''Hit the Floor'', originally titled ''Bounce'', is an American sports drama television series that debuted on

VH1 VH1 (originally an initialism of Video Hits One) is an American basic cable television network based in New York City and owned by Paramount Global. It was created by Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, at the time a division of Warner Commun ...

on May 27, 2013. Created by James LaRosa, the series chronicles the off-the-court drama surrounding the Los Angeles Devil Girls, the cheerleaders for the Los Angeles Devils, a fictional professional basketball team. On April 27, 2017, the series was renewed for an eight-episode fourth season that premiered on

BET Black Entertainment Television (acronym BET) is an American basic cable channel targeting African-American audiences. It is owned by the CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global via BET Networks and has offices in New York City, Los A ...

on July 10, 2018. The network canceled the series on December 7, 2018.

Plot

Ahsha Hayes (

Taylour Paige Taylour Dominique Paige-Angulo (born October 5, 1990) is an American actress and dancer. She is best known for her role as Ahsha Hayes in the VH1 sports drama series '' Hit the Floor'', and has gained recognition for her performances in the fi ...

) becomes the newest member of the Devil Girls, the

cheerleaders Cheerleading is an activity in which the participants (called cheerleaders) cheer for their team as a form of encouragement. It can range from chanting slogans to intense physical activity. It can be performed to motivate sports teams, to ente ...

for the professional basketball team, the Los Angeles Devils, and immediately makes an enemy of Devil Girl captain Jelena Howard (

Logan Browning Logan Laurice Browning (born June 9, 1989) is an American actress. She is best known for starring as Samantha White in the 2017 Netflix satirical-drama series ''Dear White People''. She is also known for playing Sasha in the 2007 film '' Bratz: ...

). Knowing that her mother Sloane (

Kimberly Elise Kimberly Elise Trammel (born April 17, 1967) is an American film and television actress. She made her feature film debut in '' Set It Off'' (1996), and later received critical acclaim for her performance in ''Beloved'' (1998). During her career, ...

) used to be a Devil Girl herself, Ahsha is shocked to discover that former player-turned-coach of the Devils, Pete Davenport (

Dean Cain Dean George Cain ( Tanaka; born July 31, 1966) is an American actor. From 1993 to 1997, he played Clark Kent / Superman in the TV series '' Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman''. Cain was the host of ''Ripley's Believe It or Not!'' and ...

), is her biological father. Ahsha is also tempted by bad boy player Derek Roman (McKinley Freeman), even though she is already involved with German Vega (

Jonathan McDaniel Jonathan Richard McDaniel (born May 17, 1985), better known by his stage name Lil J, is an American actor and rapper. He is best known for his role as Devon Carter (Raven Baxter's boyfriend, and later ex-husband) on the hit Disney Channel show ...

). Season two is overshadowed by the murder of Olivia Vincent (

Charlotte Ross Charlotte Ross (born January 21, 1968) is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Eve Donovan on the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'' from 1987 to 1991, and as Det. Connie McDowell on the ABC police procedural drama series ...

), who was blackmailing several people associated with the Devils. Meanwhile, Ahsha and Derek try to keep their relationship a secret, Pete's estranged wife Lionel (

Jodi Lyn O'Keefe Jodi Lyn O'Keefe (born October 10, 1978) is an American actress, model, and fashion designer. She came to prominence as Cassidy Bridges on the television series ''Nash Bridges'' (1996–2001) and played Gretchen Morgan on ''Prison Break'' (2007� ...

) becomes a regular presence at the arena, and a devious new forward named

Zero 0 (zero) is a number representing an empty quantity. In place-value notation Positional notation (or place-value notation, or positional numeral system) usually denotes the extension to any base of the Hindu–Arabic numeral system (or ...

(

Adam Senn Edward Adam Senn (born April 10, 1984) is an American model, actor, and restaurateur. He is known for playing Zero, a professional basketball player, on VH1's '' Hit the Floor'' from 2014 to 2016. Early life Senn was born in Paris, France, and ...

