Interview: Diallo Riddle talks returning for Season 2 of Marlon, Sherman’s Showcase, and more
By Paul Zuniga
Actor, writer, and producer, Diallo Riddle, sat down with us for an interview where we discussed his upcoming projects. Riddle’s next on-screen appearance will be in Season 2 of NBC’s Marlon series.
In anticipation of Marlon Season 2, Diallo Riddle took the time to talk with us at Hidden Remote about returning to play the always funny Stevie. While here with us, Riddle also answered a variety of questions in regards to the numerous projects he’s working on — though the topic of most intrigue was Marlon.
On NBC’s Marlon, Riddle plays Stevie, Marlon Wayne’s best friend from college. The series is centered mostly around Marlon Wayne’s life but that includes friends and family; Stevie is one of them. To sum him up quickly, Stevie is this slightly oblivious fellow but also a good guy to have around. That’s not to say Stevie is dimwitted but he could definitely use some help with major life-decisions.
What’s in store for Stevie in Marlon Season 2
As for Stevie in Season 2 of Marlon, Riddle noted that we’ll see more of the same character we saw in Season 1. He adds that no significant changes have happened since the last time we saw Stevie and he’s still finding difficulty with his career and love-life. Stevie isn’t a complete mess by any standard but his level of success varies; indicating some trouble along the way.
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Apart from the same ole Stevie, Riddle also teased a new depth to his character that we’ll see in a few episodes where the spotlight falls on him. There won’t be any significant changes like we mentioned above but certain aspects of Stevie not shown in Season 1 will be learned of in Season 2. Riddle added that all the characters will continue to develop similarly, exploring more of who they are in Marlon’s universe.
For a final tease of Marlon Season 2, Riddle revealed that Season 2 would feature more celebrity cameos like the Boys 2 Men drop-in during the Season 1 Finale. He didn’t name drop anyone in particular but emphasized that they would add a lot of comedic value to a show that’s already extremely hilarious. We can only guess who’ll make an appearance but since Marlon airs on NBC— a major network with tons of resources at their disposal — we can probably count on some big name actors stopping by.
Diallo Riddle explains what Sherman’s Showcase is all about
In addition to discussing Marlon, Riddle also took the time to answer a few questions about his upcoming IFC series, Sherman’s Showcase. Riddle is writing and producing the series with his longtime comedic partner, Bashir Salahuddin. The show is currently in pre-production so details are scarce. Luckily, Riddle didn’t mind talking in-depth about the show being that it’s a passion project of his.
When we asked Riddle to elaborate on Sherman’s Showcase, he told us quite a bit about how the show came to be. Riddle attributed to the show actually getting off the ground because of John Legend’s contributions. At the same time, Riddle emphasized a heavy musical element would be present, indicating a lot of music would be integrated into the comedy. Though, that’s not all.
Riddle also likened Sherman’s Showcase to other shows like Pee Wee’s Playhouse, comparing its variety show style to what we’ll see in his show. He went on to explain that animated shorts and choreographed dance routines would make up the variety element. Of course, Sherman’s Showcase will likely hold more surprises.
Diallo Riddle also producing South Side for Comedy Central network
For the final portion of our interview with Riddle, we discussed the other series he’s writing and producing: South Side. The series focuses on a rent-to-own business out of the South Side of Chicago. It’ll air on Comedy Central, meaning there’s a decent level of humor to the project. However, that’s not the only thing South Side is about.
When we asked Riddle about South Side, he acknowledged how the show is going to paint the people of Chicago in a new light. Riddle pointed out that the people who live on the South Side of Chicago have gotten a bad reputation over the years. He didn’t go into greater detail but the main point was that people on the South Side of Chicago are just like you or I. They live, they laugh, and go to work like the rest of us. Their lives are just a little more interesting than ours and that’s what Riddle and Salahuddin set out to tell audiences with South Side.
Check out the fully transcribed version of our interview with Diallo Riddle below:
Hidden Remote: Diallo, you’re reportedly coming back for Season 2 of Marlon. Is your character in the premiere episode?
Diallo Riddle: He’s in every episode this season just like Season 1 so yes.
HR: For our next question, has anything changed in Stevie’s life since the last time we saw him?
DR: No, I wouldn’t say anything has changed because it’s always like two steps forward, three steps back for Stevie. His love life and job position haven’t changed either. Sometimes characters have to change but not so drastically that they’re not the same characters anymore. Stevie is similar in that way.
HR: Alright, what can we expect from Stevie this season? Are there any interesting subplots coming up?
