Terry Crews hopes “Everybody Still Hates Chris” can match the longevity of “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” His enthusiasm for the animated revival reflects his deep connection to the character and the show’s cultural significance.
“To do it again animated, we can go forever. That’s the plan,” the 56-year-old actor has reprised his role as Chris Rock’s father Julius in an animated sequel to the hit semi-autobiographical sitcom, and he would love to see the show build a legacy in the same vein as the iconic animated comedies. The transition to animation opens up new creative possibilities that weren’t available in the live-action format.
He told “On With Mario Lopez”: “Let’s get some of that ‘Family Guy’, ‘Simpsons’ kinda stuff. I want that 20-year longevity on that show.” Both referenced shows have achieved remarkable staying power, with ‘The Simpsons’ currently in its latest season and ‘Family Guy’ running for multiple decades.
Crews described the animated revival as “a dream,” particularly to be reunited with Tichina Arnold, who plays Chris’ mother Rochelle Rock. Their on-screen chemistry was a highlight of the original series, with many critics praising their comedic timing and authentic portrayal of parenthood.
“To do the live action and then bring it back as an animated show years later, it’s a dream,” he added. “I know the character inside out. Me and Tichina Arnold — she actually taught me how to act back when I was doing that show.” This acknowledgment of Arnold’s influence demonstrates the strong bonds formed during the original production and the collaborative nature of their performances.
The original show ran from 2005 to 2009, with comedian and actor Chris Rock narrating stories from his childhood in Brooklyn. The series earned critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of growing up in a working-class Black family and its ability to address serious social issues through humor.
Showrunner Sanjay Shah previously insisted he “would not have pursued” a reboot if it was live-action. This decision acknowledges both the practical challenges of reuniting the original cast and the creative freedom animation provides for storytelling.
He took inspiration from the likes of “Hey Arnold” and “King of the Hill” to give the program a real feel while using a “floating timeline” like “The Simpsons.” These influences point to a thoughtful approach to the reboot, drawing from animated classics while maintaining the show’s distinct identity.
He previously told IndieWire: “I wanted to trap Chris in this period of time where he’s still a Black Charlie Brown, before his road to fame begins. That’s what we were trying to accomplish here.” This creative vision preserves the essence of the original show while reimagining it for a new medium and potentially new audiences.
The animated version also picks up where the original left off, as Chris realizes he has failed his GED. This narrative continuity provides a bridge between the two versions while establishing a fresh starting point for new stories.
In the show, his mother slaps him so hard that his entire world becomes animated. This creative transition acknowledges the shift in medium with a typically humorous nod to Rochelle’s character, known for her disciplinary approaches.
Shah added: “That required a lot of thought and talking to Chris, but we realized that there was still some cushion to tell stories when taking into account events from his real life.” This collaborative approach with Rock ensures the show maintains its autobiographical roots while exploring new narrative possibilities.
The revival comes at a time when nostalgic reboots have found success across streaming platforms, with animated revivals offering unique opportunities to revisit beloved characters. Animation also allows for greater creative freedom in storytelling, visual gags, and the ability to keep characters the same age indefinitely.
For Crews, whose career has spanned professional football, acting, activism, and television hosting, returning to the role of Julius represents a full-circle moment. His performance as the penny-pinching, hardworking father became one of his signature roles before his career expanded to include blockbuster films and hosting duties.
The show’s themes of family, identity, and navigating adolescence remain relevant to contemporary audiences, suggesting potential for the longevity Crews envisions. With the backing of streaming platforms and the creative possibilities of animation, “Everybody Still Hates Chris” could indeed follow in the footsteps of the animated giants Crews admires.
