, in a way, John, Jack has been waiting 20 years to be able to make that decision. To tell himself, he's the man that would make that decision. And it's 20 years of not making that decision and regretting not making it or whatever, that, you know, he's not going to let this chance go. Which is, you know, kind of what would get some out of the car there, you know?
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Lucas Jansen: Yeah, yes, it gets him out of the car, maybe just… maybe too late, or maybe too late to salvage the rest of his life, right? What the second, we're able to make those important decisions we become incapable of, of processing, what else we leave in ruin.

John Betancourt: Now to continue to dive into Jack, because there is so much to unpack here. But I’m curious if by chance… you would say that Jack believes that going home and having a family is going to heal him and make him complete. Since he didn’t have that structure growing up.

Amit Bhalla: Um, I think that Jack has an image of a family that has mainly been crafted through advertising that has never manifested whether it was with Barbara and his father, or with obviously Joey and Marie, that he is trying to manifest in some way. And, um, I, you know, I think that's a tragic story. And, you know, the show has a kind of tragic quality to it in that regard, you know. I mean, does that kind of answer your question?

John Betancourt: It does. Because I think that’s really central to Jack’s journey in the show. You know? What he’s searching for.

Amit Bhalla: I think that… that's, you know, that's the… that's the delusion that's driving Jack. Or under it, like you'd say for any character ever. You know, they're hoping to find communion and understanding in their fellow human being, no matter how twisted a route they've decided to take.

Lucas Jansen: The question we're asking is, is the tragedy at the heart of the American experience? The fact that any impulse towards completion is just going to be a game of Whack a Mole? You know, “Oh, I'll be complete when I have my family. I'll be complete when I have my family and job. I'll be complete when I have my family, the job, and the summerhouse. I'll be complete with my family, the job, the summer house, and then it's the goddamn moon! But what the show wants to know, and you know, with luck over the course of seasons, we will get to know deeper and deeper, whether that's all there is for all of us. Because you know, in the in our darker moments, it seems like that might be the case.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today. What does it mean to each of you, to have the complete journey that is season one, out there for all to enjoy.

Lucas Jansen: It's such a thrill to, to be able to talk to someone like you, to see the show… find its way into people's hearts. It was… it was made with such overflowing joy. I mean, the cast, the crew, everyone who worked on this felt so lucky to be able to share this with others. And the fact that it's all out now just gives us immense pride. And we feel very grateful.

Amit Bhalla: I mean, I would use the same words like the gratitude that you feel for being able to have had the opportunity. You know, I do think that it's weird… also, just to be like, you don't… we've never done this. So, it going out into the world to 106 countries in 40 languages, and you're just at home, and it's on your Apple TV is like a weird and alienating and beautiful, and, you know, crazy experience.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Season One of the Disney+ series, The Crossover is available to stream on the network right now, and while we’ve already taken the time to review this dynamic and powerful coming-of-age story, there is so much to discuss when it comes to this incredible series. For this is also a labor of love, one that was years in the making, and the cast was supremely passionate about making it and for proof… look no further than the conversations we had the Executive Production team of the show: Kwame Alexander, Kimberly Harrison, and Damani Johnson. And with the cast of the series: Jayln Hall (Josh/Filthy), Amir O’ Neil (Jordan), Derek Luke (Chuck), Sabrina Revelle (Crystal), Deja Cruz (Maya), Skyla I’Lece (Alexis) and Trevor Bush (Vondie).
 
John Betancourt: For the producers of this show, what does it mean to have this poignant story arrive on television and for the cast, what does it mean to be part of this important project? 
 
Kwame Alexander: Well, you know, we started this process, John, right before the pandemic. And I think, you know, it's served during a period of uncertainty and hopelessness working on this project, which is so full of hope. And inspiration is served as sort of a balm, you know, that allowed us to sort of cross over into a space of hopefulness into a space of, of dreams do come true, which is the perfect thing. To answer your question, for me, this is a dream come true to see this book that I spent the last 10 years with traveling around the world reading the students to see it now be able to reach millions and millions of folks is… is otherworldly.
 
Kimberly Harrison: Same I mean, I'm just so excited for everyone to see it's full of hope, full of inspiration. But there's also representation, I mean, to be able to sit down and watch a show, and, you know, with your kids and see representation and see, you know, themselves up there, I mean, that… I'm just excited about that. My children particularly have not experienced that, you know, in quite a while so I'm excited for the whole world to see on The Crossover.
 
Damani Johnson: Oh, yeah, I… there's just so much about it, that makes me feel warm inside the making of it, the people involved with it, these two on screen with me (via Zoom). It's such… it's a family show on air and off air, and we just couldn't be more thrilled.
 
Jalyn Hall: It means the world to me. It's been a longtime dream of mine and aspirational goal that I have met and continuously living it out. And I'm really excited to see where this goes.
 
Amir O’Neil: I mean, yeah, it's amazing. You know, this project… it's like Jalyn said, it's something that I've always really wanted to experience, and I'm so happy to like got the opportunity to, especially with such an amazing cast and amazing writing, and such an amazing crew. I mean, yeah, it means everything to me.
 
