VH1 today announced the network’s highly anticipated new scripted series “The Breaks” will premiere on Monday, February 20th at 9PM ET/PT.
The original film, which aired last year on VH1, followed three young friends fulfilling their hip hop dreams in New York City in 1990. The series continues to explore their triumphs and heartbreak trying to make their mark in a new and complex hip hop culture.
“The Breaks” ranked as the #2 original cable movie of 2016 among adults 18-49. Across all premiere night airings, it tallied 2.6 million total viewers.
Inspired by “The Big Payback,” a nonfiction history of the hip-hop business written by journalist Dan Charnas, “The Breaks” is executive produced by Seith Mann (“The Wire,” “The Walking Dead,” “Homeland”) and John J. Strauss (“Mozart in the Jungle”).
Joining the cast are guest stars Kim Wayans (“Pariah”), Lela Rochon (“Any Given Sunday”), Dave East (Def Jam Recordings) and Hassan Johnson (“The Wire”). Returning to reprise their roles from the film are Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith (“Luke Cage”), Russell Hornsby (“Fences”), J. Bernard Calloway (“The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3”), William Jackson Harper (“The Good Place”), A-F-R-O and De’Adre Aziza (“Master of None”).
Previously announced cast members include Afton Willamson (HBO’s “The Night Of… “), Wood Harris (“The Wire”), Mack Wilds (“90210”), Antoine Harris (“Ballers”), David Call (“The Magicians”), Evan Handler (“Sex and the City”), Melonie Diaz (“Fruitvale Station”), Sinqua Walls (“Power”) and Ali Ahn (“Billions”). Previously announced guest stars include Tip “T.I.” Harris (Ant-Man), Teyana Taylor (G.O.O.D. Music / Def Jam Recordings), and Gloria Reuben (“Mr. Robot”).
Kim Wayans plays Ella, Imani X’s (Teyana Taylor) mother or more accurately – her “Momager.”
Lela Rochon plays Marie Jones, Nikki’s (Afton Williamson) mother who -like Nikki – is not always forthcoming with the truth, but for very different reasons than her daughter.
Dave East plays Hashim, a rapper who performs with Imani X.
Hassan Johnson plays Det. Anthony Purdell, a detective investigating Ahm (Antoine Harris) and his gang affiliations.
Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith plays Darryl Van Putten, Sr. DeeVee’s (Mack Wilds) perennially irritated, judgmental father.
William Jackson Harper plays Stephen Jenkins, Barry’s put-upon right hand at Fouray Management.
Russell Hornsby plays Sampson King, the smooth-talking radio host at WPPS who hates rap music.
J. Bernard Calloway plays Gordie Charlon, the road manager for Fouray Management and one of Barry’s (Wood Harris) oldest friends.
A-F-R-O plays D-Rome, a star artist on Fouray’s roster who has greatness in him.
De’Adre Aziza plays Tamika Grant, the receptionist at Fouray Management who suspects Nikki’s motives
Seith Mann, Dan Charnas, Strauss, Bill Flanagan and Darren Goldberg are executive producers on “The Breaks.” Maggie Malina, Chris McCarthy and Amy Doyle serve as executive producers for VH1.
