“That Girl Lay Lay,” Nickelodeon's buddy comedy series, will air its final episodes on Wednesday, less than two years after the death of creator David A. Arnold.
Arnold's wife, Julie Harkness Arnold, announced the final episodes on Tuesday in an emotional Instagram post, taking stock of her husband's legacy and the effect he had had on the show, cast and crew. She also thanked the creatives behind the series for “seeing David's vision” throughout the teen comedy's two seasons.
“It is with gratitude for all this that I announced [sic] that 'That Girl Lay Lay' will air its final episodes on Wednesday, March 20,” she wrote, sharing a series of photos from the show that she said were on her late husband's phone. “Although my heart is heavy, I will always treasure being a part of something that was important to David and that he loved. 46 episodes. Top ten on Netflix. Nominated for the Image Awards and the Emmy. I celebrate these triumphs. Thank you fans!
A Nickelodeon spokesperson for the series confirmed to The Times that production was indeed ending after 46 episodes, and said in a statement Wednesday that “we are incredibly grateful to the cast and crew for their immeasurable contributions to the production.”
Veteran actor, writer, showrunner and comedian David A. Arnold died in September 2022 at age 54 of natural causes, according to his family. Arnold was a huge presence in the Los Angeles comedy scene, with a career that included stand-up-heavy shows and appearances on Comedy Central and BET. He produced and wrote for Netflix's “Fuller House” and Nickelodeon's “Side Hustle” and wrote scripts for the film “Meet the Browns” and the comedies “House of Payne” and “The Rickey Smiley Show.”
In a statement following his death, Nickelodeon described Arnold as “an immense talent and talented storyteller with a wide range of fans, from adults through his stand-up comedy, to children and families through the Nickelodeon show he created and produced.” executive”.
“When David died…we lost our creator and our soul,” his wife wrote Tuesday. “Our family had been anchored in David. He had given us the courage to test the limits of what was possible. He left us scripts and ideas that he had already written. But he also left us devastated to lose him.
“I'm shocked by what happened next,” she added, crediting “Lay Lay” writers John D. Beck and Ron Hart and producer Will Packer for their continued work.
“In the midst of their immense pain, the cast and crew dug deep and continued to create the vision David had implemented. Beck and Hart were amazing. Knowing that they were already suffering…they gathered EVERYONE and guided us. Thank you, Ron and John… for being my brothers and doing the extraordinary despite your own pain. Thank you, Will Packer, for seeing David and hiring him to take on 'That Girl Lay Lay.' Thank you, Will Packer, Nickelodeon, Ron, John and TGLL Fam for everything you have done for David, me and the girls.”
Arnold added Tuesday that Packer had approached her husband in July 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to create a show “that would be about science, an underdog and a friendship between two African American girls.” The teen series follows Lay Lay (Alaya High), an avatar of an affirmation app who magically comes to life after her best friend Sadie (Gabrielle Nevaeh) makes a wish on a star.
“The show was for Nickelodeon. Since very few African Americans had become showrunners, creators and executive producers of their own series, the show's story reflected David's own friendship journey and his underdog ways,” he wrote.
“'That Girl Lay Lay' filmed its first episode in April 2021. This show was a paradise for those who are exceptional and even masters at what they do. From the costumes to the assistants and stagehands, these experts created not only a phenomenal show but also a family. If you ask the cast and crew one word to describe their experience on 'That Girl Lay Lay,' that word would be FAMILY,'” she said.
Julie Arnold also described watching the show's child stars “grow up before our eyes” and how they “created a bond that extended far beyond the professional.” She later recognized the stars by name, including High, Nevaeh, Peyton R. Perrine III, Tommy Hobson, Tiffany Daniels, Elijah M. Cooper and Caleb Brown.
“They had adventures, parties, movie nights and more. That bond contributed to the MAGIC that culminated on stage. From Gaby's comedic timing to Tommy and Tiffany's phenomenal chemistry. From Elijah’s charm to Caleb’s charisma, the performances were consistently MAGICAL,” she said. “The writers always found the right beats, the producers stayed involved and committed to the creation process, our directors tapped into our essence week after week, our Nick executives loved and supported the evolution of the show. Our recurring actors who made our show click. Our team pushed the boundaries and created scenes, outfits, hairstyles and music that were often unexpected and always top-notch. Our editors make the magic of Lay Lay come to life. And last but not least, our Laywoman! She brought a triple threat strength that was undeniable and lovable. Watching her grow and evolve as a creative, intelligent genius… right in front of us.”
The show's titular star also responded to the post with an emotional tribute.
“There are so many things I want to say, so I can [sic] Feelings when I have to travel back and think about this amazing trip, I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped me become who I am,” High wrote. “They were very difficult days and even more so when David passed away. I went through a lot mentally, but every person who participated in TGLL made sure I kept my head and spirit up. Real tears! I love you all!
Packer added: “He was the fearless leader who showed each and every one of us how to create something truly special without compromise. If you continue to be the rock we all lean on as we reach the heights he challenged us to reach. It was the honor of my life to work with you two.”
