The cast and crew of ABC’s upcoming comedy, The Mayor spoke at the Television Critics Association press tour panel on Sunday.

The show stars Brandon Michael Hall as Courtney Rose, an outspoken, idealistic rapper who runs for office as a publicity stunt and actually gets elected. He surprises everyone (including himself) when he has a natural knack for the job and slowly transforms City Hall. Series regulars are Yvette Nicole Brown, Bernard David Jones, Marcel Spears, Lea Michele, and David Spade.

Despite the current state of U.S. politics right now, The Mayor’s showrunner Jeremy Bronson, insists that the show isn’t tackling Trump, and isn’t meant to be a parody or satire.

The show, executive-produced by Daveed Diggs, was even pitched a month before Trump became the GOP’s official nominee for president.

However, that’s not to say current politics don’t have somewhat of an impact on the show. “Obviously, given the politics of the past year, it’s helped. Everybody is a lot more focused on what they can do, what we can all do to improve our country, improve our situations.”

In addition, ABC entertainment chief Channing Dungey said that current issues have made the show “relevant” as Trump’s election made her think about the need for new voices.

‘”He (Rose) really is this is a guy who didn’t want to win but deeply deeply loves this city, wants to give, is very generous, feels the pressure and the weight of the job and this responsibility that he’s been given, with Dina’s help, with mom’s help, he’s really going to be that maverick-type politician. He’s been rapping and writing about them for years, but now he’s actually able to effect some change,” said Bronson.

Bronson says that Rose will be someone as much as Mr. Smith Goes To Washington and Jerry Springer as he is Trump.

But someone who was a pseudo-inspiration behind the show? Diggs, and also Chance the Rapper.

“I knew Daveed was part of all sorts of community groups and these small collectives doing music together. And then when I read about Chance also starting out doing his poetry in the multi-purpose room of his high school, I thought it was very, very interesting,” said Bronson.

The Mayor debuts on ABC this fall.

Brandon Michael Hall

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