Sabrina Revelle: What does it mean, to me, it means it means being seen, it means having the world, you know, hopefully, feel like they're being seen, especially the Black community. Yeah, to be a part of this project means fun. It means love. It means so many things. I'm very excited to be a part of the project, but also to showcase this beautiful family in the way that we showcase it, middle class, Black, you know, dealing with all our trials and tribulations in the way that we do. As partners, as a team, as Derek likes to say, you know, that the Bell family is the team. And I love that description.
 
Derek Luke: Yeah. For me, right now. They, they, they paired me up with a coach named Chris Johnson. And when I was there, they had so many players that were training. But one of the things that stood out to me is now, they have like, international players like kids from China. And like all over Germany, Africa, and you know, they've been there for a while, but now they're on the ground. And what I thought was interesting was the men and women that have been responsible for transforming the sport. And Disney+ with the reach they have, like, this is one of the times when you get introduced to a family, and athletic family. And, and a, a mom, a brilliant mom, kids who have a passion. And so, I think for me, one of many notes is that I think that The Crossover, culturally, is a story that will help pivot and shift culture, to seeing themselves in a more balanced way.
 
Skyla I’Lece: It's great. It's an… it's an amazing opportunity to be able to bring the character of Alexis aka “Miss Sweet Tea” to life.
 
Deja Cruz: In one word, honestly, everything, it means everything to be a part of something that is so relatable, so special and so powerful. It was positive energy filming the show, and its positive energy coming out of the show as well.
 
Trevor Bush: I agree with everything they said it's a powerful message and to be a part of it is wonderful and be able to bring it to life from the book. That's just, you can't ask for anything better than that.
 
John Betancourt: Let’s talk a little bit about the one message that everyone hopes audiences take away from this series. 
 
Kwame Alexander: Well, there's no team tighter than family. Say yes to what's possible. When I was three years old, my dad took me to a basketball court. And he had me shoot free throws. I couldn't get the ball anywhere near the net. The playground supervisor came over and said, “Let me lower the goal.” He pulled out his wrench. L”et me lower the goal for your son so he can make the basket.” My dad said, “No. No one's gonna lower my son's goal. He doesn't know he can't make it.” If there's anything that's a message for me, is never let anyone lower your goal. Always shoot for the sun. That's a basketball rule that we hear in the show. And that's what I think the metaphor is for me.
 
Kimberly Harrison: For me? It's the family bond. You know, I just think more than ever, we need this bond to see this bond we you know, and so, I hope that's what our viewers take away is like this really special bond that this family shares.
 
Damani Johnson: Oh, sticking with what Kwame said, there's something about you, you keep shooting your shot, right? Like, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. And so, there's something about you know, keep trying, no matter what happens, no matter adversity, no matter what comes up. You just keep climbing. You keep shooting. It's awesome.
 
Amir O’Neil: Um, just to, to learn how to adjust, learn how to adapt and learn how to roll with the punches of life. You know, it can be overwhelming sometimes. And you feel like, it's just too much. And you might want to give up. And the important thing is to always keep hope. And remember that there is a light at the other side of the tunnel.
 
Jalyn Hall: I feel as though, well, first off, there's going to be you know, a multitude of things that people take away that are unique to them. That's a given. But if I had to say something, you know, kind of concrete, I will say that I would love for them to take away that every day is a new day to learn and change and evolve. Because here's the thing with these coming-of-age stories, you need them, because it shows you that it's okay to fall down. Because getting back up is only going to make you stronger, and only going to make you smarter. And that's… that's the message I would like to send to the world is that all these variables of your life, they help you in every way.
 
Derek Luke: That we all need each other. We all need each other in our best. And to play those positions, like I was referencing sports, like, you know, in sports, you always hear about, like, who's being traded. And the job on our team, the Bell team, is to stay healthy for Chuck. You know, Sabrina can speak to, you know, her character, but just… just seeing family as an important balance to life. And know that we want the Bell family to be that team that the world roots for.
 
Sabrina Revelle: Yeah, it's so many things to take away from the show. But speaking of, if I may speak from my character's point of view, I do want a lot of a lot of men out there to recognize that it's okay to come in partnership. You know, I speak a lot about Crystal having a nine to five and her husband having a nine to five, so she shouldn't have to come home, and then the weight of the house is so solely on her. So true partnership, I think is really big. And I want to get that message out there to men and women. Because I think a lot of times, we feel like we have to and we're supposed to and I think it is developing a lot of stress that's leading to a lot of disease like we're speaking about, although I know we speak to Chuck's character a lot but it leads to that with women as well. All women and particularly you know Black women, I think it's important to know that you don't have to be superwoman in that way. It's okay to have a partner and lean on a partner and I want to promote balance you know, if at all possible, we know sometimes that's not possible and then you do have to put on you Superwoman cape and do it all you know, because you have to. But if you don't have to, I want to strive that more partnership is created and I hope our show um, shows that, you know, and entices people to want to do that. And vulnerability too, with the kids with all of us. But especially with the kids too. They're very vulnerable I feel, and I think there's something that I think more of us need in the world.
 
