It has been over 15 years since the last episode of Everybody Hates Chris aired on The CW. In that finale, the main character, Chris, did not pass his G.E.D.
The show was canceled because the network started promoting other popular teen dramas like The Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl, leaving little space for the sitcom.
Since then, many fans have hoped for a return of the series with its original cast. The good news is that Everybody Hates Chris will be back, but in a different format.
The Animated Revival
Chris Rock’s story, which takes place in 1980s Brooklyn, will return in animated form. This reboot will show Chris dealing with familiar challenges at school and home.
The animated series will premiere on Comedy Central. Terry Crews and Tichina Arnold will reprise their roles as Chris’ parents, which adds excitement for long-time fans. For those eager to see the show again, here is everything to know about Everybody Still Hates Chris.
Release Date and Streaming Information
Everybody Still Hates Chris will debut on Comedy Central on Wednesday, September 25, at 10 p.m. EST. The original sitcom first aired on UPN, a network that no longer exists, and then moved to The CW.
Now, because The CW focuses more on Canadian dramas, it makes sense for Everybody Still Hates Chris to find a home on Comedy Central.
This network is known for many animated shows like South Park and Futurama. Recently, it also got distribution rights to another favorite, Family Guy.
People who miss episodes on TV can later watch Everybody Still Hates Chris on Paramount+, where all four seasons of the original series are available.
Trailers and Promotional Material
There is no official trailer yet for the series. However, Comedy Central has shared some promotional videos to build excitement. One clip shows Chris telling his family he is a grown man, which makes his parents and siblings laugh.
The narration states, “At 17, Chris Rock was so hated that we had to animate it.” The clip gives a quick look at Chris facing challenges at school and being blamed for things he did not do, which fans remember well from the original series.
Plot Overview
An official plot summary has not been released yet, but Entertainment Weekly shared that the first episode will directly follow the finale of Everybody Hates Chris.
In the pilot, Chris fails his G.E.D. and eats with his family in a diner after learning the bad news.
When he tells his parents he did not pass, his mom Rochelle knocks him into animation, leading to the series being presented in 2D.
After seeing Chris in live-action, it will be interesting to watch him show the ups and downs of growing up with his quirky family through animation. The series will still be set in 1980s Brooklyn, so the animated visuals will reflect how the city looked back then.
Cast Members and Their Roles
A revival would not be the same without the original cast members. Thankfully, Terry Crews returns as Julius, Chris’ hardworking and sometimes silly father. Tichina Arnold will voice Rochelle, Chris’ strict mother, long after last playing the role on TV.
Arnold expressed her excitement about returning to this character in an interview. She stated, “It’s exciting for me because it’s the first time I really was able to put my foot in animation, which I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time.”
Although Tyler James Williams, Imani Hakim, and Tequan Richmond will not return as Chris, Tonya, and Drew, their characters will be voiced by younger actors. Tim Johnson Jr. will voice Chris, Terrence Little Gardenhigh will voice Drew, and Ozioma Akagha will voice Tonya.
Gunnar Sizemore will play Chris’ best friend Greg. Jacqueline Mazarella, who played Principal Morello in the original series, will also return. Chris Rock will voice the adult version of Chris, helping maintain the tone of the original show.
The Creative Team Behind the Series
Sanjay Shah, known for Central Park, is the showrunner for Everybody Still Hates Chris. In an interview, Shah shared what viewers can expect from the new animated series.
He mentioned, “I love animation. I’ve been working in animation for almost 20 years… Animation lets us show more in every way.
You can use it to express emotions, to lean into fantasy moments.” He believes animation allows for a fresh take on the original story while still honoring its roots.
Shah will be executive producing the series along with Chris Rock, co-creator Ali LeRoi, and others from 3 Arts Entertainment and Titmouse. Development for the animation began in 2021, with CBS and Eye Animation Productions producing it.
Episode Count and Future of the Series
Everybody Still Hates Chris will consist of 10 episodes, which will be released weekly. If the reboot becomes popular on Comedy Central, it may be renewed for additional seasons.
Everybody Still Hates Chris returns as an animated series after more than 15 years since the original show’s finale.
It will premiere on Comedy Central on September 25, featuring Chris showing challenges in 1980s Brooklyn. The reboot brings back original cast members Terry Crews and Tichina Arnold as Chris’ parents.
The first episode will follow the original finale, where Chris fails his G.E.D. and interacts with his family. The series will consist of 10 episodes released weekly.
Chris Rock will voice the adult version of Chris, maintaining the tone of the original sitcom while introducing a fresh animated approach.
