#blackAF Not Returning for Season 2; Netflix Eyes Standalone Film Franchise
Kenya Barris‘ semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy — which received a Season 2 pickup exactly one year ago today — will no longer return in its current form. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the semi-autobiographical sitcom is being redeveloped as a potential film franchise at the streaming giant, á la National Lampoon’s Vacation. Brazil and Mexico-set installments are reportedly in early development. (TVLine has reached out to Netflix for a comment.)
#blackAF — which dropped its first (and now only) season on April 17, 2020 — starred Barris as a fictionalized version of himself, while Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) executive-produced and co-starred as Barris’ wife Joya. The eight-episode series pulled the curtain back on 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.
The ensemble also included Genneya Walton, Iman Benson, Scarlet Spencer, Justin Claiborne, Ravi Cabot-Conyers and Richard Gardenhire Jr. as Kenya and Joya’s children.
#blackAF was the second series to be produced at Netflix under Barris’ overall deal with the streamer, following one-and-done sketch comedy Astronomy Club. He vacated his Netflix pact in January for a new deal with ViacomCBS. Prior to Netflix, the black-ish creator was set up at ABC Studios, but exited his development deal in August 2018.
TVLine’s Streaming Scorecard has been updated to reflect #blackAF‘s renewal reversal. Are you disappointed to see it go? Hopeful that it will return as a series of films? Hit the comments with your reactions.
Sorry to hear it won’t be returning with 8 episodes, but a series of movies also seems to fit really well with the show’s vibe. Either way, excited to see more!
Kenya is a mess. His shows are barely mediocre and when he doesn’t get what he wants he bails. What a child. You are not Larry David. You are not Tyler Perry. You have no charm. We don’t want to see you act.
Correct – he is a massive D-I-V-A in real life and it is negatively impacting both his career and creative output.
Kenya killed it and the brilliant way he told his own story while making it relatable and educational and unequivocally funny as hell. Sad to read you weren’t able get that!
I agree with you 100%. I’m really sad Black AF will not be back for a second season.
I loved all of Kenya’s shows! He doesn’t have to be any of those people because he’s him. He’s his own unique person, his career has withheld this long – he will be around for a while. Excited to see him on screen more often!
He’s better than Tyler Perry. Y ou are entitled to your opinion , but I don’t agree..
I didn’t like the early episodes of this series but it got better as it went on. But honestly if I were given Netflix money and some freedom to explore, I’d push the envelope some. I think what Shonda did with Bridgerton as an example. Or even as kinda bad as it was, what Ryan Murphy did with Hollywood.
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But BlackAF felt like it was just an alternate version of Black-ish. I understand the adage ‘write what you know’ but so far the stuff Kenya Barris has put out feels just like different version of his family life. It gives him a one-trick pony vibe which may be unfair, but it doesn’t feel like he is trying to stretch. Also he is not a good actor. He should have cast someone else.
I think that was kind of the point for Black AF, for it to not feel like acting. Seeing as it was shot as a reality show. I didn’t get Blackish vibes bc BA was so much more raw and realistic.
Just because he has a niche, doesn’t make him a one trick pony. Just like Tyler Perry- for the most part, stays in his lane with his corny, over the top, unrealistic, soap opera type of shows.
I love that show. Bring it back
AGREED!!
Now how’s about re-renewing GLOW final season?
This ⬆️⬆️
The first season was a more expensive, more sweary, and ultimately less interesting rehash of black-ish. While I did enjoy the episode that focused on Hollywood vs his race, the rest was done better on ABC, with actually likeable characters.
I liked the show. Sorry to see it go.
Actually, I think re-imagining this into a movie franchise is actually a good idea.
I like Black-ish and I like Grown-ish but everything after that just hasn’t been it for me. He needs to come up with something new all this shows are just too similar to Black-ish
#blackASF is a fantastic show and my family has been waiting patiently for season 2. What is going on?? We’re saddened to read this. If there’s a movie in the works..MAKE IT!!! We miss this family.
Very upset to see the show go it was stylish and cool well laid back not trying to be funny but being funny feel great sitcom always look forward to the next episode they said a lot of important things for the black community as well really really upset that this is not going to be a second season
Why??? I’ve been waiting for season 2 to return!!!! Season 1 was so good!!
This is good news. It was painful to watch the first episode. Even though, I love all of Kenya’s “ish” shows – this series lacked charm and humor.
WHY??? I loved it!!
Nooooo!!! I love this show!!
Not only did it depict a positive and real and a bird’s eye view of the parents and the children side of not only multi racial views but the lives of African Americans. It educated as well on the Juneteenth meaning and the meaning of “white gaze”, lol, thank you Kenya. Besides which it was hilarious! Please don’t always continue to stop a good thing or a good series where African Americans have a voice to expose the truth and demonstrate our talents on every level, from acting to writing to producing.
Yes so upset been waiting on season 2 now it not happening smh
I would like to see Black AF back soon
What a total bummer. My favorite show. I’ve seen more times than I’d like to admit. I have been waiting for season 2. I got so many people hooked on this show.
I thought it was funny! I’m disappointed that it’s not back.
Kenya absolutely needs to bring back Black AF. My wife and I are emotionally invested in the show and super sad to see it go! I don’t understand why Kenya ultimately chose not to go ahead with the second season, and I hope that in some way shape or form he blesses us with the second season! He had a Banger!!
This show was so good well written and so funny, the fashion was amazing. I’m so disappointed I’ve been checking for season 2 since early April thinking it would start soon. Bring it back!!!!!!!
Disappointed that there won’t be more seasons.
Looking foward to the movie.
I loved the first season. I was waiting for more!! It reminds me of my family. From nothing to something!!!
I’m so disappointed! I love this show as it is crazy funny but extremely smart and well put together. I really do hope that we get more in any format at all.