Grand Crew
Grand Crew is an American sitcom television series created by Phil Augusta Jackson that aired on NBC from December 14, 2021, to April 28, 2023.[1][2] The show centers on a tight-knit group of young Black professionals in Los Angeles who regularly meet at a neighborhood wine bar called The Grand Crew to discuss relationships, career challenges, and everyday triumphs.[1][3] Starring Nicole Byer as Nicky, Justin Cunningham as Dray, Aaron Jennings as Jesse, Echo Kellum as Noah, Grasie Mercedes as Rosh, and Carl Tart as Wyatt, the series highlights themes of friendship, humor, and cultural identity through its ensemble-driven narratives.[2][4] Over two seasons comprising 20 episodes, Grand Crew earned praise for its witty dialogue and authentic portrayal of Black millennial life, though it was ultimately canceled by NBC in June 2023.[3][5][2][6]Overview
Premise
Grand Crew is a sitcom centered on a tight-knit group of young Black professionals living in Los Angeles who regularly convene at their favorite wine bar, Cru, to discuss the ups and downs of life, love, career hurdles, and personal development.[1][7] The wine bar functions as the show's primary recurring setting, inspired by the creator's real-life gatherings with friends, where it symbolizes a welcoming haven for open dialogue and comedic takes on daily Black millennial experiences in the city.[8][9] Thematically, the series examines enduring friendships, romantic entanglements, workplace aspirations, and the subtle cultural intricacies of contemporary LA existence, while emphasizing genuine depictions of Black joy, identity, and community through a blend of relatable wit and understated insights into race and urban dynamics.[8]Production style
Grand Crew is a single-camera sitcom, distinguishing it from traditional multi-camera formats by employing a more cinematic approach to filming, which allows for flexible shooting schedules and on-location scenes without a live studio audience.[10] This setup facilitates quick-paced dialogue and natural comedic timing, enhanced through post-production editing rather than immediate audience feedback. The series emphasizes ensemble dynamics in a relaxed, conversational style that mirrors real-life interactions among friends.[11] The visual style features bright, vibrant cinematography that captures the essence of Los Angeles, drawing inspiration from diverse neighborhoods to infuse sets with authentic detail, texture, and history. Production designer Bruton Jones crafted the primary wine bar set on a soundstage to evoke Los Angeles neighborhoods, incorporating architectural elements and native California plants for a lived-in feel, while exterior shots highlight the city's sunny, eclectic vibe. This approach supports frequent ensemble scenes at the bar, blending warmth and urban energy to underscore the characters' cultural milieu.[12] Episodes typically run 22 minutes, structured around central group hangouts at the wine bar where the friends unpack daily life, interspersed with individual subplots that explore personal growth and relationships. This format allows for layered storytelling, balancing collective banter with solo arcs to maintain narrative momentum within the half-hour constraint.[7] The audio and music elements contribute an upbeat soundtrack featuring contemporary R&B and hip-hop tracks, selected to reflect the characters' Black cultural background and enhance the show's lively, relatable tone. The theme song, composed by creator Phil Augusta Jackson with producer Nick Lee, sets an infectious, modern rhythm that aligns with his vision for authentic Black comedy.[13]Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of Grand Crew features an ensemble of friends who gather at a Los Angeles wine bar to discuss life and relationships.[14] Echo Kellum portrays Noah Koles, the optimistic everyman and unofficial leader of the group, who navigates challenges in his romantic pursuits as a hopeless romantic eager to settle down.[14][15][7] Nicole Byer plays Nicky Koles, Noah's witty and no-nonsense sister, a confident real estate agent whose sharp humor often highlights her success in her professional life contrasted with personal dating struggles.[14][15][7] Justin Cunningham stars as Wyatt Fields, the group's romantic and ambitious friend, who is happily married and frequently deals with dating mishaps among his single friends while offering mature advice as an inquisitive artist.[14][7] Aaron Jennings depicts Anthony Holmes, the tech-savvy and laid-back accountant who provides comic relief through his sarcasm, structured Type-A personality, and vegan lifestyle that influences group dynamics.[14][15][7] Carl Tart embodies Sherm Jones, the charismatic and flirtatious member of the crew, whose adventurous energy and supportive nature as an unemployed hustler and Anthony's roommate bring vitality to the group's social interactions.[14][15][7] Grasie Mercedes plays Fay, the level-headed voice of reason and free-spirited server at the wine bar, who handles personal conflicts post-divorce and evolves into a key friend bridging the ensemble's dynamics.[14][7]Recurring characters
