Controversy (TV series)

**Controversy**is an American drama fanfiction series that first aired on May 29, 2017 and ended on August 8, 2022. The premiere episode coincided with the third season premiere of *The Savages*. Although it is not a direct spin-off of the series, *Controversy* is in the same universe as *The Savages* and includes several crossover episodes with the show, as well as *Campus*.

The series centers around an outspoken Black model who puts her marriage and reputation at stake when she has an affair with the talk show host son of a Republican presidential candidate. Many secrets within the president's family come to light when they connect with the model's family's history.

*Controversy* garnered mixed reviews from critics, with praise towards the star billing, the concept, and the acting performances of the characters. However, many critics compared the series to *Scandal* and felt it was too similar in nature.

## Cast and characters

### **Main**

* Blair Underwood as Walter Kane, Esq.
	+ A wealthy and successful attorney who specializes in libel and defamation in entertainment, and the husband of Marissa Kane, the CEO of Kane Enterprise. He is rather loyal and devoted to his work, but gets caught in a crossfire when his ex-flame appears and challenges his conflict of interest, and his ties with the presidential candidate James Buchanan.
* Vivica A. Fox as Marissa Kane
	+ The CEO and founder of Kane Enterprise, a modeling agency representing new and famous fashion models. Marissa feels like her marriage is falling apart due to Walter's focus on his lawyer work, while also being the strict mother figure to Danica.
* Teyonah Parris as Danica Kane
	+ The hot-headed, self-proclaimed daughter of Walter and Marissa, who is a famous fashion model who finds herself in the center of controversy. Her political views and behaviors put her reputation at risk, as well as a secret affair with Eli Buchanan.
* Brant Daugherty as Eli Buchanan
	+ The son of presidential candidate James Buchanan who has his own syndicated talk show interviewing celebrities. Despite a scuffle with Danica, they both develop an affair despite their family's controversial backgrounds.
* Lance Gross as Marcus Ross
	+ Danica's fiancé, and an NFL football player.
* Ali Larter as Abby Cartwright
	+ Marissa Kane's assistant and Danica's public relations specialist who finds herself in an affair with Marcus.
* Gina Gershon as Kitty Monroe
	+ An established socialite who is Walter's former lover. Her reputation is at stake when she faces allegations and confides in Walter to represent her.
* Lynn Whitfield as Vivian DeVeaux
	+ Marissa's mother and the co-founder of Kane Enterprise, as well as a retired fashion icon. She becomes Danica's support system, but also has a history with the Buchanan family.
* John Schneider as James Buchanan
	+ The Republican governor in New York City who runs for President of the United States. His controversy causes a divide in America, while his family issues are pushed to the side.
* Michelle Pfeiffer as Helen Buchanan
	+ The wife of James Buchanan and mother of Eli Buchanan. She is revealed to have a rough alcoholic past and is a retired pop singer.
* Cole Hauser as Stuart Everett (season 2-3, recurring season 1)
	+ The vice presidential candidate and James Buchanan's right hand man.

## Episodes

 1 | 10
 2 | 10
 3 | 20
 4 | 10
 5 | 20