BlackAF
GenreMockumentary
CreatorKenya Barris
Starring
MusicVincent Jones
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Num seasons1
Num episodes8
Executive producer
  • Kenya Barris
  • Rashida Jones
  • Hale Rothstein
Producer
  • Bryan J. Raber
  • Yassir Lester
  • Doug Hall
  • Danny Segal
  • Isaac Schamis
  • Mychelle Deschamps
Editor
  • Steven Rasch
  • Christine Armstrong
LocationLos Angeles
CinematographyAdam Bricker
CameraSingle-camera
Runtime32-48 minutes
Company
  • Khalabo Ink Society
  • Le Train Train
ChannelNetflix
ReleasedApril 17, 2020

#blackAF is an American sitcom created by Kenya Barris.[1] It premiered on Netflix on April 17, 2020.[2][3] The title derives from AAVE Internet slang, where "AF" is a term of emphasis, meaning "as fuck".[4] In June 2020, the series was renewed for a second season.[5] A year later, the renewal decision was reversed and the series was canceled after one season.[6]

Premise

The series stars Barris as a fictionalized version of himself. The official synopsis reads: "#blackAF uncovers the messy, unfiltered, and often hilarious world of what it means to be a 'new money' black family trying to 'get it right' in a modern world where 'right' is no longer a fixed concept."[7]

Cast

Main

Recurring

Ava DuVernay, Will Packer, Tyler Perry, Issa Rae, Tim Story, Scooter Braun, Lena Waithe, Jay Rock and Steven Levitan made appearances as themselves in the series.

Production

Development

Netflix ordered #blackAF (originally titled Black Excellence) as the first series under Barris' deal with them.[1] Announcing the production of the show, Netflix said, "Inspired by Barris' irreverent, highly flawed, unbelievably honest approach to parenting, relationships, race, and culture, Black Excellence looks to pull the curtain back and reboot the 'family sitcom' in a way we've never seen before."[8] On June 23, 2020, Netflix renewed the series for a second season.[5] A year later, on June 23, 2021, the renewal decision was reversed and the series was canceled after one season, but may return as a standalone film franchise.[6]

Casting

On May 10, 2019, Kenya Barris and Rashida Jones were cast in starring roles.[1] On December 20, 2019, Genneya Walton, Iman Benson, Scarlet Spencer, Justin Claiborn, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, and Richard Gardenhire Jr. were announced as additional cast members.[9][10]

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an approval rating of 46% based on 24 reviews, with an average rating of 6.97/10. The website's critical consensus states: "Solid one-liners and some sharp social critiques can't save #blackaf from feeling more like a stale retread than a fresh step forward for creator Kenya Barris."[11] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 61 out of 100, based on 18 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[12]

References

  1. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 10, 2019). "Kenya Barris & Rashida Jones To Star In Barris' First Netflix Series 'Black Excellence'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived June 6, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
  2. ^ "Netflix Originals: A Complete Guide to the New Movies and TV Shows in 2020". TV Guide. March 19, 2020. Archived March 19, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  3. ^ Rico, Klaritza (March 19, 2020). "TV News Roundup: Showtime Releases 'Billions' Season 5 Trailer". Variety. Archived March 20, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  4. ^ Moreau, Elise (March 17, 2020). "What Does It Mean When Someone Types 'AF' In a Message, Tweet or Status?". Lifewire. Archived May 14, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  5. ^ White, Peter (June 23, 2020). "Netflix Renews Kenya Barris' '#blackAF' For Season 2". Deadline Hollywood. Archived June 24, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  6. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (June 23, 2021). "#blackAF Not Returning for Season 2; Netflix Eyes Standalone Film Franchise". TVLine. Archived June 23, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  7. ^ Obenson, Tambay (March 26, 2020). "'#blackAF' Trailer: Kenya Barris and Rashida Jones 'Flip the Script' on the Family Sitcom". IndieWire. Archived August 14, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
  8. ^ Greene, Steve (May 10, 2019). "'Black Excellence': Rashida Jones Cast as Lead of Kenya Barris' First Netflix Original Comedy". IndieWire. Archived May 17, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
  9. ^ Petski, Denise (December 20, 2019). "Kenya Barris' Netflix Comedy Series "#blackexcellence' Rounds Out The Family Cast". Deadline. Archived December 20, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  10. ^ Darwish, Meaghan (December 20, 2019). "'#BlackExcellence': Netflix Rounds Out Cast of Kenya Barris & Rashida Jones Series". TV Insider. Archived March 13, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2020-05-17.
  11. ^ "#blackAF: Season 1 (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  12. ^ "#blackAF: Season 1 reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 28, 2020.