Who Will Be On Nicki Minaj's TV Show?

I can't remember the last time I was this fired up about a TV news item: A scripted comedy series based on Nicki Minaj’s life is coming to ABC Family. According to a press release (via Billboard), the series will depict “Minaj and her family’s immigration from Trinidad in the early 1990s.” The “Anaconda” rapper is set to both executive produce and appear on the show. YESSSS. I love ABC Family, I love the '90s, and I LOVE Onika Maraj, so yeah, I'm stoked about this. Has anyone figured out a way to hug the Universe? Because I would like to give the Universe a hug right now. I am so happy this television program is happening.

So, who else will be in the series? Unfortunately for impatient Barbz like yours truly, the cast has not been announced. But here is what we do know: there will be an open casting call for the role of “Young Nicki.” Um, amazing. Calling it now: Whoever plays Young Nicki will become a huge star. Why do I say that? Because only someone with huge star potential could play Queen Onika, duh.

Hey, I know what’ll help pass the time until we here more details about the cast: brainstorming a list of actors who I could totally see on this series!

Quvenzhané Wallis As Young Nicki

Yes, the show is slated to conduct a nationwide search for this role, so there’s a chance this will go to an unknown actor, BUT! Can’t you just picture the Oscar-nominated star ruling this series?

Sufe Bradshaw As Carol, Nicki’s Mom

Here's what I kept in mind when I was trying to think of who would be a good fit for Carol:

1. She should be an actress who is in her late 20s/early 30s (the series takes it back to the ‘90s, remember?).
2. She should be a hilarious actress (it is a comedy, after all).
3. She should be an actress who exudes strength (if you are familiar with Minaj’s backstory, than you know her mother is a resilient woman).

The first person to come to mind? Sufe Bradshaw.

Jaden Smith As Jelani, Nicki's Older Brother

Yes, I am serious. I would love to see Will and Jada's eldest son play Nicki's eldest sibling. I'm ready for him to carry on his father's sitcom legacy.

(Wait, is he too old to play the character? Eh, whatever. I'm following my heart, OK?)

Keke Palmer As Late Teens/Early 20s Nicki

(Full disclosure: If I ran Hollywood, I'd cast Keke Palmer in literally everything. I just love her, OK?)

If there is, I don't know, a flash-forward to Minaj breaking into the music industry or something, Keke Palmer would be PERFECT. First of all, Palmer’s comedic chops are not to be denied. I mean, did you watch True Jackson, VP? Are you watching Scream Queens? Lady is wickedly funny. Additionally, she also happens to be a great recording artist and a great dancer.

TL;DR: Keke Palmer is a talented triple threat who would crush this role.