Martin tried to make a return to TV on the short-lived FX series “Partners” with Kelsey Grammar, but we’d like a full-on return with Martin where he doesn’t have to share the platform with another big name on a network channel. Maybe a return to Fox, which is quickly becoming a leader in diverse TV.
2. Sanaa Lathan
Her last movie “The Perfect Guy” hit the charts at number one – add in the success of Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, and Taraji P. Henson and new shows for Meagan Good and Nia Long with “Minority Report” and “Uncle Buck,” and there has to be room for Sanaa. We think TV might be the perfect avenue for her to reach her full potential.
3. Cuba Gooding, Jr.
While his next TV show hasn’t aired yet, Cuba is playing OJ Simpson in the AHS spin-off “American Crime Story: The OJ Simpson Story.” We’d love to see him in a more permanent role, since the “American Story” franchise switches up its actors each season. Still, only time will tell if Cuba will find a full-time role on TV.
Eddie got his start in TV on “Saturday Night Live,” but rose to being the biggest draw at the box office in the ’80s and ’90s. But it’s been in a while since he’s been in something the people loved. TV might be the perfect place for him. “The PJs” was a great show, but we’d like to see him again on our TVs every week.
5. Larenz Tate
From O-Dogg to Darius Lovehall, Larenz has been a favorite of Black Hollywood for years. He’s been on several TV shows, but we’d like to see him on a show where he’s the focal-point. Until then, we’ll settle for seeing him on “House of Lies.”
6. Chris Tucker
We fell in love with him on Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam and then again as Smokey in “Friday,” which eventually launched him into the role that made him a superstar: “Rush Hour.” Now he’s been spending all that money, but recently put out his first comedy special for Netflix. Doesn’t it seem like TV would be the next step for our boy Chris? You know this man.
7. Chris Rock
Chris has made appearances on TV here and there. He’s even had a talk show on HBO, but he’s never really been a full-time regular on a sitcom besides being the narrator for his show “Everybody Hates Chris,” but how great would it be to have him as the star of his own show? After the greatness that was “Top Five,” we’d be about that life.