) arrives with a plan to supplant star players Terrence Wall (

Robert Christopher Riley Robert Christopher Riley (born October 11, 1980) is an American film, television, and stage actor of Trinidadian and Bajan descent. He is known for his role as Terrence Wall in the VH1 television drama series '' Hit The Floor'' from 2013 to 201 ...

) and Derek. Zero seduces—and eventually gets burned by—Jelena, before he becomes sexually involved with his male agent,

Jude Kinkade Jude Kinkade and Zero are fictional characters from the VH1 series '' Hit the Floor'', which chronicles the off-the-court drama surrounding a fictional professional basketball team, the Los Angeles Devils. Introduced in the 2014 season two premiere ...

(

Brent Antonello Brent Antonello (born August 25, 1989) is an American actor, best known for his roles of Jude Kinkade in VH1's ''Hit the Floor (TV series), Hit the Floor'' and Detective Jamie Whelan on NBC's ''Law & Order: Organized Crime''. Career Antonello be ...

). In season three, a reunited Jelena and Terrence secretly plot to take over the Devils and oust Lionel, and Zero's unwillingness to go public becomes an obstacle to his fledgling relationship with Jude. From jail, Devils owner Oscar Kinkade (

Don Stark Donald Mario Stark (July 5, 1954) is an American actor known for his role as Bob Pinciotti on the Fox Network sitcom ''That '70s Show'' for all eight seasons (19982006) and fictional Los Angeles Devils owner Oscar Kinkade in VH1's '' Hit the ...

) seeks vengeance against Sloane, who has rekindled her romance with Pete. Season four finds Ahsha and Zero gone from the Devils and Los Angeles, leaving Derek and Jude to navigate new relationships. A vengeful Eve Vincent (

Tiffany Hines Tiffany Hines is an American actress, known for her roles as Birdie Scott in '' Beyond the Break'', Michelle Welton in ''Bones'', Jaden in ''Nikita'', Didi Miller in ''Devious Maids'', Tamar Braxton in '' Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart'', Aisha ...

), Olivia's daughter with Chase Vincent (

Rick Fox Rick may refer to: People *Rick (given name), a list of people with the given name *Alan Rick (born 1976), Brazilian politician, journalist, pastor and television personality *Johannes Rick (1869–1946), Austrian-born Brazilian priest and mycol ...

), arrives with a plan to destroy the Devils. New Devil Girls London Scott (

Teyana Taylor Teyana Me Shay Jacqueli Shumpert ( Taylor; born December 10, 1990) is an American singer, actress, dancer and choreographer. In 2005, she signed a record deal with Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment imprint. Afterwards, she choreographe ...

) and Jamie Lawson (Kyndall) clash, and Derek is frustrated with new rookie player Pax Lowe (Cort King). After the cancellation of the series, creator James LaRosa announced the resolutions of several storylines.

Episodes

Cast and characters

Notes:

Main

as Sloane Hayes (seasons 1–3), Ahsha's mother, who was one of the original Devil Girls herself. She later becomes the director of the Devil Girls. *

as Olivia Vincent (season 1), the former director of the Devil Girls and like Sloane, an original Devil Girl. She is murdered at the beginning of the second season. *

as Ahsha Hayes (seasons 1–3), the breakout star of the Los Angeles Devil Girls who immediately becomes a threat to Jelena. Using her dancing abilities to climb her way to the top, Ahsha is in a relationship with her college sweetheart German Vega, but finds herself attracted to the Devils' point guard Derek Roman. *

as Jelena Howard, the captain of the Devil Girls—and the mean girl of the team—who is intent on making new girl Ahsha suffer. Despite her many schemes, she has a soft side for her boyfriend Terrence Wall, the captain of the Devils. *

Katherine Bailess Katherine Bailess (born April 24, 1980) is an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for playing the role of Erica Marsh on the CW's hit show ''One Tree Hill'', Life and Death Brigade member Stephanie on ''Gilmore Girls'', and Kyle H ...

