The latest Prime Original to hit the streaming service is Harlem, a new comedy consisting of 10 episodes that explore the life and times of four best friends out to conquer New York City in their respective fields. Created by Tracy Oliver (who graced us with Girls Trip and Little), the show offers a fun yet insightful look at modern romance and female friendship.
Heading up the romance department is protagonist Camille's (Meagan Good, Shazam) ex-boyfriend Ian (Tyler Lepley, The Haves and The Have Nots) who comes back into her life in a surprising way. While he may appear gruff and reticent at first glance, he has the soul of an artist and feels as deeply as Camille does when it comes to the complicated history they share.
Lepley spoke to Screen Rant about what drew him to the character, and how he views the deep bond between Ian and Camille at the start of the series.
Screen Rant: What aspect of Harlem's script made you want to jump on board and play Ian?
Tyler Lepley: There were lots of things that I really enjoyed about the character, but the number one thing that drew me to him was just how balanced he was. We got to see a full juxtaposition of a real person and a real man.
On one side, he's got the strength; he's fiery, he's passionate, and he has this sense of virility. He's a man. But on the flip side, he's vulnerable, he's open, and there's a tenderness there. He's an artist at the end of the day. To see the spectrum of who he is, again, it's probably that juxtaposition that drew me to the character.
I see lots of characters, and it's kind of just one note. And sometimes, you play a role just to play it. It's always good to get your chops and get experience. But at this point in my career, I want to go after things that move me and speak to me in a certain way. That was probably the number one thing.
Speaking of layered, Ian and Camille's relationship is so interesting. It obviously trips her up when she sees him again, but he isn't unaffected either. What is it that draws them to each other?
Tyler Lepley: I think what draws them together is the foundation of what their relationship was built on. She is this Type A personality, and he can go with the flow when she needs it. Within that, they have this thing where they can see each other's BS and kind of call each other out. They have this fun-loving, seductive banter back and forth that they really enjoy. It kind of serves us as foreplay for them.
I think these things are what go into them being soulmates. They just get each other; they just love being around each other. Unfortunately, there are some obstacles that get in the way, because he's got to go find himself and vice versa. I feel like that conflict just plays for a great relationship to watch; to see how they go through it, and how they find themselves, and then how they act when they get back around each other. I feel like that's why they're so drawn to each other.
As fascinating as that dynamic is, the friendship between the ladies is the heart of the show. What is it like for you on set to be around all that wonderful, feminine energy?
Tyler Lepley: I tell them often that they're like the sisters that I've always needed; that I've always wanted, for sure. The saying is, "They're two peas in a pod," but they're just like four peas in the pod. To be able to watch them play off each other is just a joy to be around. It kind of keeps me grounded.
And [they help] my artistry. When I get on set, they can take me out of whatever nonsense that I'm going through and that I'm trying to check at the door. As great as we work together on set, as well as we gel on set, the energy is like that even more off set.
I love being around those ladies. It's just been a privilege to work with them as an artist, but also to get to know them as a friend.
You mentioned some of the obstacles that are in Camille and Ian's way. What do you think Ian wants for himself that keeps him away from Camille at the start of the season?
Tyler Lepley: I think that he understands what it's like to not - I'm just being real - he understands what it's like to A) not find his passion; he hasn't gotten there yet. And then B) as a man, he knows what it's like to not have money.
Unfortunately, it drives you as a man to be a provider. And if you're not providing that, A) what you get looked at like, and B) how do you feel? I feel like these are some of the things. Even though he really wants to be with her right now, if that's how it is, then so be it. Because I gotta wrangle this down as a man in order to feel comfortable with who I am.
All 10 episodes of Harlem are currently available to watch on Prime Video.
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