Deji LaRay, Thomas Jones Talk 'Johnson' Series With The Black Man Can

Recently, Bounce TV announced that it would be renewing its hit show Johnson, which will premiere on August 3.

The show, which follows the lives of four best friends who have been friends since childhood, provides an unapologetic portrayal of Black masculinity and the bonds of brotherhood. It's truly a refreshing perspective seldom seen on television.

During a press tour in New York, The Black Man Can hosted an event with the cast of the hit show at the Gentlemen's Factory in Brooklyn, where they talked more about creating the series and what audiences can expect from the series.

"Brotherhood is a huge part of this show," Deji LaRay, who is also the creator and executive producer of the series, shares with The Black Man Can founder Dr. Brandon Frame.

Audiences watch four Black men, each with different upbringings, live their very different lives in Atlanta. Thomas Jones, also an executive producer on the series, gives credit to Bounce TV for allowing the show to be authentic.

"They [Bounce TV] allowed Deji and me to say, 'Hey, be Black men. Be four different Black men but be authentic. And also let Black women be authentic to Black men. There were no agendas with the show. There were no social media power structure conversations there. If there were, for the most part in the writing, it was satire," Jones shares.

That's the beauty of the show. Although the series focuses on the lives of these men, the show is relatable to the masses. Just like shows found on other networks, audiences are watching a story about the lives of Black Americans. This time, we see the Black man's perspective on these same issues, which is rarely shown on TV and film.

Johnson doesn't shy away from topics that are controversial and have become think pieces on the internet. All of these topics and more are woven throughout the three seasons of the series. 

Topics like masculinity.

"In today's world, that term [masculinity] gets a bad rap to the masses. It's looked at by a lot of people that says it's negative and I think it's a very positive trait. To me, masculinity means a lot of positive things," LaRay shares.

As the anticipation for the upcoming season of Johnson builds, we eagerly await the continuation of these men's journey and look forward to seeing what new stories and special guests will be coming.

The success of Johnson speaks not only to the talent and dedication of the entire cast and crew but also to the growing demand for authentic representation in media. By allowing the characters to navigate complex issues with honesty and depth, the series resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, fostering important conversations about identity, community and acceptance.

As we look forward to the premiere of the new season on August 3, it's evident that Johnson is more than just a television show—it's a cultural phenomenon.

This conversation was part of The Black Man Can's new podcast, The Mens Den. Make sure you subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released.

Photo Credit: Madyson 'Bizzie' Frame