The Nerds of Color Bylines

The Nerds of Color • September 23rd, 2025

Javicia Leslie and Deniz Akdeniz Talk Dream ‘High Potential’ Storylines

ABC’s High Potential is back for its second season, with new episodes airing on Tuesdays at 10 pm ET. Javicia Leslie and Denis Akdeniz return as Daphne and Lev “Oz” Ozdil, respectively. While covering the 2025 Disney Upfront red carpet, I spoke with the actors about how the show challenges them, dream storylines, and more.

The Nerds of Color • September 13th, 2025

Iantha Richardson on the Amazing Challenges of ‘Will Trent’

Iantha Richardson stars as Faith Mitchell in ABC’s Will Trent, based on Karin Slaughter’s New York Times bestselling book series. While covering the 2025 Disney Upfront red carpet, I spoke with the actress about how the show has challenged her and the opportunity to grow with her character.

The Nerds of Color • September 10th, 2025

Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, and Poorna Jagannathan Talk Their ‘Deli Boys’ Roles

It’s official: Deli Boys has been renewed for season 2! I recently had the chance to catch up with stars Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, and Poorna Jagannathan at the 2025 Disney Upfront red carpet about which shows they’d like to do a crossover with, the “joyous” set, and wardrobe details.

The Nerds of Color • September 4th, 2025

Talking Gratitude with Austin Butler at the NYC Premiere of ‘Caught Stealing’

While covering the Caught Stealing premiere red carpet in New York City, I had the opportunity to ask Austin Butler, who stars as Hank Thompson, how he forces himself to embrace new challenges while staying true to who he is, both personally and professionally.

The Nerds of Color • August 26th, 2025

Sean Kaufman Reflects on the Final Season of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’

Sean Kaufman portrays Steven in The Summer I Turned Pretty, based on the book series by Jenny Han. New episodes of the third and final season premiere weekly, every Wednesday on Prime Video. I caught up with the actor to discuss why the accident was such an important wake-up call for his character, Steven’s different relationships, all of the drama from episode seven, and more.

The Nerds of Color • June 25th, 2025

‘M3GAN 2.0’ Star Allison Williams Talks Celebrating Fandoms

Allison Williams produces and stars as Gemma in M3GAN 2.0, which will be released in theaters on June 27. While at NYCC last year, I had the chance to speak with the actress about her convention experience, the response to M3GAN, and more.

The Nerds of Color • June 18th, 2025

Aparna Brielle on ‘FUBAR’ Season 2, the Spy Genre, and Mental Health Visibility

Aparna Brielle plays Tina Mukerji in Netflix’s FUBAR. The second season is now streaming, and I had the chance to ask the actress about reprising her role, the fun of mixing action with comedy, the first time she felt seen on-screen, advocating for mental health, and more.

The Nerds of Color • June 18th, 2025

Jason George Discusses the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 21 Finale and His Activism

Jason George plays Ben Warren on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. The series, which is TV’s longest-running primetime medical drama, has already been renewed for season 22. I spoke with the actor over Zoom to talk about the dramatic season 21 finale cliffhanger, how his time on Station 19 has changed his character, his advice for anyone who wants to make a difference, mentoring future artists, and more.

The Nerds of Color • June 5th, 2025

Ali Fumiko Whitney Talks ‘Worth the Wait,’ Her Favorite Ships, and Rom-Coms

Ali Fumiko Whitney executive produces and portrays Riley in Worth the Wait, which is now streaming on Tubi. I had the chance to ask the actress about working with an entirely Asian and Asian American cast, resonating with the different storylines, her all-time favorite movie/TV relationships, and more.

The Nerds of Color • May 27th, 2025

Sheryl Lee Ralph Talks Her Magical ‘Abbott Elementary’ Journey

Sheryl Lee Ralph stars as Barbara Howard in Abbott Elementary. The series will return for a fifth season as part of ABC’s fall 2025 primetime schedule, airing Wednesdays at 8:30 PM. While covering the 2025 Disney Upfront red carpet, I spoke with the actress about the importance of comedy and the opportunity to grow with her character. Keep reading for everything she shared!

The Nerds of Color • May 19th, 2025

Reflecting on ‘9-1-1’ with Star Oliver Stark on the Disney Upfront Red Carpet

Oliver Stark plays firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley on 9-1-1. All episodes of the eighth season are now streaming on Hulu. The drama series will return for a ninth season as part of ABC’s fall 2025 primetime schedule, airing Thursdays at 8 PM.

While covering the 2025 Disney Upfront red carpet, I spoke with the actor about Buck and Eddie’s bond, which previous storyline he would be interested in revisiting, how the sets help him get into character, and more.

The Nerds of Color • May 3rd, 2025

Tati Gabrielle Breaks Down Her Crucial and Powerful ‘You’ Season 5 Return

Tati Gabrielle is giving Marienne Bellamy the happy ending and closure she deserves in the fifth and final season of You. All episodes of the series are streaming on Netflix, and this conversation will contain spoilers.

I caught up with the actress over Zoom to talk about the impact of her character’s words, what she hopes women who watch the show take away from it, why it was important for Marienne to return one last time, the beauty of her ending, and more.

