Wendy Raquel Robinson admits that she was skeptical about the revival of “The Game” on Paramount +. The actress credited reading the script with changing her mind about the reboot.
“The Game” made its debut in 2006 on the CW. The show aired on the network for four seasons before moving to BET for another five seasons.
Robinson admitted to being anxious about the reboot and questioned if it was good for her career. However, the actress noted that any hesitation was alleviated upon reading the script, which she loved.
“Whoo! I was nervous,” she said in a Essence interview. “I was anxious. ‘Is this the right career path? Is this the right journey?’ At the end of the day, I said what an honor to play a role that has been such an incredible part of my life for 17 years and see all these different reincarnations of her. So yes, I was very skeptical. But I read the script and I loved it.”
The reboot takes place in Las Vegas instead of San Diego, and the reboot includes other familiar faces including Hosea Chanchez as Mack’s football player son, Malik Wright. Brittany Daniels is also returning for the reboot, as is Pooch Hall as Derwin Davis.
When Hall spoke with Atlanta Black Star about returning to the series without his onscreen wife Tia Mowry, he said “It’s too bad that we can’t continue where we left off. We were compared to so many different couples like Joanie and Chachi (“Joanie Loves Chachi”), Martin and Gina (“Martin”), and Rachel and Ross (“Friends”).”
He continued, “We are in those conversations. The fact that she’s not there does stink, but she has not stopped working since leaving ‘The Game.’ I know the fans were looking forward to having her and I back together. But … the show must go on.”
The series creator Mara Brock Akil also returned with her husband, Salim Akil. Executive producer Kelsey Grammer returned to produce along with Tony Russo, as well as writer Devon Greggory.
Fans also seem to approve of the reboot and were vocal on Twitter. “Okay but the new season of #TheGame is giving what it’s supposed to give.”
“5 minutes in and Malik, Malikin’ already! #TheGame.”
“Just finished watching the new episodes of #TheGame…. And I’ll be tuned in for sure! I can kind of dig the new direction.”
The reboot will focus on subjects such as ageism, racism and sexism. “The Game” became available on Nov. 11 on Paramount + with new episodes streaming every Thursday.
