Johnson, the groundbreaking dramedy on Bounce TV, continues to captivate audiences with its authentic exploration of friendship, love, and life from the perspective of four Black men navigating their 30s. Created by Deji LaRay, who also stars in the series, Johnson stands out for its honest and nuanced portrayal of the complexities that shape modern Black masculinity. LaRay, a multi-talented actor, writer, and producer, envisioned a show that breaks away from stereotypes, offering stories that resonate with viewers of all backgrounds.
Joining him is Thomas Jones, a former NFL star turned acclaimed actor, whose portrayal of Omar has become a fan favorite. As Johnson enters its highly anticipated new season, LaRay and Jones discuss the creative process, the show’s impact on today’s cultural landscape, and how their experiences shape the characters that audiences have grown to love.
The SOURCE: Congratulations on getting a new season! I know that seasons don’t come around too easily nowadays. To start, how does it feel to be moving forward with a new season?
Deji LaRay: I think this is the first time I’m really stepping back and looking at our accomplishments. Season one was like, “Okay, we’ve got a lot to prove.” Season two was about proving that season one wasn’t a fluke. By season three, you start feeling like, “If it ended here, would I be satisfied?” Obviously, we have more stories to tell, but as you said, shows don’t always last that long—certainly not past season two and definitely not season three. Now that we’re on season four, I reflect on the journey more. It’s been over four years, even longer when you count the years we spent writing and shopping the show around. I’m really proud of where we are now, and it’s shaping up to be a great season.
I’d like to dive into some of the things you just mentioned. As a creator, how has your vision for the show evolved, and what new storylines are you most excited about this season?
Deji LaRay: Your vision has to evolve, but it also has to stay true to its core. You have to be flexible, especially for a show like this, which explores the journey of Black men, the nuances of who we are, and flips stereotypes on their head. The show needs to feel fresh and unpredictable every season, so we’re open to different journeys for these characters. Our goal from the beginning was to represent Black men and women in a way that we could all be proud of. We wanted to show a different side of Black men—where we can express emotions, be vulnerable, and show brotherhood, camaraderie, and Black love.
That core remains true, but we are also flexible with the storylines and characters. Writing for these actors has been an incredible experience. You start with one idea of a character in season one, but by season three, you’re writing specifically for how each actor speaks and moves. This season, I’m excited about a lot of the storylines. I feel like all the characters have grown more from season three to four than in any other season. We’re even taking a trip out of the country in season four, which is a new experience for the show.
Thomas, Deji talks about the development of the characters, but for you, as one of the lead actors and producers, how have you seen your character evolve over the past three seasons? What can viewers expect in this upcoming season?
Thomas Jones: My character, Omar Johnson, has evolved quite a bit from season one to season four. He’s been a stereotypical “alpha male” in many ways—assertive, married with issues, and often misunderstood as angry. Over the seasons, you see him realize that to heal his issues and traumas, he needs to be open and talk about them. By season four, he has worked through many of these issues and evolved into a more well-rounded person. It’s a good character arc, and I’m excited to represent this character who resonates with many Black men. The feedback on Omar’s evolution has been incredible.
You mentioned some hot-button topics. How do you approach these sensitive issues as both an actor and a producer to ensure they’re portrayed authentically and thoughtfully?
Thomas Jones: That’s a great question. I approach it from an honest perspective. This show is provocative; we tackle sometimes painful or triggering issues, but that’s what makes it what it is. We don’t shy away from topics that Black men might not discuss openly or feel they can’t discuss without scrutiny. As an actor, I draw from personal experiences or those of my friends and family. I know I have the responsibility to bring these truths to life authentically.
Deji LaRay: We also make sure all voices are heard. Whenever we tackle a controversial topic, we ensure it doesn’t feel like we’re pushing one narrative. The point of the show is to create dialogue. If there are opposing views, we make sure they are strong, authentic, and represent real-world conversations. The characters don’t always agree; they have different perspectives, and they hash it out. That’s what makes them unique.
I can tell you guys are good because that was exactly the next question I was about to ask!
Deji LaRay: (Laughs) Yeah, it all connects. We like to have fun on the show—it’s a really fun, dramatic, and real-life series. However, we also feel we have a responsibility to represent the culture. This show is our love letter to the culture, something we hope people can be proud of for years. We approach these conversations thoughtfully and with care.
Deji, you wear multiple hats to ensure the success of this show—not just in creating television but also as a man and a member of the culture. What challenges have you faced in balancing all those roles while maintaining the quality and consistency of the show?
Deji LaRay: The first thing is making sure we had a partner that allowed us to make the show we wanted to make. We’ve been fortunate to work with Cedric the Entertainer and Eric C. Rhone’s production company, Bird and a Bear Entertainment, and with Bounce TV for distribution. They’ve been very supportive.
When it comes to art—and I see this show as a big piece of art—you can’t do it alone. You have to trust your team, surround yourself with talented people, and make sure they match your work ethic. Thomas and I hold each other accountable. The work doesn’t stop when we leave the set; we constantly discuss directions we could take and improvements we could make. When the audience gives us feedback, it inspires us to dig even deeper.
Thomas, following up on that, what has the collaborative process been like for you? Any memorable moments from behind the scenes?
Thomas Jones: It’s been great. There’s nothing like creating the content you want to see and adding your own perspective on issues within the culture. Working with Deje is fantastic—we’re like brothers. We have similar perspectives on many issues but also drastically different ones. It’s a balancing act to fuse those ideas together, but it works well. I started acting in 2014, and the journey has been incredible.