The Crossover (TV series)


The Crossover is an American sports drama television series based on the novel of the same name by Kwame Alexander. It was released on April 5, 2023 on Disney+.
It received two nominations at the 2nd Children's and Family Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Young Teen Series.

Premise

Brothers Josh and Jordan "JB" Bell are considered basketball phenomena, and navigate their lives entering adulthood as well as the growth of their family.

Cast

Main

  • Jalyn Hall as Josh Bell
  • Amir O'Neil as Jordan "JB" Bell
  • Derek Luke as Chuck Bell
  • Sabrina Revelle as Crystal Bell
  • Skyla I'Lece as Alexis
  • Deja Monique Cruz as Maya
  • Trevor Raine Bush as Vondie

Recurring

  • Himie Freeman as Future Josh
  • Darone Okolie as Future JB
  • Joel Steingold as Basil St. John
  • Johnny Cantley as Future Vondie
  • Yvonne Senat Jones as Janice
  • Brandon Sutton as Gio
  • Elijah Jacob as Zuma
  • Will Koberg as Coach Howard

Guest

  • Gabriela Lopez as Future Maya

Production

Disney+ ordered a pilot for the adaptation of the novel in May 2021, with Jalyn Hall and Amir O'Neil cast to star. In June, Derek Luke, Sabrina Revelle, Skyla I'Lece, Deja Monique Cruz and Trevor Raine Bush were added to the cast. The series was officially greenlit in January 2022, with LeBron James' production company SpringHill Entertainment joining the production. In February, Daveed Diggs was cast to narrate the series. In July, it was announced Darone Okolie, Gabriela Lopez, Joel Steingold, Himie Freeman, and Johnny Cantley were cast in recurring roles. Yvonne Senat Jones would also join in a recurring role in October. Filming began in June 2022.
On January 13, 2023, it was announced that the series would premiere on April 5, 2023 on Disney+. It was originally slated to premiere on April 4, 2023 on Disney Channel, but the show was suddenly removed from their programming schedule for unknown reasons.

Reception

Critical response

Joel Keller of Decider stated, "The Crossover is a warm family dramedy with just enough of the drama part to keep us interested in following the Bells as they navigate life, school and hoops." Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter complimented the performances of the cast and the emphasis on Afrocentric culture, writing, "The Crossover generates some satisfying emotional beats, blends its coming-of-age and adult storylines well and, as derivative as some of its individual pieces may feel, its overall voice is likably distinctive." Joyce Slaton of Common Sense Media gave the series a grade of 4 out of 5 stars, praised the presence of positive messages and role models, citing hard work, family values, and social emotion learning, and complimented the diverse representations, asserting, "Family-friendly sports drama scores with heartfelt emotions."

Accolades

The Crossover was nominated for Tweens/Teens Programming – Best New Series, and won Tweens/Teens Programming – Best Inclusivity at the 2024 Kidscreen Awards.