The Shop—originally hosted by LeBron James and Maverick Carter—is making its return this month, and fans can expect to see two fresh faces leading the series into its new chapter.
Travis Bennett and Steelo Brim have been announced as the new hosts of the award-winning show, which will start rolling out fresh episodes on YouTube on June 22. Per show reps, the duo was “handpicked” by James and Carter to helm the series moving forward. In addition to its new hosts, The Shop is also shifting to a weekly release strategy, complete with two special guests for each episode and a focus on more in-depth conversations.
“I watch The Shop, so to become a part of something I’m already a fan of is sick,” Bennett, an Odd Future alum and standout on FXX’s Lil Dicky-led Dave series, said in a statement shared with Complex. “I really care about perspective, because it's the only thing that’s unique to each person. Perspective is so important to share, to receive, and to acknowledge, and I think there’s no better platform than The Shop to showcase that.”
Bennett continued: “I’m also excited for the ability to show my personality. With acting, I’ve been lucky to play characters very similar to myself, but I want people to get to know me personally, and I think a weekly format, like this, is the best way to do that.”
Brim echoed his co-host’s enthusiasm, saying he was “very excited” to take on the role while pointing to his own status as a fan of what the series has accomplished thus far.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the series,” the Ridiculousness star said. “As a fan of The Shop, stepping into the foundation that LeBron, Maverick, Paul [Rivera], and Randy [Mims] have laid is quite amazing. I’m excited to bring new perspectives to the show, and for the audience to get to know us; we’re a great team. The audience can also expect me to tell it like it is.”
In the coming weeks, fans can also look forward to two special live events. First, The Shop is hitting Cannes Lions on June 24 for a Dropbox-presented conversation touching on collaboration and creativity. Then, on July 17, the series will turn its attention to Fanatics Fest in New York City for a live taping featuring the new hosts, plus James and Carter.
“From the beginning, The Shop has always been a place for real, honest conversations,” Carter, who serves as Fulwell Entertainment’s co-CEO, said of what’s to come. “We believe Travis and Steelo are the perfect pair to carry the torch forward with new energy and fresh perspectives. The team has done an amazing job curating a new format that will give our audience an even more intimate experience, and we’re excited to continue creating culture-defining moments in The Shop."
The Shop’s reinvention begins in earnest on June 22, with new episodes following on a weekly basis on Mondays. For the season debut, Bennett’s fellow Odd Future alum, Jasper Dolphin, will join Snowfall actor Melvin Gregg as special guests.