DR: Let’s see, he could be pursuing something with Yvette. He’ll continue to have a variety of jobs with varying degrees of success. Fans will see a different side to Stevie though. Look, you know we did 10 episodes of Marlon where we explored a lot of who these characters are but there are still a lot of unexplored dynamics. There are all kinds of dynamics that we’ll see in Season 2 that we didn’t see in Season 1. Let’s just say that people who liked Season 1 will absolutely love Season 2.
HR: Diallo, you might not be able to say anything to this aspect of the show but are we going to see more cameos like the Boys II Men cameo from Season 1?
DR: We do have a couple of cameos but they’re of very good people that the audience is going to be excited about. All I can say is that they add a lot of comedic value to the show.
HR: Going back to your character, Stevie, are there any funny scenes we should look out for?
DR: I don’t want to give too much away but there’s an episode where the group goes to a nightclub and it’s a big turning point for all the characters. That episode is really funny. And there’s one (episode) where Stevie and Marlon go back to the college where they met. That episode about Marlon and Stevie was one of my favorites on the show — and one of my favorite acting experiences in general. Basically, it’s Stevie and Marlon’s origin story.
HR: Alright, moving on to your work behind the scenes. You’re writing and producing a series for IFC, Sherman’s Showcase. What can you tell me about the show?
DR: It’s almost like the project 10 years in the making. When we went to Fallon, we did History of Rap and that was a sketch where there was always this musical element present. Some of the ideas that came up were great but we didn’t have the vehicle and the platform to do it at the time. Then when John Legend came on as EP for Sherman’s Showcase, things began to come together quickly. The ideas expressed weren’t right for Fallon but were appropriate for off-humor of IFC. It was actually when I saw Documentary Now! that I knew we could do our show of music nerdom and sketch comedy and basically everything we’ve always wanted to do all in one place.
What we hope (of Sherman’s Showcase) is that the cultural significance dawns on audiences like it did with In Living Color, SNL, and Chappelle’s Show. We’re also doing sketch comedy like it’s never been done before. Unlike other variety shows, the connective tissue that is Sherman’s Showcase, is one part Soul Train, Midnight Special, and other shows that aren’t around anymore. You might have to look up what Midnight Special is — but basically, every episode of Sherman’s Showcase takes place in a different year, with clothing and scenery that correspond with the year. More than anything, its comedy that people can share with one another. No one has ever done what we’ve done and we can’t for audiences to see it.
HR: Follow-up question. Who or what demographic would you say the show is geared towards? I’m sure it’s a show that anyone who watches IFC can get behind but who do you see watching Sherman’s Showcase?
DR: I don’t think we’re weirdos, me and Bashir have a very broad pallet of comedy that we’ve done with Fallon and Drake, and the constant feedback we get is that it appeals to audiences regardless of age or race. We like stuff that’s big funny but that’s also goofy smart. The show that has the best example of this is The Simpsons. The Simpsons, in its heyday, was goofy but also intelligent on some level — that’s what we want from Sherman’s Showcase.
HR: Can you tell me who’s headlining the cast?
DR: Bashir is playing Sherman McDaniels, one of the leads. It’s an ensemble cast playing heightened / fictional versions of themselves. Vic Mensa will be playing a Prince artist type of character. The idea for Vic’s character actually came up during our time at Fallon. When we were at Fallon, we were working with Pharrell, and Jimmy wanted him to do this fictional character but the character was using foul language which wouldn’t work on Fallon, but the concept would work on Sherman’s Showcase. Vic Mensa is playing sort of the same character. A lot of comedians with musical talents are also in it. We have a lot of music interests. It should be a beast.
HR: As far as your role on Sherman’s Showcase goes, you’re behind the camera, but will we ever see you on-camera?
DR: I’ll do some of the in front of the camera work. I have a commitment to Marlon so I can only show up in so many episodes but yes, I’ll be in some of it. Not only will I, but Sherman’s Showcase will have Step Up 2 The Streets level of dancers in it. And the dancers are given the opportunity to be funny as well. My wife is doing the choreography for the dancers. Original animated shorts are also included in the show. It shares DNA with Pee Wee’s Playhouse as a variety show but with more music thrown in.
HR: When does Sherman’s Showcase premiere on IFC?
DR: The second quarted of 2019. We’re writing it this year and shooting next year.
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HR: For our final question, what can you tell me about South Side, the series you’re producing for Comedy Central?
DR: South Side means a lot to us because the south side of Chicago has been getting a terrible rap for too long. Our show seeks to remind people that there are those who live and laugh, and don’t all die in the South Side of Chicago. My writing partner is from Chicago. More than half of our cast is from Chicago, and they still live in South Side. Basically, the show is going to paint those people in a positive light.