The Nerds of Color • May 1st, 2025

Myra Molloy on ‘Hadestown’ and Being the First Thai Lead in a Broadway Musical

On May 6, Myra Molloy will take over the lead role of Eurydice in the Tony-winning Hadestown. I had the chance to ask the actress about being the first Thai lead in a Broadway musical, how she prepares for a performance, what stood out to her about this story, and more. Keep reading for everything she shared!

The Nerds of Color • March 24th, 2025

Jason Blum Talks ‘Drop,’ ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,’ and Blumhouse’s Biggest Year

While covering NYCC 2024, I caught up with the founder and CEO of Blumhouse, Jason Blum. We discussed the company’s many exciting projects that are coming up this year, including The Woman in the Yard (March 28), Drop (April 11), M3GAN 2.0 (June 27), and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (December 5).

The Nerds of Color • March 11th, 2025

The Cast and Creatives of ‘Grimsburg’ Discuss Voice Acting and the Fun of Conventions

While covering NYCC 2024, I had the opportunity to speak with Grimsburg showrunner/EP Chadd Gindin, star/EP Jon Hamm, Rachel Dratch, and Alan Tudyk for the second season. New episodes air Sundays at 8:30 PM ET/PT on FOX.

The Nerds of Color • February 12th, 2025

Vicky Nguyen on Telling Her Family’s Story with ‘Boat Baby’

NBC News anchor and correspondent Vicky Nguyen is sharing the story of her family’s escape from communist Vietnam and her journey from refugee to reporter in her new memoir, Boat Baby. I had the opportunity to ask the author about her childhood, advice for fellow journalists, the conversations she wants to inspire, what she admires most about her parents, and much more.

The Nerds of Color • February 6th, 2025

Director Chris Landon and Star Meghann Fahy Preview ‘Drop’

While covering New York Comic Con 2024, I had the chance to speak with Drop director Chris Landon and star Meghann Fahy after the Blumfest panel. The thriller will be released in theaters on April 11.

The Nerds of Color • February 6th, 2025

Sarah Jeffery Reflects on ‘The Six Triple Eight’

Sarah Jeffery plays Dolores Washington in The Six Triple Eight. The movie, which was inspired by the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII, is currently streaming on Netflix.

I had the chance to ask the actress about how the project changed her life, her first time doing a period piece, what kind of research she did, her character’s wardrobe, and more. Keep reading for everything she shared!

The Nerds of Color • January 16th, 2025

Chatting with the Cast and Creatives of ‘Outlander’ at NYCC

While at NYCC 2024, I had the chance to speak with Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, John Bell, executive producer Maril Davis, and author Diana Gabaldon about Outlander. The finale of Season 7, Part 2 will be available January 17 at midnight on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms, and air at 8 PM ET/PT.

During roundtable interviews, I asked each of them to reflect on their most meaningful fan interactions.

The Nerds of Color • January 14th, 2025

Melissa Rauch Talks Season 3 of ‘Night Court’ and the Power of Laughter

Melissa Rauch executive produces and stars as Abby Stone in Night Court, which is based on the original hit series that ran for nine seasons. New episodes air Tuesdays on NBC at 8:30 PM ET/PT.

I caught up with the actress to discuss how the show has evolved throughout the seasons, why comedy brings people together, reuniting with her former The Big Bang Theory co-star, and more. Keep reading for our full discussion!

The Nerds of Color • January 8th, 2025

Director Leigh Whannell on ‘Wolf Man’ and the Fun Part of Making Movies

At New York Comic Con 2024, I had the chance to speak with Leigh Whannell, who directed, co-wrote, and executive produced Wolf Man. The movie will be released in theaters on January 17.

We discussed sharing the trailer with an audience, the movie theater experience, what he learned from working on the project, and more. Keep reading for everything he shared!

The Nerds of Color • December 27th, 2024

Milauna Jackson Discusses Working on ‘The Six Triple Eight’

Milauna Jackson portrays Lt. Campbell in The Six Triple Eight. The film, which is inspired by the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII, is now streaming on Netflix.

I spoke with the actress about her experience working with Tyler Perry, how the project chose her, her research approach, what lessons she walked away with, and more. Keep reading for our full conversation!

The Nerds of Color • December 22nd, 2024

Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert Talk ‘A Carpenter Christmas Romance’

Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert star in A Carpenter Christmas Romance. The new film, which is part of this year’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” slate, is now available to stream here and on the Lifetime app.

Over Zoom, I spoke with the actors about how TV and movies can offer viewers comfort or an escape, why the holiday genre is perfect for romance, their favorite tropes, rom-com elements, and more. Keep reading for everything we discussed!

The Nerds of Color • December 13th, 2024

Vanessa Ray Reflects on Filming the Series Finale of ‘Blue Bloods’

Vanessa Ray stars as Eddie Janko-Reagan in Blue Bloods. The series finale premieres tonight at 10 PM ET/PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

I caught up with the actress over Zoom to discuss what fans can expect from Jamko, how life imitated art with Eddie’s current storyline, her final days of filming, and more. Keep reading for our last Blue Bloods conversation!