Kenan & Kel

Kenan & Kel (Sat. (17), 8-9 p.m., Nickelodeon)

Cast: Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Ken Foree, Teal Marchande, Vanessa Baden, Dan Frischman. New Nickelodeon spinoff series "Kenan & Kel" is billed as a "Honeymooners" for kids -- but it's really a "What's Happening!!" for the '90 s. That sitcom, which ran from 1976-79, was a big hit with the undemanding preteen aud, and this amiable series, featuring the team of Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, will appeal to the same demos. Its greatest success -- and appeal -- is the fact that anyone over the age of 12 will stay away from "K&K," which should make Nick execs happy.

Kenan, the instigator, and Kel, the loyal pal, are a couple of high schoolers who get into trouble by following Kenan's various schemes; in the premiere seg, the duo try to find an easy way to buy a car.

Hijinx ensue, with predictable results.

TX:Taped in Orlando, Fla., by Tollin/Robbins Prods. Executive producers, Brian Robbins, Mike Tollin. Co-executive producers, Dan Schneider, Kim Bass. Producers, Kevin Kopelow, Heath Seifert, Nick Donatelli; director, Alan Rosen; writers, Bass, Schneider; story, Bass; Like the '70s sitcoms beloved by a whole generation of post-boomers, such as "Welcome Back, Kotter" and the aforementioned "What's Happening!!,""Kenan & Kel's" (and Nick's) aim is true -- right on the pre-adolescent audience, which will get a kick out of the slick chemistry between Kenan and Kel, both appealing and accomplished young comics, who make the most out of average material. Both are vets from Nick's popular sketch comedy series "All That." Hip-hop hitmeister Coolio delivers a peppy theme song. Production values are strictly '70s cheesy.

Camera, Barbara Drago, Dave Kinney, Ken Kraus, Mike Lacey; editor, Andrew Hirsch; sound, Roger Stauss, Mike Small; music, Richard Tuttobene; theme song, Coolio; casting, Jennifer Van Der Molen, Ron Zonfrelli, Amy Baker, Schumetta McLondon.

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