#blackAF, Kenya Barris’ newest sitcom, has been renewed by Netflix for a second season, per The Hollywood Reporter. The first season premiered on Netflix on April 17th. Barris stars as himself and Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation, Angie Tribeca) stars alongside Barris as his wife.
Barris is also the creator of Black-ish, along with its spin-offs: Grownish and Mixed-ish. #blackAF is yet another ode to the black experience in America, particularly that of wealthy black families. Barris was initially contracted to air #blackAF (originally called Black Excellence) on ABC, but moved his deal to Netflix in 2018. This comedy is based loosely off of Barris’ own life, and follows his “honest approach to parenting, relationships, race and culture but with a more unfiltered lens” (The Hollywood Reporter).
Although the show has garnered mixed reviews, this renewal has come after many streamers and television networks have provided a platform to give voice to the black experience as a result of the rejuvenation of the Black Lives Matter movement in America. #blackAF is featured on Netflix’s Black Lives Matter category, along with television shows integral to amplifying the black voice such as Dear White People (created by Justin Simien), When They See Us (created by Ava DuVernay), Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (directed by DeMane Davis and Kasi Lemmons). The Black Lives Matter category launched on June 10th, less than three weeks after the death of George Floyd, which was the catalyst for the widespread protests in the country demanding justice and police reform.
Barris’ company, Khalabo Ink Society, has signed a multi-project deal with Netflix, and still has more projects in the works that are yet to be released on Netflix. You can watch the trailer for the first season of #blackAF below: