Watch Kenan

Kenan is a comedic television series on NBC starring Kenan Thompson, Chris Redd, and Kimrie Lewis. The show premiered in 2021 and has since garnered a cult following, thanks to its witty writing, engaging storylines, and talented cast. The show follows the life of a widowed father, Kenan Williams (Kenan Thompson), who's striving to balance his career as a morning show host with being a dad to his two daughters. Chris Redd plays Kenan's brother and manager, and Kimrie Lewis portrays Kenan's work colleague and friend.

The show's premise revolves around Kenan trying to navigate life post the loss of his wife while at the same time trying to make ends meet. Kenan works as the lead host on a morning talk show titled Wake Up With Kenan, which requires him to bring his A-game every day. However, his personal life often clashes with his professional life, leading to hilarious scenarios and awkward exchanges. Chris Redd's character, Gary, further complicates matters as he's known to be a bit of a wildcard, always looking for shortcuts to help his brother out.

Despite the show being centered around Kenan's character, the other characters are equally important in driving the plot forward. Kimrie Lewis plays Mika, Kenan's colleague at the news studio, and the two have a platonic, yet witty and engaging, relationship. Mika is always there to offer Kenan a listening ear or a quick quip, and their dynamic is one of the highlights of the show. Additionally, the two daughters, played by Dani Lockett and Dannah Lockett, provide a different type of levity, with their innocence and youthful energy balancing out the adult themes.

One of the things that make Kenan stand out is the writing. The show's creators have found a way to weave in real-life experiences while still keeping it funny and engaging. The show isn't afraid to tackle tricky topics like grief, loss, and single parenthood, and instead of shying away from these themes, the show embraces them. The writing team uses humor to explore these issues and never at the expense of their characters' emotional journey. Additionally, by exploring the daily struggle of being a single parent, the show adds an emotional depth that resonates with many viewers.

Another standout element of the show is the cast. Kenan Thompson is a comedic genius, and it's a treat to see him flex his acting muscles in this series. Thompson has been a staple of Saturday Night Live for years, and his talents translate incredibly well to Kenan. Chris Redd, who's also an SNL alum, is the perfect co-star to Thompson's Kenan. Redd is a master of physical comedy and is often the source of some of the show's funniest moments. Together, they create a dynamic that's engaging and entertaining.

Kimrie Lewis is an underrated talent, and she shines in the series as Mika. Lewis has fantastic comedic timing and brings a level of energy and charm that's infectious. Her character's relationship with Kenan is at the core of the show, and she nails every scene she's in. The two daughters, played by Dani Lockett and Dannah Lockett, are also talented performers, and they bring a level of authenticity and warmth to the show that rounds out the cast nicely.

Overall, Kenan is an excellent comedy series that's worth checking out. The show balances humor with emotion, and the talented cast brings the scripts to life in a way that's both entertaining and heartwarming. With real-life issues explored in a humorous and uplifting way, Kenan is a refreshing take on the sitcom genre. The writing is sharp, the acting is top-notch, and the show has a fantastic balance of humor and heart that makes it a must-watch. If you're looking for a show that's both funny and full of heart, look no further than Kenan.

Kenan is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between February 16, 2021 and on NBC