As speculation swirls around the future of Paramount+'s new sitcom Crutch, cast members are already dreaming up casting choices for one of its most enigmatic figures: Andrew, the off-screen husband whose gambling addiction and divorce papers shook up the first season. The show, which premiered on November 3, stars Tracy Morgan as a widower navigating life with his adult children back under his roof, and it's Andrew's absence that has fans and actors alike buzzing about who might bring him to life if the series gets renewed.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Jermaine Fowler, who plays Tracy Morgan's son on the show, floated the idea of Bill Skarsgård stepping into the role. Fowler, 37, described Skarsgård as a potentially hilarious choice, noting the contrast between Andrew's flawed character and the sweetness of his on-screen children. "For some reason I thought Bill Skarsgård would be hilarious as your ex-husband," Fowler told his co-star Adrianna Mitchell. "I looked at their kids and I go, ‘These are the sweetest kids.’ So their dad — I know we portray him as a bit of a jackass but the kids are great so we all got our issues, right?"
Mitchell, 35, who portrays Jamilah, Andrew's estranged wife, added her own thoughts on the character's backstory. Jamilah's return to her father's home in Harlem comes amid her separation from Andrew, who enters rehab for gambling addiction and later serves her with divorce papers—all without appearing on screen in Season 1. Mitchell envisioned Andrew as someone older, perhaps a decade her senior, explaining that this would fit with Jamilah having children at a young age. "Maybe he is, like, 10 years older and we had kids super quick. I was young having [my onscreen] children so I had this thought that he was older," she said. She also speculated on his appearance after meeting her on-screen mother-in-law, suggesting, "Then once we met my mother-in-law, I said, ‘Maybe he’s a redhead?'"
Kecia Lewis, 60, who plays a key role in the series, offered her own casting suggestion: Broadway actor Will Swenson. Lewis praised Swenson's looks and comedic chops, imagining him as a fitting match for the gorgeous family dynamic. "I’m thinking about him because he is fine and Adrianna is gorgeous. The kids are gorgeous," she shared. "He’s a wonderful actor and can do comedy well. It’s just the face I keep seeing. That would be Andrew."
Fowler elaborated on the complexity of the role, emphasizing the need for an actor who can balance Andrew's positive traits as a father with his personal demons. "I always wondered who could play both sides. He’s a pretty good dad but also someone who has got demons and who’s got issues that they’re trying to overcome," he explained. While no official word has come from Paramount+ on a Season 2 renewal, Fowler expressed optimism, saying, "I don’t know who that person will be but whoever we cast — fingers crossed we get a season 2."
The sitcom, created as a multi-camera comedy, stands out in the current TV landscape for its focus on a Black family in Harlem, according to the cast. Fowler highlighted this aspect, noting that Crutch is one of the few Black-led shows currently airing. "Now it’s one of the few Black shows — so that makes it stand out," he said. He also pointed to the genuine chemistry among the cast as a key differentiator. "I would say the chemistry is just very prevalent in the show. We all truly care about each other and love being around each other. So it started there."
Filming in New York added to the show's unique energy, Fowler added. The production marked a return to multi-cam filming in the city after a long hiatus, which energized both the crew and live audiences. "One of the other things was we shot it in New York. It didn’t feel very procedural," he continued. "When we shot it in New York, it felt like the audience was very appreciative. The energy was special. It was one of those things where they were very excited to have a multi-cam film there after such a long time. They were really into it."
Mitchell delved into her preparation for the role of Jamilah, who arrives with significant baggage including two children—a 9-year-old and a 12-year-old—despite being in her 30s. This required her to build a detailed backstory, adjusting as scripts evolved. "I just did a lot of backstory work because she has a 9-year-old and a 12-year-old and she’s only 30-something. Did they get married super young and then she left Harlem? So there was a lot of backstory that I feel like my character comes in with — and then there’s a lot of activity around what has just happened," she shared.
I spent a lot of time just thinking through that and then also piecing it together because the script would change and give me new information about what had happened. So then I’d have to adjust what I was thinking. That was where I spent the most of my time.
The show's premise centers on Tracy Morgan's character, whose plans for an empty nest are upended when his son, played by Fowler, and daughter Jamilah, played by Mitchell, move back in. This setup draws from classic family sitcom tropes but infuses them with modern issues like addiction, divorce, and intergenerational living in a bustling urban environment like Harlem. Paramount+ has positioned Crutch as part of its growing slate of original comedies, and its premiere timing aligns with the fall 2025 TV schedule, which includes renewals for other popular series.
While the cast's casting pitches for Andrew remain speculative, they underscore the anticipation surrounding a potential second season. Us Weekly also noted related TV news, such as the fall 2025 schedule and renewals for 2025-2026, indicating a competitive landscape where shows like Crutch must build buzz to secure their spot. Bill Skarsgård, known for roles in horror films like It and dramatic turns in series like Castle Rock, could bring a layered intensity to Andrew, while Will Swenson, a Tony-nominated actor with Broadway credits including Hair and Les Misérables, offers proven comedic timing from his stage work.
The discussion around Andrew highlights how Crutch blends humor with real-life struggles, a formula that has resonated with viewers. As Fowler put it, the character's issues are relatable: everyone has their demons, but the focus on family redemption sets the show apart. Mitchell's insights into Jamilah's youth and quick family start add depth, suggesting Andrew's portrayal could explore themes of regret and recovery.
Beyond casting, the cast emphasized the show's production values and cultural significance. Shooting in New York not only captured authentic energy but also marked a milestone for multi-cam sitcoms in the city, which hasn't seen such activity in years. This location choice, combined with the cast's off-screen camaraderie, contributes to the on-screen authenticity that Fowler described as non-procedural and engaging.
As Crutch continues to stream on Paramount+, the buzz from interviews like this could influence renewal decisions. With no conflicting reports on the show's status, the cast's enthusiasm points to a hopeful future. If Season 2 materializes, Andrew's on-screen debut—whether played by Skarsgård, Swenson, or another actor—promises to add new layers to the family dynamics. For now, fans can catch up on Season 1, where Andrew's shadow looms large over Jamilah's fresh start.
In the broader context of television, Crutch joins a wave of diverse programming aiming to represent underrepresented stories. Its success could pave the way for more Black-led comedies, as Fowler noted, while its New York roots celebrate the city's vibrant cultural scene. What's next for the series remains to be seen, but the cast's creative input on characters like Andrew keeps the conversation alive, building anticipation for potential developments in 2025 and beyond.