Even if you didn’t watch the ’80s television series The Equalizer, you’ve likely seen Denzel Washington take on the titular role in the 2014 film and its 2018 sequel. Now, Queen Latifah is stepping into those shoes with her new CBS drama airing on February 7 following Superbowl LV.
The Queen stars as Robyn McCall, “an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn,” as a press release explains. McCall is a retired intelligence agent, a mom, and, like many Black women, fights to make things better — and equal– for everyone around her.
Starring alongside Queen will be Chris Noth as ex-CIA director William Bishop, Lorraine Toussaint as Viola “Aunt Vi” Marsette, Tory Kittles as Det. Marcus Dante, Adam Goldberg as Harry Keshegian, Liza Lapira as Melody Bayani, and Laya DeLeon Hayes as Robyn’s daughter Delilah.
CBS giving The Equalizer prime positioning after the Superbowl speaks to its investment in and expectations of the show, which is well deserved when you look at Queen Latifah’s successful track record on TV alone, i.e. Living Single and Star.
Check out the video below for a first look at Queen Latifah in the new series and the excitement the cast has about seeing her in this role.
The Equalizer will air on CBS on February 7 at 10 p.m.