as Kyle Hart, a clever stripper-turned-cheerleader. *

Valery Ortiz Valery Milagros Ortiz (born August 1, 1984) is a Puerto Rican actress and model. She has appeared in various television series including ''South of Nowhere'' (2005–2008), '' Diary of a Single Mom'' (2009–2011), '' Hit the Floor'' (2013–2016 ...

as Raquel Saldana (seasons 1–3), a former cheerleader-turned manager of the Devils' Playground, who is best friends with Ahsha and Jelena. Kyle offers to feign a lesbian marriage with Raquel to hide her undocumented status. After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Raquel dies in season three. * McKinley Freeman as Derek Roman, the Devils' MVP player later Ahsha's husband and London's new love interest. *

as German Vega, the assistant coach of the Devils, Ahsha's ex-boyfriend, and later Eve's love interest. *

as Terrence Wall (seasons 1–3), the captain of the Devils and Jelena's boyfriend. *

as Oscar Kinkade (seasons 1–3; guest season 4), the unscrupulous owner of the Devils. *

as Pete Davenport, a former player-turned-coach of the Los Angeles Devils who has a past with Sloane when he was a player and she was a Devil Girl. He is later revealed to be Ahsha's father. His estranged wife Lionel later reappears, and he ventures into a relationship with Sloane. This character is killed in a drunk driving accident in first episode of season four. *

as "

" (seasons 2–3), a devious forward from Ohio with a number of secrets. *

(seasons 2–4), a junior agent, and Oscar's estranged gay son, who eventually becomes vice president of the Devils, and then the team's owner. *

as Lionel Davenport (seasons 2–4), an A-list actress and Pete's ex-wife, who later marries Oscar. * Kyndall as Jamie Lawson (season 4), a new Devil Girl. *

as Eve Vincent (season 4), Chase's and Olivia's daughter. * Kristian Kordula as Noah (season 4), a sideline reporter for Lionel's Inside Sports Network and love interest for Jude. * Cort King as Pax Lowe (season 4), a rookie player. *

as London Scott (season 4), a choreographer coming out of a highly publicized affair. * Durrell "Tank" Babbs as Warren Matthews (season 4), the new commissioner of the league.

Recurring

Bernard Curry Bernard Curry (born 27 March 1974) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as Jake Stewart in Wentworth, Luke Handley in Neighbours and Hugo Austin in Home and Away. Career Curry first appeared in ''Neighbours'' in 1995 as Luke Handle ...

as Jesse Reade (season 1), a sports agent who is Raquel's ex and the father of her son Miguel. *

Melissa Molinaro Melissa Smith (born June 4, 1982), better known by her stage name Melissa Molinaro, is a Canadian-American pop singer, actress, dancer, choreographer and model. She is perhaps best known for her reality TV appearances on ''Making the Band 3'' an ...

as Lexi (seasons 1–3), a Devil Girl who is taken off the team when Kyle joins it, and returns a few times to cause Kyle trouble. *

Stephen Colletti Stephen Colletti (born February 7, 1986) is an American actor and television personality. He portrayed Chase Adams on The CW drama series ''One Tree Hill'' and appeared for two seasons on the MTV reality television series '' Laguna Beach: The Rea ...

as Teddy Reynolds (seasons 1–3), a wealthy admirer of Kyle. *

as Chase Vincent (seasons 1–3), the EVP of the Devils organization. He is Olivia's husband and Eve's father. *

Johanna Braddy Johanna Elizabeth Braddy (born August 30, 1987) is an American actress. She played the leading role in the 2009 horror film ''The Grudge 3'', and has appeared in '' Hurt'' (2009), ''Easy A'' (2010), ''Paranormal Activity 3'' (2011), and '' The Lev ...

as Mia Sertner (season 1), a Devil Girl who dies under suspicious circumstances. *

