Former ‘All That’ and ‘Kenan & Kel’ star talks about block, also featuring ‘Clarissa Explains It All’ and ‘Doug.’
By Jocelyn Vena
Kenan Thompson in an episode of “All That”
Photo: Nickelodeon
The world was feeling nostalgic this week when a block of ’90s Nickelodeon series debuted on TeenNick. “All That,” “Clarissa Explains It All,” “Kenan & Kel” and “Doug” hit the airwaves Monday night at midnight, and for two hours, everyone was transported back to a wackier time in TV history during the aptly titled “The ’90s Are All That.”
Former “All That” and “Kenan & Kel” star Kenan Thompson told MTV News the incredible public response is “very exciting.” Of his initial reaction to the news that his old shows would find a new home on the air, he said, “I thought it was crazy. It was very complimentary and felt really nice of them to do that, and it’s all fan requested and then that made it even better.”
The shows are getting the late-night treatment, and Thompson said it’s the perfect time for 20-something’s to feel nostalgic. “We’re all at that age now where we’re night owls; everybody’s up anyway,” he said. “It’s a good idea for a spot. It’s crazy that it’s working because it’s like 10-year-old material that’s holding up against these shows.”
The shows might be a fun trip back in time for adults now, but the “Saturday Night Live” actor said that back then, the content was all about “kids rule.” “That’s always made kids feel good watching it,” he said. “We were doing relatable material, and it wasn’t so forced. We just happened to be kids doing stuff.”
The airing of the four shows, which all pre-date social networking, became such an overnight sensation that it caused an uproar on Twitter with various memes related to the shows (such as character names) all becoming Twitter trends. The ratings have also held their own against staple late-night talk shows. The idea is a hit, and Thompson is grateful for all the love.
It’s a feeling he also had back in the day when he was busy working on both “All That” and “Kenan & Kel.” “Me, personally, I was just happy to be there. I wanted to be an actor from a very young age, and it was just an awesome time,” he explained. “It was my first TV gig. It was like a very, very cherished moment in life.
“I have tons [of memories]. It’s funny to see everyone all grown up now,” he added. “It’s crazy. It’s funny to watch life progress and then to be thrown back into the mid-’90s, it’s cool.”
Which is your favorite ’90s Nick series? Tell us in the comments below!
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668117/kenan-thompson-90s-are-all-that.jhtml
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