Jermelle Simon-Jones Talks ‘The Upshaws’ Finale and Manifesting a Role in ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2
When a beloved comedy series takes its final bow, the transition can be bittersweet for both the fans and the cast. But for actor Jermelle Simon-Jones, stepping onto the blue carpet at the NAACP Creative Honors felt like the perfect victory lap.
With Netflix’s hit series The Upshaws officially wrapping its run and snagging a major nomination, Simon-Jones opened up about the overwhelming fan response to the final season and teased whether his public campaign to join the cast of HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry has finally caught the attention of producers.
For Simon-Jones, attending the NAACP Creative Honors was a beautifully full-circle moment, especially with the show being recognized with a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series.
“I feel like it’s great closure, you know, to close it here at the NAACP,” he shared on the blue carpet.
When asked about the public’s reaction to the final episodes now that they are officially out, he noted that the response has been overwhelmingly positive, even if fans are begging for more. “Everyone has loved it, but they want more, you know? So meet us for season six somewhere. We’ll put it out there,” he joked.
Rather than overstaying their welcome, Simon-Jones appreciates that the series is leaving on a high note. “I think it was nice to see people not want the show to go,” he explained, noting how much better that feels compared to audiences being glad a show is finally over.
The last time we spoke with Simon-Jones, he openly shared just how much of a fan he is of the wildly popular HBO Max series Heated Rivalry. During that conversation, he put a word out into the universe, directly asking the producers to give him a call for season two. Naturally, when we caught up with him on the blue carpet, we had to ask for an update: Have they finally made the call?
With a playful laugh, he initially teased, “They have,” before walking it back with a smile.
“I don’t know yet,” he admitted. “Maybe my manager, we haven’t communicated in a week or so, so maybe. I’ll come back and let you know.”
Despite the lack of an official confirmation just yet, Simon-Jones remains incredibly optimistic about his chances of joining the hit HBO Max drama. “I can feel it, though,” he added confidently. “Something’s brewing.”
Whether he is manifesting a surprise spin-off of The Upshaws or gearing up for a brand new role in Heated Rivalry, one thing is certain: Jermelle Simon-Jones’s next chapter is going to be one to watch.
Check out the interview below.