Jason George Jason Winston George (born February 9, 1972) is an American actor and model. He is best known for his roles as Michael Bourne on the NBC daytime soap opera ''Sunset Beach'', as J.T. Hunter on the UPN television sitcom ''Eve'', as Dr. Otis Cole ...

as Michael (seasons 1–2), a league investigator who works against Oscar with Sloane. * Jared Ward as Beau Ashby (seasons 2–4), a con artist who becomes romantically involved with Kyle. *

Lynn Whitfield Lynn Whitfield (''née'' Smith; born February 15, 1953) is an American actress. She began her acting career in television and theatre before progressing to supporting roles in film. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a ...

as Vanessa Howard (seasons 2–3), Jelena's mother. * Jonathan Bennett as Lucas (season 3), Derek and Zero's new agent, who briefly dates Jude. *

William Baldwin William Joseph Baldwin (born February 21, 1963), Note: While birthplace is routinely listed as Massapequa, that town has no hospital, and brother Alec Baldwin was born in nearby Amityville, which does. known also as Billy Baldwin,is an America ...

as Jackson Everett (season 3), a wealthy venture capitalist who has a romantic history with Lionel. * James LaRosa as Pierce (seasons 3–4), a gossip reporter. *

Terrence J Terrence Jenkins (born April 21, 1982) is an American actor, television presenter, model and entertainment reporter best known as the host of BET's popular music video countdown show '' 106 & Park'' from 2006 until 2012.MacCash, Doug. "Back in t ...

as Pastor Curtis (season 4), London's married ex-lover. *

Shireen Crutchfield Shireen Elaine Crutchfield is an American actress and singer. best known as the lead singer of the R&B trio The Good Girls from 1989 to the present. Crutchfield is also known for her acting roles as Jace in '' Dark Angel'' and '' Hot Boyz''. ...

as Leah Matthews (season 4), Warren's wife who has been sleeping with Pax.

Guest

Bernie Kopell Bernard Morton Kopell (born June 21, 1933) is an American character actor known for his roles as Siegfried in ''Get Smart'' from 1966 to 1969 and as Dr. Adam Bricker ("Doc") on ''The Love Boat'' from 1977 to 1986. Early beginnings Kopell was bor ...

as Mel O'Grane, the Devils' former announcer (season 1) *

Tichina Arnold Tichina Rolanda Arnold (; born June 28, 1969) is an American actress and singer. She began her career as a child actor, appearing in supporting roles in '' Little Shop of Horrors'' (1986) and ''How I Got into College'' (1989) before being cast as ...

as Mary Roman, Derek's mother (season 2) *

Jonathan Frakes Jonathan Scott Frakes (born August 19, 1952) is an American actor and director. He is best known for his portrayal of Commander William Riker in the television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' and subsequent films and series. Frakes als ...

as Hank (season 2) *

Joe Lando Joseph John Lando (born December 9, 1961) is an American actor, known for playing Jake Harrison on daytime's ''One Life to Live'' (1990–1992) and Byron Sully on the television series ''Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman'' (1993–1998). Life and c ...

as Detective Ray Harris (season 2) *

Terrell Tilford Terrell Tilford (born July 22, 1969) is an American film, stage, and television actor best known for roles as Eric Bishop on '' Switched at Birth'' (2015–2017), David Grant on ''Guiding Light'' (1998–2001), as Greg Evans on ''One Life to Li ...

as Detective Curtis (season 3) *

Thomas Calabro Thomas F. Calabro (born February 3, 1959) is an American actor and director. Biography Calabro graduated from Fordham University in New York City. Calabro began his acting career in theatre with various roles in New York. His first role was a ...

as Marcus Douglas, a powerful Devils board member (season 3) *

Michael Beach Michael Anthony Beach (born October 30, 1963) is an American actor. He has appeared in films '' Lean on Me'' (1989), ''One False Move'' (1992), ''Short Cuts'' (1993), ''Waiting to Exhale'' (1995), ''A Family Thing'' (1996), ''Soul Food'' (1997), ...