Maya Lynne Robinson portrays Kristen Fields, the supportive wife of Wyatt Fields, appearing in seven episodes across both seasons of the series. As Wyatt's partner, Kristen often provides grounded perspective and comic relief in family-oriented storylines, such as navigating marital dynamics and social gatherings with the crew.[2][16] Ashleigh Morghan plays Simone, Noah Koles' Canadian girlfriend facing deportation issues, who features in four episodes primarily in season 2. Simone's arc introduces tension and humor through her urgent need for marriage to secure a green card, influencing Noah's romantic pursuits and group discussions on commitment.[2][7] Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins recurs as Talia, Anthony Holmes' girlfriend, across five episodes in seasons 1 and 2. Talia contributes to Anthony's personal growth by challenging his vegan lifestyle and career ambitions, adding layers to his interactions within the friend group.[2][14] Colton Dunn appears as Michael Johnson, Wyatt's brother and Nicky Koles' romantic interest, in three episodes spanning the series. Michael's involvement creates familial overlaps and explores themes of unexpected relationships, particularly as he dates Nicky and integrates into crew hangouts.[2][17] Charles Parnell guest-stars as Franklin Koles, the father of Noah and Nicky, in two episodes during seasons 1 and 2. Franklin's appearances delve into parental advice and emotional support, enriching the siblings' backstories through heartfelt family moments at the wine bar.[2][18] Peter Banifaz portrays Amir, a recurring friend of the crew, in four season 2 episodes. Amir often joins group activities, offering outsider insights and comedic banter that highlight the core ensemble's dynamics in social settings.[2][19]Guest appearances
The series featured several notable guest stars who brought additional comedic energy to specific episodes, often leveraging their backgrounds in stand-up and sketch comedy to highlight the show's Los Angeles-centric humor. Sasheer Zamata, known for her time on Saturday Night Live, appeared in the pilot episode as Gloria, a woman who catches Noah's eye at the wine bar, adding flirtatious banter that underscores the group's social dynamics.[20] In season 2, Colton Dunn, recognized from Key & Peele and Superstore, guest-starred in three episodes as Michael, Wyatt's estranged brother who begins dating Nicky, injecting familial awkwardness and romantic complications into the core group's interactions.[21] His limited arc amplified the series' themes of friendship intersecting with unexpected relationships.[22] Comedian Nick Thune made a one-time appearance in the season 2 episode "Wine & Bachata" as James, a quirky biker who joins the crew for a bachata dance night, enhancing the episode's lighthearted exploration of stepping outside comfort zones.[23] Such guest spots, concentrated in the first season's launch and select season 2 outings, helped elevate the show's profile by tying into LA's vibrant entertainment and comedy community.[24]Episodes
Season 1 (2021–22)
The first season of Grand Crew consists of 10 episodes and aired on NBC from December 14, 2021, to March 8, 2022, premiering with a double episode before settling into its regular Tuesday 8:30 p.m. time slot.[25] The season introduces the core ensemble—Noah, Nicky, Anthony, Sherm, Fay, and Wyatt—as a tight-knit group of young Black professionals in Los Angeles who gather at their favorite wine bar to navigate life, love, and friendship.[26] It establishes the wine bar as a central setting for their candid conversations and humorous escapades. The premiere episodes drew 2.3 million total viewers, marking a solid debut for the midseason entry, while the season averaged 1.61 million viewers per episode.[27][6] Throughout the season, the narrative arcs emphasize the formation and testing of interpersonal relationships among the friends, including romantic pursuits and roommate tensions, alongside early career hurdles such as job searches and entrepreneurial risks.[24] Cultural humor permeates the episodes, drawing on shared Black experiences in professional and social spaces, often with a lighthearted nod to post-pandemic reconnection and self-care in a recovering world.[26] These themes unfold through ensemble-driven stories that highlight group support amid personal growth, setting the foundation for the series' blend of comedy and relatability.Episode list
| No. | Title | Original air date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | December 14, 2021 | To the crew's surprise, Noah plans to propose to Alicia; Anthony and Sherm's roommate dynamic is tested; Nicky investigates a mystery.[28] |
