“Looking at who I am now, I feel like I’m just getting started.” — Andscape

It’s a brand new era and a brand new season for Coco Jones.

Jones, who plays Hilary Banks on Peacock, is happy in regards to the latest season premiering on Thursday. After the third season was delayed as a consequence of writers strike in 2023Jones is able to delve even deeper into her character.

“So many shows would love to be in the position that we’re fortunate to be in with Season 3 and really get comfortable with our characters and have that creative freedom to, you know, dive deeper into this show that we love with the people that we love,” Jones told Andscape. “So (the cast) really came back super-grateful. Everyone wanted to create something that was impactful. The whole world was just waiting for us, so we felt that gravitas going into Season 3.”

Since its premiere, the dramatic reboot of the ’90s sitcom has combined elements of the unique series and introduced latest characters and storylines. has a crossover character with the unique series. Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks from 1990 to 1996, made a guest appearance in the primary season. Janet Hubert and Daphne Maxwell Reid, who each played Aunt Viv, appeared within the second season. According to TrailerJoseph Marcell, who played Geoffrey in the unique series, is about to seem this season.

While this season guarantees to be an interesting one for Jones, she can also be excited to release latest music. She won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance for her song “ICU”, which she performed during tribute to Usher at the 2024 BET Awards. She has accomplished recording her debut album, which is about to be released in the autumn.

Last week, Andscape spoke with Jones in regards to the latest season of , during which she plays the enduring black sitcom character, and the brand new single off her debut album.

In the primary two seasons people have noticed a whole lot of crossovers with the unique sitcom. What is it like watching the unique characters from in this system help mix old and latest program elements?

It does a terrific job of taking the amazing OGs and finding latest ways to do all the things. It’s like a option to re-inform a brand new generation about who got here before us and what really brought us to this show. Even with all of the story and premise of our show, a number of the fans are younger, and that is their first taste of all of those characters and the premise and the story. So it continues to tell younger generations. It was such a classic that it lasted for thus many many years, so hopefully it’s going to do the identical.

How did you manage to embody such an iconic character as Hilary Banks while also giving her your individual spin?

The way I put them together is to maintain the aura of confidence that OG Hilary had. Because it is a drama, we get to achieve out and see loads more of the ugly side of life. But what I all the time wish to keep as a theme is that Hilary was very confident, even when life didn’t reflect that. In who she is — her confidence, her belief in herself — I never wanted that to diminish. I think Karyn Parsons did a terrific job of showing women tips on how to stand tall and hold their heads high after they walk right into a room (and) look at one another (with) that leading lady energy. I desired to keep that in mind with my version of Hilary. Even though she might undergo more challenges in life and show those sides, I never wanted her to lose the spark that she has.

Hilary is thought for being a fashion lover, but have there been any particular looks this season which have caught your eye?

I’m glad Hillary’s going to have more “outfits which might be realistic for a day in your real life. Most girls don’t go to big business meetings (or) should wear suits with shoulder pads and matching skirts, you already know what I mean? You go somewhere nice and sweet and also you haven’t got to wear a blazer. You might be sweet and casual, but still (people will ask), ‘Where did you get that?’ I’m glad girls will see that. I think it’ll encourage a whole lot of people in the style world.

Hilary and Jazz broke up last season. Will there be a reunion this season?

You’ll see them together and you will think, What are you doing? What is that this? But it is so much like real life. (People) have that person they’ll all the time come back to, and facing the uncertainty of closing that chapter is just hard.

What advice would Coco give Hilary for the upcoming season?

That’s a very good query. I would say, girl, get some therapy, because are you even OK? Are you sure you are operating at full capability? Yes, these outbursts are disgusting and also you look like it, but what does it look like on the within? Let’s be sure that you are just as disgusting on the within, in your heart.

How do you discover the balance between sacrificing what you’ve got artistically in your acting projects and what you give to music?

It’s about knowing what you are signing up for. I think if I can determine how long it may take, how long it may take, and what the professionals and cons are of it, then I can either commit to it or I can say with all my heart that I cannot commit. So it’s about knowing what you are signing up for after which moving forward. I look at it like this: Where were you 4 years ago? Would you relatively be there? No. So you’ve got to maintain moving forward to get to where you would like to be. It’s just in regards to the price.

Quite a bit has happened for you previously 12 months. How would you describe this latest chapter in your life?

It’s like chapter 1A, because my EP () did loads greater than I could have expected, nevertheless it wasn’t my album. It was like a prelude or something, so it was like chapter 1 — but I cannot really say chapter 1 because I won the Grammy. So (now) for me it just must be chapter 1A. Looking at who I am now, I feel like I’m just starting.

With my debut album, I made a whole lot of decisions. I made a whole lot of decisions and I really needed to learn through the EP what feels authentic to me, how I can use my voice in a respectful way, and the primary theme has to return from me. So I should speak more. I should make decisions and determine what I actually need.

Given a number of the hints on social media, what are you able to say about your latest single, out Friday?

I can tell it’s on its way. Kudos to it! I’m excited because I don’t need people to forget that I’m still young and fun and I go to the club. So I’m like, OK, so what is the version of me that may balance it? What version of me can bring vocals and go to the club? Do I have any songs that I wish to hear within the club? And I said no. I intend to make latest songs that if I heard it within the club, I’d dance to it. And if I’m out with my girls and we’re driving somewhere, I’d dance to it. But I’m not losing my vocals. That was a fun challenge that I set for myself. My next single, “Sweep It Up,” is coming out. When it comes out, I’ll be super relieved to see the ladies singing it in a quick tempo like Coco.