Comedy Series ‘South Side’ Highlights Chicago Talent, On and Off Camera


A new scripted comedy series set in and around Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood is taking the small screen by storm.

“South Side” gives viewers a look at what life on the South Side is all about. Its ensemble cast features prominent Chicago faces and is brought to life by Chicagoans in front of and behind the screen.

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LaRoyce Hawkins is one of those familiar faces.

“We’re just trying to convey those experiences of the everyday guy who has hopes and aspirations,” said Hawkins, a native of Harvey who also stars as Officer Kevin Atwater on NBC’s “Chicago P.D.”

While the characters experience highs and lows, joy is what they hold onto in order to continue pushing forward, Hawkins said.

Video: Watch the “South Side” trailer “Meet Chicago’s Newest Side-Hustlers.”


In addition to acting, Hawkins is also a musician, a stand-up comedian and spoken-word artist.

“Stand-up was my first love. It introduced me to pretty much everything poetry and music happened in between,” Hawkins said.

Chicago comedian Lil Rel Howery also stars in the show as does the show’s co-creator Bashir Salahuddin, a Chicago native who graduated from Whitney Young High School.

“South Side” airs Wednesday nights on Comedy Central, with a two-episode finale on Sept. 18. It was given the green light for a second season.

The seventh season of Chicago P.D. premieres on Sept. 25.


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