Andrew Bachelor, aka King Bach, has joined the cast of Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story, a six-episode satirical miniseries set to premiere in early 2026 on Paramount+ Canada and GameTV. The series stars Shamier Anderson as Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, with Bachelor portraying his on-track rival, American Olympic icon Carl Lewis.
Created by BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated writer Anthony Q. Farrell, the series offers a sharp, comedic take on the scandal that shook the sports world during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Described as a “definitely-not-biased account,” the show reexamines the events leading up to Johnson’s fall from grace, when he was stripped of his gold medal just 72 hours after winning the 100-meter race due to a positive steroid test. More than a retelling, the series explores the pressures of elite sports, media narratives, and the larger cultural forces at play in what became known as “The Dirtiest Race in History.”
The ensemble cast includes Karen Robinson as Ben’s mother, Gloria; Mark McKinney as legal advisor Walter F. Essanpee; Ennis Esmer as Dr. Jamie Astaphan; and Kristian Bruun as coach Charlie Francis. Malaika Hennie Hamadi plays intern Khara.
Directed by R.T. Thorne (40 Acres) and Cory Bowles, the series also features Ryan Belleville, Darryl Hinds, Lisa Horner, Emma Hunter, Suresh John, Jonathan Langdon, Gita Miller, Andrew Phung, and Dewshane Williams. WWE superstar Chelsea Green and Canadian NASCAR driver Amber Balcaen will also appear in cameo roles.
For Shamier Anderson, who also serves as executive producer through his Bay Mills Studios banner, the series hits close to home. “This hits differently,” he shared. “I grew up in Scarborough, where Ben trained. He was a hometown legend—yes, complicated—but also someone people rooted for.”
With more than 70 million followers across his social platforms, Bachelor has carved out a major presence in both digital and mainstream entertainment. His film credits include Netflix’s Coffee and Kareem, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, and Holidate. Beyond comedy, the role of Carl Lewis aligns with Bachelor’s own athletic background—he ran track at Florida State University, helping his team win nationals three years in a row. “Carl Lewis was a hero of mine—not just because of his dominance, but because he excelled in multiple events, just like I did,” Bachelor said. “To be a part of bringing that story to life is an incredible honor and a full-circle moment for me.”