Brandon Micheal Hall

OF “THE MAYOR” ON ABC

Since you’re still a relative newcomer to television, despite a regular stint on “Search Party,” how did you land the title role in “The Mayor”? There were about four auditions I had to go through, and then a fly-out to L.A. to do the screen test. When I saw that it was based in politics and it was based in hip-hop and music, I thought it was a great combination. It wasn’t a script at the time, just two scenes. I dove right into that and gave it my all, and then they booked me in it. Do you relate to Yvette Nicole Brown’s portrayal of your on-screen mother in the show? My mom is a single mother and very strong (and), at the same time, very playful and very honest and transparent about raising me and my sister. I’ve watched Yvette Nicole since I was kid, since the “Drake & Josh” show, so for her to play my mom or older sister, it’s just a perfect combination and it works. “Hamilton” stage alum Daveed Diggs is an executive producer of the show. How has that been a benefit to you? Daveed helped me a lot, because I’d never been to the Bay Area. Daveed helped me to get to the Bay and figure out where the story comes from, because that’s where he’s from and that’s where the music is birthed from, I believe. What would you say the main theme of “The Mayor” is? Hope ... a lot of hope. Because that’s something that we all really need right now, with everything that’s going on. Our show’s based on that as well.