Nick Cannon Aims for Scripted TV Return to Distinguish from Public Persona

Nick Cannon has made a noteworthy return to scripted television after a decade-long absence, starring in Fox’s “Accused.” His role as Marcus presents a unique challenge that deviates from his well-known public image. In an exclusive chat, Cannon, 44, expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the acclaimed series, highlighting its ability to provoke thought and maintain suspense.

Cannon is eager to dive back into drama after focusing primarily on hosting duties in recent years. He considers this role a significant shift from the persona he has built, stating that challenging himself through acting is always his goal. “It’s a departure from the big public persona that I’ve created over the years,” he noted. The opportunity to strip away the familiar and engage in a more profound character exploration excites him.

“Accused,” based on a British series by Jimmy McGovern, presents ordinary people facing extraordinary legal dilemmas, revealing their unique stories without initially disclosing their crimes. Each episode invites viewers to experience events from the defendant’s perspective, adding layers to the narrative.

Cannon’s character, Marcus, is intricately designed to elicit a wide range of emotions within a single episode. The storyline revolves around a tech entrepreneur who faces severe repercussions from the facial recognition software he creates. Cannon shared, “When it comes to dramatic work, I want to always be challenged. The great thing about Marcus is he experiences every emotion. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore different facets of myself.”

As he steps into this multifaceted role, Cannon relishes the opportunity to disconnect from his personal identity and portray a character that may make decisions vastly different from his own. He emphasizes that this experience allows actors to reach their peak potential by immersing themselves in a role far removed from their actual lives.

Moreover, Cannon aims for viewers to take away meaningful insights from Marcus’s journey, urging them to reflect on their values and choices when faced with life-altering circumstances. He explained, “I hope viewers take away the importance of self-reflection, especially when dealing with issues like status, financial gain, and family. Everyone’s answer to what they would do in that situation will differ.”

Currently, Cannon continues to balance hosting responsibilities with his burgeoning acting career, having previously entertained audiences on shows like “The Masked Singer” and “Wild ‘n Out.” He expressed his commitment to pursuing more challenging acting roles, as he remains passionate about the craft. Cannon believes that fans will see more of him in dramatic projects in the future, reiterating his excitement for opportunities to fully embody diverse characters.

“Accused” airs on Fox each Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET, promising more thrilling episodes as the season unfolds.