| 2 | Wine & Serendipity | December 14, 2021 | The group celebrates Noah's 30th birthday; Nicky pushes Anthony toward new career paths; Sherm introduces Noah to cryptocurrency; Fay and Wyatt handle a bachelorette party. |
| 3 | Wine & Fire | January 4, 2022 | Evacuated by a nearby wildfire, the crew crashes at Wyatt and Kristen's home, leading to unexpected tensions and bonding.[29] |
| 4 | Wine & Therapy | January 11, 2022 | Wyatt encourages Noah to attend therapy; Fay attempts to set up Sherm; Anthony advises Nicky on casual dating.[30] |
| 5 | Wine & Hip Hop | January 18, 2022 | Sherm joins Nicky for a house sale to a famous rapper; Noah and his date face a car accident complication.[31] |
| 6 | Wine & Pie | January 25, 2022 | Noah enlists Fay to bake a pie to cheer up his father; Sherm teaches Anthony chess; Wyatt brings his brother to meet the group.[32] |
| 7 | Wine & Headlines | February 1, 2022 | A doomsday news headline prompts the crew to confront their fears and priorities.[33] |
| 8 | Wine & Wages | February 22, 2022 | Revelations about Wyatt's salary spark debates on pay equity and financial transparency within the group.[34] |
| 9 | Wine & Vineyards | March 1, 2022 | The friends embark on a group trip to a Santa Barbara vineyard, exploring relaxation and new connections.[35] |
| 10 | Wine & Art | March 8, 2022 | Wyatt secures a spot in an art exhibit and recruits Sherm as his muse; Noah weighs introducing Simone to the crew.[36] |
Season 2 (2023)
The second and final season of Grand Crew consists of 10 episodes and aired on NBC from March 3 to April 28, 2023, shifting to a Friday 8:30 p.m. time slot. Building on the foundational group dynamics established in season 1, the season delves deeper into the characters' personal evolutions, focusing on matured friendships amid romantic breakups, family revelations, and professional ambitions. Key arcs include Noah navigating his impulsive marriage to Simone and pursuing a writing career, Anthony processing a breakup with Talia while advancing in his marketing role and receiving an alma mater award, Sherm launching a limo service venture, Nicky balancing her relationship with Michael and family ties, and Fay embracing dating and dance instruction. Guest characters like Simone (Ashleigh Morghan), Lanice (guest neighbor), and various romantic interests integrate into the ensemble, highlighting interpersonal tensions and support systems. The narrative culminates in a double-episode finale addressing future uncertainties, such as homeownership and career pivots, providing closure to ongoing threads.[37][7][38][39] The season averaged 1.2 million viewers per episode, with the finale drawing a peak of 1.4 million for its back-to-back airing.[6][40]Episode list
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | Wine & Traffic | Mo Marable | Charla Lauriston | March 3, 2023 | 1.13 | Noah responds to Simone's marriage proposal to avoid her deportation, prompting the guys to reflect on their relationships; the women celebrate a milestone.[41] |
| 12 | 2 | Wine & Labels | Cortney Carrillo | Aaron Covington | March 10, 2023 | 1.15 | Noah adjusts to married life with Simone; Anthony's lack of a poker face causes issues; Sherm launches a risky limo business.[42] |
| 13 | 3 | Wine & Neighbors | Melissa Fumero | Rekha Shankar | March 17, 2023 | 1.19 | Nicky encourages Fay to date; Anthony bonds with neighbor Lanice; Michael's visit to Nicky's strains things; Anthony's breakup with Talia affects his friendship with Fay.[43][44] |
| 14 | 4 | Wine & Ojai | Courtney M. Franklin | Kindsey L. Young | March 24, 2023 | 1.15 | The crew road-trips to Ojai for Fay's birthday, unpacking love and life en route.[43] |
| 15 | 5 | Wine & Children | Jarrett Lee Conaway | David Phillips | March 31, 2023 | 1.18 | Nicky and Noah discover their father's new partner; Anthony and Fay care for Wyatt's plants; Sherm dates a single mother.[43] |
| 16 | 6 | Wine & Roasts | Neema Barnette | Ify Nwadiwe | April 7, 2023 | 1.16 | Sherm aids Wyatt in a roast event; Noah resolves a work complaint; Nicky dates a sleep-talker.[43][45] |
| 17 | 7 | Wine & Honors | Maureen Bharoocha | Shenovia Large | April 14, 2023 | 1.05 | Anthony earns an award from his alma mater; Sherm networks with a prominent businessman through games.[43] |
| 18 | 8 | Wine & Bachata | Princess Monique Filmz | Tim Chang & Omari R. Allen | April 21, 2023 | 1.20 | Fay teaches Anthony bachata dance moves amid personal changes; Noah and Wyatt compete for a dinner reservation.[43] |
| 19 | 9 | Wine & Journals | Cortney Carrillo | Carla Olivia Torres | April 28, 2023 | 1.36 | Noah dates someone with marathon-like intimacy preferences; Nicky helps Anthony find his ideal home; the group reflects on journals and growth.[43] |
| 20 | 10 | Wine & Tastings | Phil Augusta Jackson | Phil Augusta Jackson | April 28, 2023 | 1.00 | At an elite wine tasting, the crew confronts uncertainties; Noah and Sherm join a competition; major arcs resolve with new beginnings in romance and careers.[46][39] |