as James Howard (season 3), Jelena's estranged father *

Erika Jayne Erika Girardi (née Chahoy; born July 10, 1971), known professionally as Erika Jayne, is an American singer, television personality and former actress. Early life Erika Girardi was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 10, 1971, to single mother Re ...

as Beverly (season 4), a New York media mogul

Production

''Hit the Floor'' was announced by

in April 2012. The series was created and executive produced by LaRosa, alongside Bryan Johnson and Maggie Malina. The pilot was written by James LaRosa and directed by

Sanaa Hamri Sanaa Hamri ( ar, سناء حمري; born November 19, 1977) is a Moroccan-American film, television, and music video director. She has directed music videos for musicians including Prince, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Sting. She is kn ...

. Signed on to the pilot was Taylour Paige as Ahsha, the lead;

as Pete, the coach of the basketball team;

as Sloane, Ahsha's mother;

as Raquel, and

as Kyle. Following the announcement of the pilot,

signed on to play Olivia, a former dancer-turned-basketball wife who oversees the squad. The pilot was ordered to series in July 2012, with

and McKinley Freeman signing on to the main cast.

, who plays Oscar Kinkade, the owner of the basketball team, and

, who plays star player Terrence, were upgraded to series regulars after being billed as guest stars in the pilot. In April 2013,

Starz Distribution Starz Distribution (formerly IDT Entertainment and Starz Media) is the motion picture, animation, television, and home video operating unit of Starz Inc., a subsidiary of Lionsgate. Starz Distribution develops, produces, and acquires original p ...

finalized an international television distribution agreement to represent ''Hit the Floor'' outside of the United States. The series premiered on May 27, 2013, and the first season was the No. 1 new cable scripted series of mid-2013 among the adults 18–49 viewership demo. VH1 announced the renewal for a second season on July 15, 2013. Season two production began on January 31, 2014, and premiered on May 26, 2014. The season featured a

whodunit A ''whodunit'' or ''whodunnit'' (a colloquial elision of "Who asdone it?") is a complex plot-driven variety of detective fiction in which the puzzle regarding who committed the crime is the main focus. The reader or viewer is provided with the cl ...

story involving Olivia's murder, and LaRosa was inspired by the 1980s " Who shot J.R.?" storyline on ''

Dallas Dallas () is the List of municipalities in Texas, third largest city in Texas and the largest city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of metropolitan statistical areas, fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States at 7.5 ...

'' to shoot multiple resolutions so that even the cast would not know the identity of the killer until the episode aired. Teasing the reveal in the season two finale, LaRosa said, "It's definitely someone you've come to know. It's a name at the top of the credits and I can tell you that you will be shocked ... the reveal gives me chills every single time". On July 29, 2014, VH1 announced the third season renewal of ''Hit the Floor''. The 10-episode new season premiered on January 18, 2016 and ended on March 28, 2016. In April 2016, VH1 greenlit an hour-long summer special to resolve the cliffhangers raised in the third season finale. The special aired on September 5, 2016. On April 27, 2017, it was announced that the series would move to

for its future seasons. In October 2017, BET announced that Cain, Elise, Freeman, Bailess, O'Keefe, and Antonello would be returning to the series, and series creator James LaRosa confirmed that Paige and Senn would not be returning for season four.

was cast in an undisclosed role in October, and four new regular cast members were announced in November 2017:

as "mystery woman" Eve, Cort King as rookie player Pax, Kyndall as new dancer Jamie, and Kristian Kordula as reporter Noah. Production began in November 2017, and the series' eight-episode fourth season premiered on July 10, 2018. LaRosa said in August 2018 that he had already planned out a potential fifth season. However, BET canceled the series on December 7, 2018.

References

External links

* * {{BET 2013 American television series debuts 2018 American television series endings 2010s American LGBT-related drama television series American sports television series BET original programming Cheerleading television series Dance television shows English-language television shows Television shows set in Los Angeles VH1 original programming