Tim Johnson Jr. & Peyton Z. Basnight To Star In Disney’s “Saturdays” Comedy Series
The Disney Channel is currently developing a brand new comedy series, “Saturdays“, which is set in an expressive, music-fueled roller-skating community, has been ordered by Disney Branded Television from actress/producer Marsai Martin (“black-ish,” “Little”) and her Genius Entertainment production company.
The series introduces teenage Paris Johnson, who considers roller skating to be part of her soul — she breathes it in and makes it a lifestyle. She lives for the weekends because that’s when she gets to go to her sanctuary, the neon-lit Saturdays, a seemingly magical wood floor roller-rink where the impossible often manifests. In this wondrous place, Paris can hang with her best friends (the We-B-Girlz skate crew), choreograph exhilarating routines on wheels, banter with her rivals, navigate life with her DJ brother London and work on becoming a Golden — a member of Saturday’s skating elite, chosen by the mystical owner of the rink, The Duchess.
The single-camera series, created and written by Norman Vance Jr. (“Roll Bounce,” “Girlfriends”) will be executive produced by Martin, Vance, Nicole Dow and Joshua and Carol Martin (“Little”). Production is scheduled to begin in May 2022.
Starring in the series are Danielle Jalade (“Yes Day”) as Paris, Omar Gooding (“Family Time”) as Cal Johnson, Golden Brooks (“Girlfriends”) as Deb Johnson, Jermaine Harris (“The Map of Tiny Perfect Things”) as London Johnson and Daria Johns (“Nappily Ever After”) as Simone.
According to Deadline, Tim Johnson Jr. and Peyton Z. Basnight have joined the series as regulars. Both of these characters were not part of the pilot, but have been added when the project was picked up for a series.
Tim Johnson Jr plays Derek ‘D-Rok’ Troy, London’s best friend. A high energy but cool rapper with much swag! Definitely born with the gift of gab, which more times than not lands him and London in hot water. Tim has previously starred in “Pacific Rim: Uprising”, “Ballers” and “Future Man”.
Peyton Z. Basnight will be playing the role of Ari Stevens, a lovable, fast talking, butterfly wing and skate wearing young lady, who when she isn’t killing it on the rink floor, is spilling all of the local gossip happening in and around Saturdays. She’s one of Paris’ best and most fashionable friends. Ari’s a trend setter, hip on the latest fashions, and what she can’t afford to buy, she’s quick to jump on her sewing machine to create some fashion magic. She’s the official We-B-GIRLZ stylist. Being the youngest of five sisters has made her quite competitive and determined to stand out amongst the rest – hence the colorful butterfly wings she sometimes rocks. Marches to the beat of her own drum. A little gullible but lovable to say the least. This will be Peyton’s first major TV series role.
Are you looking forward to “Saturdays”?