Exclusive: Demascus Cast Interviews with Okieriete Onaodowan, Shakira Ja'nai Paye, Janet Hubert, and creator Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm
Currently playing on Tubi is DEMASCUS, the six-episode half-hour comedic sci-fi limited series from playwright Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm and AMC Studios that focuses on the title character.
The limited series is executive produced by Mark Johnson (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul), via his Gran Via Productions banner and Myki Bajaj of Gran Via. Kirk A. Moore (American Crime, For Life) and Chisholm serve as co-showrunners.
DEMASCUS follows Demascus (Okieriete Onaodowan), a 33-year-old Black man who goes on a journey of self-discovery using an experimental reality-bending technology. The series is a comedic, genre-defying, coming-of-age story that explores the gulf between Black male perspectives.
Also starring are Janet Hubert, Caleb Eberhardt, Shakira Ja’nai Paye, Brie Eley, Sasha Hutchins, Brittany Adebumola, Marvin LaViolette, and Martin Lawrence (in a recurring role).
Onaodowan’s best known for the role of James Madison in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton as well as his five-season run as Dean Miller on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Station 19. He was also a series regular in Season 3 of Amazon’s Jack Ryan.
Paye plays Naomi, an alluring performer who captures Demascus’ heart and imagination during a chance meeting. She’s a haunting missed connection and he can’t stop wondering: “What if?” Paye starred in the 2023 remake of “House Party,” the 2020 film “All Day and a Night” as well as episodes of ABC’s “Black-ish,” NBC’s “Grand Crew” and Disney Channel’s “Sydney to the Max.”
Hubert is Dr. Bonnetville, a psychotherapist with a quick wit and a smart mouth. She uses her patented blend of apathy and cutting edge technology to aid her patients on their quests for personal growth. Hubert is best known for playing Vivian Banks in the first three seasons of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
More recently, she has appeared in HBO Max’s “Love Life,” FX’s “Pose” and TBS’ “The Last O.G.” Eberhardt played Bob Lee in the 2021 film “Judas & the Black Messiah” and also had a recurring role in HBO’s “Betty.” Paye has starred in the 2020 film “All Day and a Night” as well as episodes of ABC’s “Black-ish,” NBC’s “Grand Crew” and Disney Channel’s “Sydney to the Max.”
“Demascus” is created by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm and executive produced by Mark Johnson’s Gran Via Productions. Kirk Moore and Chisholm serve as co-showrunners.
