“The only thing I like more than making money is not losing it.” – Brittany Pitts
Television series The Game, created by Mara Brock Akil, first debuted in October of 2006. Nine seasons and two different networks later, the series makes a comeback, touching down on streaming service Paramount+. The revival relocates from its San Diego locale to Sin City and returns with a mix of new players and original cast members to offer a modern-day examination of Black culture through the prism of pro football.
“I would say the show is familiar but fresh,” Adriyan Rae tells PopWire in an exclusive interview. “It’s a show in the football world about relationships and how money, sexism, racism, and more effects us all. It’s super relatable with all the glitz and glamor of the older versions.”
Fortunately, the older versions of The Game aren’t required viewing for new viewers to enjoy the series. We at PopWire were not familiar with the show during its run between 2006-2015, but the Paramount+ dramedy has enough to engage us and keep our attention.
“I honestly don’t think a binge-watch of the original is necessary to understand all that’s going on in the revival, but it doesn’t hurt,” the Delaware-born actress says. “I feel like the writers and all the storytellers involved have done a really great job of creating our new world thoroughly, so you can hop into the reboot and not have missed a beat.”
While a lot of the original cast members are back to reprise their roles, new recruit Adriyan Rae boards the series to tackle the character of Brittany Pitts, previously portrayed by Katlynn Simone. When we’re first introduced to Adriyan’s Brittany in the P+ premiere episode of The Game, we see that she’s with her girls and living a lavish lifestyle in Miami.
During a celebration complete with champagne, she discovers that her luxurious condo is going into foreclosure and loses nearly everything. Acting on the much-needed advice from her best friend Raquel (Analisa Velez) to “Bring your talents to Vegas where the real players play,” the Pitts daughter packs her bags and heads west. “Maybe I do need a taste of Vegas,” Brittany tells her.
“Brittany is this really dope mix of [parents] Kelly (Brittany Daniel) and Jason (Coby Bell),” Rae says of her undeniably charismatic character. “She’s loyal, fun, kind, and a risk-taking entrepreneur. She’s finding her own path and voice outside of her parents’ names and shadows and it’s a really interesting journey.”
That journey begins when she first arrives in Sin City and is reunited with her aunt, Tasha Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson). When the young entrepreneur pitches the idea of bringing her “828 Style” business to the 702, Tasha is quick to turn down the investment opportunity, citing that its business plan sounds like the operations of a whorehouse. Luckily, however, the big-shot power agent gives Brittany a job as her “Executive Assistant.”
The Game reboot is primarily a drama, but it is Wendy Raquel Robinson’s electrifying presence that delivers the fierce and often-times sparks of comedy to the series. “When God made Tasha Mack, he smashed the mold, burned the pieces, and smoked the ashes,” Tasha expresses confidently.
On working with her co-star Wendy, who’s been with the series from the very beginning, Rae says that the experience sharing the screen has been “phenomenal.” “I have been a fan of hers for years!” she says. “She has such a presence! She’s just everything; talented, graceful, and hilarious! I have learned so much from her on so many levels!”
From seasoned viewers to fresh eyes, The Game is one to watch — and this new player reveals why: “Tasha Mack is BACK!” Adriyan Rae says. Malik is back and telling a powerful story. I feel like we (the newcomers) are adding some new flavors and colors to the show that are really cool, and overall everyone involved has created something so special. It’s definitely worth giving a shot!”
The 10-episode first season of the new series is streaming exclusively on Paramount+. All nine seasons of The Game, which originally aired on The CW and then BET, are also currently available to binge on Paramount+. Watch it all with a free 30-day trial for a limited time only.