Jalyn Hall and Phil Augusta Jackson brought NBC’s breakout comedy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins to the 2026 National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Atlanta for a conversation powered by NBCU Academy.
Moderated by Dateline NBC correspondent Blayne Alexander, the panel explored comedy, legacy, Black culture, and what it means to help shape the next generation of laugh-out-loud network television. The pair sat down for an exclusive converstation about the series.
“It’s truly an honor,” Hall said. “I love to be in spaces that celebrate Black success and Black culture in general. It just felt like an inviting space to be in.”
Jackson added, “This conference is clearly a huge deal for the culture. It feels nice to be working on a piece of creative that is contributing to that.”
That creative work, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, is matching the energy with major momentum. The January premiere drew more than 14 million viewers, making it the season’s No. 1 comedy telecast across all broadcast networks. Season 2 premieres Monday, Nov. 2, at 8:30 p.m.
By Corinne Dorsey | Guest Contributor
Exclusive interview conducted by Corinne Dorsey for Big Gold Belt Media during NABJ 2026.
NBC’s breakout comedy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins brought actor Jalyn Hall and the show’s co-executive producer Phil Augusta Jackson to the 2026 National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Atlanta.
Following their NBCU Academy-powered panel, the pair sat down for an exclusive conversation about the series, Black comedy, Season 2, and what it means to create work that contributes to culture.
“It’s truly an honor,” Hall said. “I love to be in spaces that celebrate Black success and Black culture in general. It just felt like an inviting space to be in.”
Jackson added, “This conference is clearly a huge deal for the culture. It feels nice to be working on a piece of creative that is contributing to that.”
That creative work, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, is putting up numbers to match the energy. The January premiere pulled in more than 14 million viewers, making it the season’s No. 1 comedy telecast across all broadcast networks. Season 2 premieres Monday, Nov. 2, at 8:30 p.m.
Hall plays Carmelo, the son of disgraced former football star Reggie Dinkins, played by Tracy Morgan, who is rebuilding both his image and his household. Season one gave viewers a peek into their father-son bond, but Hall says season two cracks it open.
“It opened the door to a new, deeper relationship,” Hall said. “He is a growing boy with a father that’s going through his own trials and tribulations, and how they learn and pioneer through that together.”
After the first two table reads, Hall teased that fans should expect to be surprised.
For Jackson, the real magic happens in the writers’ room.
“Every episode, from the writing perspective, is an opportunity to learn more about our actors,” he said, comparing the cast to unique instruments the writers keep learning.
Hall said he is convinced they are taking notes off camera, too.
“You would think they bugged us,” Hall said. “When we read the scripts, it’s so true to our personal. We had a conversation, and the next day it’ll be in the script, but way funnier.”
“We’re always listening,” Jackson said.
New cameos are already locked in, alongside a bigger swing at the mockumentary format, with Daniel Radcliffe front and center.
“Fans of the show will be excited,” Jackson promised.
Season one was about meeting the family. Season two, according to Jackson, is about watching them “spread their wings and grow together and have fun shenanigans.”
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