LOS ANGELES — For decades, representation on television has become more prominent and significant than ever, and one actress — Shanola Hampton — knows this well. As the star of NBC’s hit series “Found,” she represents the significance of representation for Black women in an entertainment world that can be all too exclusionary.
“We are representing, right? Representation matters. We want to be sure that we’re doing it right,” Hampton told Nitecast Media.
Authenticity, then, is paramount for Hampton.
“It was important for me, not just for me, but for my showrunner, Nkechi [Okoro Carroll], to be true to myself. That’s a dark-skinned woman with dreadlocks.”
That representation is not just individual; it’s collective.
“NBC has been more than supportive of what we’re bringing to the table, which is telling the stories of people in underserved communities, black and brown people,” she asserts, noting that “Found” remains a shining example of Black excellence on Thursday nights.
The chemistry between the cast is palpable, something Hampton deems valuable.
“You can’t plan chemistry. It’s an organic thing that happens,” she says. “But when you’re with really, truly nice, real, sweet people that care about their work, it just falls into place.” This kinship allows the ensemble to bring depth and sincerity to their characters without sacrificing levity in their narratives’ serious streaks.
As the season unfolds, “Found” takes its audiences on unexpected paths through unexpected turns and cliffhangers, making each episode all the more entertaining. Hampton loves the collaborative aspect of writing and sharing: “We get the broad strokes of what the season is gonna be like, and I think our showrunner does an amazing job of that. I read through the scripts and finish an episode before I even look at the next script, so I don’t know what’s going on until I read it.“
Each episode advances the plot but keeps viewers wanting more — “It always ends with a cliffhanger, which I love,” Hampton admits.
Hampton has been working with Okoro Carroll since the beginning of the show.
“She already had a vision. I just helped execute the vision,” she said.
With a clear plan for where her characters have been, and where they’re going, Okoro Carroll has charted the potentially incredible future of “Found,” allowing Hampton to follow her lead and explore her character, Gabby Mosley, with such confident abandon.
Ahead, Hampton teases off the drama and excitement in store.
“Well, you know, Sir’s in jail now. We’re going to really dive into Margaret’s story in addition to Jamie, thank goodness, which I think is going to be really gratifying. Gabby will have to figure out why she can’t say no to Sir,” Hampton teases. “The secrets will be exposed. It’s going to be great.”
As “Found” develops, both its narratives and representation matter. Alongside Hampton’s poignant illustration and the show’s dedication to illuminating and uplifting authentic stories, this season promises to be entertaining and deliver something even more powerful. Full of passion and meaning on screen, “Found” is more than a series — it’s a movement showcasing the richness of diverse experiences.
