The Hangin' With Mr. Cooper Reboot: 5 Shocking New Updates On The Beloved '90s Sitcom And Where The Cast Is Now
The iconic 1990s sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, a cornerstone of the classic ABC TGIF lineup, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of a generation, and as of late 2025, the show is once again generating major buzz.
The biggest news update is the very real possibility of a long-awaited reboot, with key original cast members actively pitching the project to the studio. This deep dive explores the show's lasting legacy, provides a complete biography of its stars, and reveals the definitive, up-to-the-minute status of the potential return of Mark Cooper and his Oakland crew.
The Complete Profile of the Main Cast: Where Are They Now?
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, which originally aired from September 22, 1992, to August 30, 1997, centered on Mark Cooper, an ex-NBA player who returns to his hometown of Oakland, California, to become a substitute teacher and basketball coach at Oakbridge High School.
The show’s success was built on the charismatic chemistry of its ensemble cast. Here is a look at the core actors and their extensive careers before and after the beloved sitcom.
Mark Curry (Mark Cooper)
- Full Name: Marcus G. Curry
- Born: June 1, 1961 (Oakland, California)
- Career Highlights: Curry is an American actor, comedian, and television host, best known for his titular role as Mark Cooper. Since the show ended, Curry has maintained a strong presence in the comedy world, touring extensively as a stand-up comedian. He has also had recurring roles on other television series and is a vocal advocate for mental health and social justice.
- Current Status (2025): He is reportedly "on board" for a potential Hangin' with Mr. Cooper reboot.
Holly Robinson Peete (Vanessa Russell)
- Full Name: Holly Elizabeth Robinson Peete
- Born: September 18, 1964 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Career Highlights: Before playing Vanessa Russell, Mark Cooper's roommate and eventual wife, Peete was already famous for her role as Judy Hoffs on the police drama 21 Jump Street. Since the '90s, she has become a prolific actress, producer, talk show host, activist, and philanthropist. She has starred in numerous Hallmark Channel movies and docuseries on the OWN Network like For Peete's Sake and Meet The Peetes.
- Current Status (2025): Peete is the driving force behind the reboot rumors, actively pitching the concept to Warner Bros. and confirming her willingness to return. She is also currently appearing in a recurring role on NBC's Chicago Fire.
Raven-Symoné (Nicole Lee)
- Full Name: Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman-Maday
- Born: December 10, 1985 (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Career Highlights: Raven-Symoné was a child star phenomenon, first gaining fame as Olivia Kendall on The Cosby Show before joining Mr. Cooper as Nicole Lee, Mark's cousin. Her career exploded with the Disney Channel hit That's So Raven and its sequel series, Raven's Home, where she also serves as a producer and director.
- Current Status (2025): She is also confirmed by Holly Robinson Peete to be ready to return for a reboot, which would be a huge draw for a new generation of viewers.
The Late Nell Carter (Principal P.J. Moore)
- Full Name: Nell Ruth Hardy
- Born/Died: September 13, 1948 – January 23, 2003
- Legacy: The Tony and Emmy-winning actress, known for the sitcom Gimme a Break!, played Principal P.J. Moore in the first two seasons of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 54. Her character was a memorable part of the show's early dynamic.
The 2025 Reboot Rumors: Is a New Season Really Happening?
The most compelling and current news surrounding the show revolves entirely around the possibility of a reboot or revival series. Unlike simple fan speculation, this is an active effort being spearheaded by the original stars, indicating serious momentum behind the project.
Holly Robinson Peete is Actively Pitching a Revival
Holly Robinson Peete, who played Vanessa Russell, has been the most vocal proponent of bringing the sitcom back to the screen. In recent interviews, she confirmed that she has been in communication with the show’s original studio, Warner Bros., about creating a new iteration of the show, nearly three decades after the original finale in 1997.
The actress has publicly stated that the ball is now in Warner Bros.' court, indicating that the main hurdle is securing the necessary deal and greenlight from the production company.
Mark Curry and Raven-Symoné Are Ready to Return
Crucially, Peete has confirmed that both Mark Curry (Mark Cooper) and Raven-Symoné (Nicole Lee) are enthusiastic and ready to reprise their roles. The return of the titular star, Mark Curry, is essential for any successful revival, and his commitment, alongside the now-adult and highly successful Raven-Symoné, makes the concept a powerful package for a streaming service or network.
A new series would likely explore Mark Cooper and Vanessa Russell’s life as a married couple, potentially navigating the challenges of raising their own family in Oakland while still being involved in the school system. This narrative direction would provide a natural evolution for the beloved characters and a fresh take for a modern audience.
The Enduring Legacy of the ABC TGIF Hit
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper was more than just a typical 90s sitcom; it was a vital part of the groundbreaking ABC TGIF block, which also featured other iconic shows like Full House and Family Matters.
The show’s premise—a former professional athlete transitioning into a role as an educator—provided a unique blend of comedy and heartwarming life lessons. Mark Cooper’s journey from NBA player to substitute teacher and basketball coach resonated with viewers, offering a positive depiction of mentorship and community involvement.
The Dynamic Cast and Thematic Shifts
The series underwent several significant changes during its five-season run. In the first season, Mark Cooper lived with his former college teammate, Jeff Samms (played by Omar Gooding), and his friend Vanessa Russell.
By the second season, the show underwent a major retooling to better fit the established TGIF formula. The setting shifted, Nell Carter's character, Principal P.J. Moore, was written out, and Mark's cousin, Nicole Lee (Raven-Symoné), moved in, solidifying the family-friendly, quasi-family dynamic.
The final seasons saw Mark and Vanessa’s relationship deepen, culminating in their marriage, which provided a satisfying conclusion for the original run and a perfect springboard for a potential revival.
Where to Watch and Stream the Original Series Today
For fans looking to revisit the classic episodes or for new viewers wanting to catch up before a potential reboot, the original Hangin' with Mr. Cooper series remains widely accessible in 2025.
The show is available for purchase and streaming on various digital platforms, ensuring that the legacy of Mark Cooper lives on. You can find all five seasons on major digital storefronts, including Apple TV, Amazon Instant, Google Play, and iTunes.
The Impact on Pop Culture and Future Sitcoms
The sitcom helped launch the careers of its young stars and cemented Mark Curry as a household name. Its focus on a young Black man as a positive role model in the education system was a significant cultural contribution in the 1990s television landscape.
The enduring popularity of the series, evidenced by the consistent streaming availability and the passionate push for a revival, highlights the lasting appeal of its humor, its relatable characters, and its warm, family-centric themes.
As Holly Robinson Peete continues her efforts, fans remain hopeful that Warner Bros. will soon announce the official return of Mark Cooper, allowing a new generation to start "Hangin'" with the beloved teacher.
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