Trevor Bush: Yeah. You know, like, there's ups and downs in life, you don't know what's going to happen, you can kind of prepare for it, but sometimes you can't. So just being able to find someone close, get a relationship with your family if you don't have one, get a relationship with your friends, because that can really help you get through life.
 
Deja Cruz: Family doesn't have to be blood. Tt can be someone around you, it can be a co-worker, just find that person to support you and, and be there for you when you're down.
 
Skyla I’Lece: Yeah, and it is so important to find that support system, that inner circle for yourself, so that when life gives you a curveball or when things aren't… when you don't have all of your ducks in a row, because everybody has those days or those months or those years where everything is not the way you planned it to be. But having those people that support you no matter what is so important to be able to bring you up and you know, make you smile on the days that you are sad.
 
John Betancourt: What are you most excited for viewers to experience this season? Without spoilers of course?
 
Jalyn Hall: The excitement. The enticement. Because there's… it has it all. It has the sports… now, when I tell you, the sports scenes, the basketball scenes? A-1 top tier, and I say top tier, because not only do they get the angles, right, but the sequences are perfectly cut, and it's actually us doing it and that, that adds another you know, perspective of fun for the both of us, because we actually got to put in our hard work on this. So, you have the sports, and you have the love, you have the love lives. If you didn't know it, you know it now. A big part of a teenager's life is their relationships. Not only with their friends, but with you know, finding love at such a young age, you know, so you have that, and then you have the friendship, and then you have parents, all of this stuff is so relatable, that you can't help but love the show. So that's what I'm most excited about.
 
Amir O’Neil: Um, I feel like I'm really excited for the audience to see how much anticipation is built up. Throughout each episode. You know, I feel like the journey from Episode One to Episode Eight. It's something that I'm excited about. I'm really excited for the audience to see it and just see how they react to that. You know, I feel like the show takes you on a journey. And like, the ending is, is crazy. Like, you won't expect it. Yeah, so I'm excited for the audience to see it.
 
Skyla I’Lece: I'm excited for them to experience, hopefully a new mindset. And hopefully they… they gain something from this show, whether it's they learn a new word, because this this show is very heavy set on new vocabulary. So, whether it's learning a new word, learning how to continue through life, again, when life gives you those curveballs, like how do you adjust and how quickly can you adjust and being able to learn that. So hopefully, they… they learn something, and they see the morals throughout because there are so many and hopefully, they tag on to at least to at least one or two of them.
 
Trevor Bush: You know, learning different backgrounds of different families and friendships that they can relate to. And then also like Skyla was saying, getting you know, getting a better vocabulary. Being on set… oh, there's so many words I didn’t know existed.
 
Deja Cruz: I'm excited for them to see the suspense in this. Watching it myself. I was like, “wow,” filming it. You don't see how much suspense comes into it until it's all put together. And I just want to shout out all the futures, the ones that play future us, they just did an amazing job. And I just want to, like, I can't wait for people to see these future scenes and it's really going to connect to the crew now, and the crew then.
 
John Betancourt: What are you most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?
 
Kwame Alexander: Um, what am I most proud of? That’s like… who's your favorite kid, John. (Laughter) I'm most proud of the performances. I'm most proud of what these actors brought to these to these characters to these words, how they embodied them, how they infuse them with their lives, how they took special care with these characters that have been living in my head for a dozen years. I'm… I'm most proud of that. If I have to answer what I'm most proud of, John. 
 
Kimberly Harrison: I'm most proud of like the vibe that is The Crossover. That's going to you know, come through on screen you're going to feel a certain way. I'm just really proud of like, the feeling that you are going to feel when you’re in an episode. I'm just really excited. Excited about that.
 
Damani Johnson: That we made the show. We felt like this is an important show that people need to see, and we went over so many hurdles and obstacles to get this show on air and we're just I'm so thrilled that we're that we're here talking to you now and that it is coming soon. 
 
Amir O’Neil: I would say, probably basketball and also just my acting, I felt like I was able to show my acting abilities very well throughout the show. I feel like it gave us the engine and the opportunity to display that and I'm really excited to see I mean, I'm excited for the audience to see it.
 
Jalyn Hall: Yeah. I agree with him the acting prowess that we were allowed and the creativity and that was an honor to be able to show to the world and also… my favorite… one of one of my favorite parts also was just how amazing the atmosphere was. We had Nerf wars, we played basketball with each other during lunch, we rode bikes literally to and from lunch like it was just our own… it was like a family reunion literally every day.
  
Deja Cruz: I'm most proud of the relationships I've built on this show everybody that we've worked with cast and crew. Just that, I feel like we just built a family and at the premiere, you're gonna see that for sure.
 
Trevor Bush: Yeah, no, that's a good answer. Building that relationship with everybody. And, you know, I'm in Kentucky. And now I know so many people from LA, New Orleans. And it's like, just kind of feel worldwide there.
 
Skyla I’Lece: Yeah, just these relationships are so real. And being able to build those relationships, on set, offset, meeting new people that we will have, like this cast, we will always be connected through this show, outside of the show, and just being able to build those relationships is so amazing.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.