A long-awaited revival of The Game is officially moving forward, with the new version set to air on ViacomCBS-owned streaming service Paramount+.
Original stars Wendy Raquel Robinson and Hosea Chanchez will reprise their roles as sports agent Tasha Mack and her pro footballer son Malik Wright, Paramount+ said Thursday in a press release.
The new series will offer a “modern-day examination of Black culture through the prism of pro football. The team will tackle racism, sexism, classism and more as they fight for fame, fortune, respect and love – all while trying to maintain their souls as they each play The Game,” according to Paramount+.
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The streamer says several original cast members will make special appearances on the half-hour series, which will be executive produced by original show creator Mara Brock Akil.
“Fifteen years ago I created The Game and am so proud of the success we had, and that I was able to create characters and stories that resonated with so many people,” Brock Akil said in a statement. “I couldn’t be happier about leaving my beloved characters like Tasha Mack and Malik Wright in the hands of Devon, Wendy and Hosea, who I know will build off of the rich foundation the show has.”
Devon Greggory (American Soul) will serve as showrunner and writer. Other producers include Salim Akil (Black Lightning), Tom Russo (Black-ish), and original executive producer Kelsey Grammer through his Grammnet NH production company.
“I love this show,” added Grammer. “I am very excited to see this new turn in its life and excited to wave the Paramount+ banner, as well. [Grammnet NH Productions has] been in business a long time and proudly explored diverse and inclusive material for decades. I am really looking forward to seeing this show on the air.”
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Mara Brock Akil and Devon Greggory previously worked together on Being Mary Jane.
“I’m simply thrilled to be hand-selected by Mara, Julie and CBS Studios to take over the creative reins of such an iconic and culturally significant series,” said Greggory.
The 10-episode first season of the new series will be produced by CBS Studios, Akil Productions and Grammnet NH Productions exclusively for Paramount+.
The Game originally launched on The CW in 2006, and aired for three seasons before it was canceled. BET revived the show and it ran for an additional six seasons, ending its run in 2015.
A spinoff of Girlfriends, the series starred Tia Mowry, Pooch Hall, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Brittany Daniel, and Coby Bell. Lauren London, Jay Ellis, and Brandy Norwood later joined show.
Back in December 2019, reports surfaced saying a reboot of The Game was in the works at the CW. Instead the project landed at fellow ViacomCBS property Paramount+.
A release date for the revival will be announced later.
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