Screen Juice: Issa Rae Talks ‘Insecure’ Season 2 / OWN Orders New Series From ‘Being Mary Jane’ Creator, & John Boyega Bemoans Lack Of Diversity

Published: Wednesday 19th Jul 2017 by Sam


‘Insecure’ is about to have everyone talking.

Oprah has another big show on her hands.

And John Boyega is rustling feathers with what some are calling the uncomfortable truth.

Pick up a fresh bottle of Screen Juice below…


Like millions, we were all sorts of glued to Issa Rae‘s ‘Insecure’ during its inaugural season.

And it looks like our love affair with the comedy will extend into its second season, which – thankfully – kicks off this Sunday (July 23rd) on HBO. 

Rae, who created and stars in the show, stopped by ‘The Breakfast Club’ to spill on what folk can expect. Let’s just say it sounds…lit!

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Creative couple Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil have achieved a wealth of success with titles such as ‘Being Mary Jane,’ ‘The Game’ and UPN classic ‘Girlfriends.’

Their latest venture sees them team with Oprah Winfrey‘s OWN Network.

Thriving thanks to original programming such as ‘Queen Sugar,’ ‘Green Leaf,’ and Tyler Perry’s slate of shows, the channel now welcomes The Akil’s newest project – ‘Love Is__.’

A half-hour comedy-drama, the show’s synopsis reads:

“Drawing inspiration from their real-life relationship, the series tells the love story between a modern-day power couple. In the world of Black Hollywood, they navigate a complex set of social codes, and this series will explore it all, from the good to the bad… to the ‘90s, because that’s the love story began.”

Speaking on ‘Love Is___’, which debuts in 2018, show-runner Mara said:

“To have a partner that brings the attention to detail and sheer excellence that Oprah has built an empire on is an absolute dream come true for Salim and me. That, and it’s Oprah! Love Is ___ is not only a passion project, but is a personal one for us as well. We’re grateful to have her wholehearted support and magic touch behind this story.”

Oprah added…

“I’ve dreamed of working with the Akils. I’ve been a huge fan of their work since first viewing Girlfriends. They know just how to hit the cultural nerve to make you think and laugh at the same time.” [Source]

Noteworthy is the fact that the show was initially in development at ABC under a different name, but didn’t receive a pick up.

Awesome to hear it’s found a home. Roll on 2018!

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Cop a gander of John Boyega, who covers the latest issue of GQ!

The British-Nigerian actor has seen his star shoot into the stratusphere following his critically praised turn as Finn in ‘Star Wars’ – a role he’ll be reprising later this year in ‘The Last Jedi.’

Currently on the promo trail for new movie ‘Detroit,’ Boyega is using his platform to speak up and out about the lack of racial diversity in Hollywood.

He told GQ:

“There are no black people in Game Of Thrones. You don’t see one black person in Lord Of The Rings. I ain’t paying money to always see one type of person on-screen.

You see different people from different backgrounds, different cultures, every day. Even if you’re a racist, you have to live with that. We can ruffle up some feathers.”

His words have been praised by some, critiqued by others. What’s your take?

Your thoughts?

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  1. Achooo! July 19, 2017

    There are black people in Game of Thrones in certain cities and in the Dothraki Group. There is a black warrior from House of Dorne and Davos had a black friend and Tyrion along with Jorah ran into the black pirates. Many blacks are not in leading or major roles in Game of Thrones but they exist. He is right about Lord of Rings.

    • Brent Christopher July 20, 2017

      please dont be nit picky. you know EXACTLY what he meant in his stated fact… THERE ARE NO BLACK PEOPLE IN LEAD, MEMORABLE ROLES in these franchise series.

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