LL Cool J's 90s Sitcom 'In The House' Now Streaming For Free
The rapper's classic sitcom finds new life on Roku while he stars in NCIS.
1Streaming Availability Update
The 1990s sitcom In The House, starring LL Cool J, is now available to stream for free on Roku. This development brings the classic series back to audiences while the actor currently reprises his role as Special Agent Sam Hanna in the new CBS spin-off series titled NCIS: New York.
2Premise and Plot Details
Premiering on NBC in 1995, the show features LL Cool J as Marion Hill, a former Los Angeles Raiders running back. Following a career-ending injury, Hill faces financial struggles and decides to rent out parts of his home to a newly-divorced single mother, portrayed by the acclaimed actress Debbie Allen.
3Creative Production Influences
LL Cool J was initially drawn to the project by the opportunity to collaborate with Debbie Allen and producer Quincy Jones. He insisted on participating only if the characters were portrayed as three-dimensional individuals, explicitly rejecting scripts that relied on negative stereotypes or harmful influences for younger viewers of the show.
4Navigating Career Transitions
During the mid-1990s, critics questioned whether a family-friendly sitcom would damage the rapper's street credibility. LL Cool J dismissed these concerns in a 1996 interview, arguing that true hip-hop culture values hustling and professional expansion. He maintained that his transition into television was a natural progression of his artistic career.
5Awards and Recognition
Despite the pressures of balancing a music career with a demanding television schedule, the actor's performance received critical validation. Over the course of the show's run, LL Cool J earned three NAACP Image Award nominations, proving his capability as a lead actor in a long-running network television comedy series.
6Network Shifts and Survival
NBC canceled the series after two seasons due to low ratings, but the show was quickly picked up by UPN. It continued for two additional seasons on the new network, followed by a shorter fifth season in syndication. The cast evolved during this transition, adding stars like Alfonso Ribeiro to the roster.
7Post-Sitcom Career Trajectory
Following the conclusion of In The House, LL Cool J successfully transitioned into a prominent Hollywood film career. He appeared in notable movies such as Deep Blue Sea, In Too Deep, and Any Given Sunday. These roles eventually paved the way for his long-term success as a major television star today.
8Legacy of the Series
The availability of In The House on streaming platforms highlights the enduring interest in 90s nostalgia and the evolution of television distribution. By revisiting his early work, fans can observe the foundational acting skills that eventually led LL Cool J to his current high-profile role in the NCIS franchise.
Original article: TVLine — LL Cool J's 90s Sitcom 'In The House' Now Streaming For Free