The Hollywood Reporter’s Lesley Goldberg gushes that ABC is preparing “a buddy comedy set in the world of the NBA and centering on a rookie who doesn’t speak English and a translator who doesn’t speak basketball.” Hopefully, this upcoming series, featuring “Pitch Perfect” star Skyler Astin, will dispel many of the negative stereotypes..about translators. Or failing that, the band Translator, whom I always disliked but might actually be OK people for all I know.
Astin — who was fielding multiple pilot offers this season — will star as Jason, a sweet and slightly wimpy guy who was previously with the Peace Corps. A bit of a loser with no athletic prowess whatsoever,? Jason works as a teaching assistant and, while living in his ?parents’ basement, is tapped by the GM of an NBA team to be the translator for Mo, a new recruit from Botswana. A munchkin among giants in the world of professional basketball, Jason soon discovers that he’s being paid to be a lot more than just a translator. He also has to be the new player’s 24/7 guide/best friend/mentor and protector — and find a way to light a fire under this incredibly tall and talented athlete who seems to lack any drive.