Andy Garcia to Star Opposite Kenan Thompson in NBC’s Comedy Pilot “The Kenan Show”

It’s a big first for Andy Garcia

The 62-year-old  Cuban actor and director will star opposite Kenan Thompson in NBC’s single-camera comedy pilot The Kenan Show (fka Saving Kenan), from Universal Television

Andy Garcia

This marks Garcia’s first television series regular role.

Written by Jackie Clarke and directed by Chris RockThe Kenan Show centers on a newly widowed dad (Thompson) determined to be everything for his kids while begrudgingly letting his persistent father-in-law, Percy (Garcia), a retired police officer, become more involved in their lives.

Thompson, Clarke and Rock executive produce with Lorne Michaelsand Andrew Singerfor Broadway Video.

This is a rare televisoin acting gig for Garcia whose biggest series commitment to date had been an arc on HBO’s Ballers. He received two Emmynominations for the HBO film For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story

In features, Garcia appeared in Mamma Mia: Here We Go AgainBook ClubThe Mule and Bentlast year. 

This spring, he’ll begin production on Brian Petsos’ film Big Gold Brick and will star in Words on Bathroom Walls directed by Thor Freudenthal

He also will be seen in Amazon’s anthology series Modern Romance.

Louis C.K. Appears in Promos Announcing His Upcoming SNL Hosting Gig

Louis C.K. is ready to make his triumphant return on NBC’s Saturday Night Live

The 46-year-old Mexican American actor/comedian appears alongside SNL cast member Kenan Thompson in a series of promos announcing his hosting gig on the network’s long-running sketch comedy series this weekend.

Louis C.K.Louis C.K.

In one of the clips, the Thompson asks the Emmy-winning creator and star of FX’s Louie what the “C.K.” stands for. After receiving a rather mundane response, Thompson whispered his previous (possibly obscene) guess in C.K.’s ear. Thompson: “What? You look like the type of guy who would do that!” Louis C.K.: “What’s wrong with you?! Why would you …?”

U.K. singer-songwriter Sam Smith, whose hits include “Money on My Mind,” “Lay Me Down” and “Stay With Me,” will be the musical guest this weekend.

Saturday Night Live airs Saturdays at 11:30 pm ET.