Television is about to get more diverse than ever thanks to a collaboration between OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and the Academy Award winning co-writer of Moonlight, Tarrell Alvin McCraney. A new series, David Makes Man, centering on a coming of a story for a young Black gay man in The Deep South. Not only has OWN greenlit the series, but Oprah describes it as “the best pitch she ever heard!”

Phylicia Rashad and Akili McDowell

David Makes Man has some serious star power behind it, as Michael B. Jordan is also one the executive producers. The series joins other prominent dramatic and original own series like Greenleaf and Queen Sugar. The sneak peek of David Makes Man has already been released and has us intrigued. It stars Phylicia Rashad and newcomer, Akili McDowell. Also cast are Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Broadway actor Isaiah Johnson, Ade Chike Torbert, Jordan Bolger, Cayden K. Williams and Travis Coles.

You cannot tell much of the plot based on the short trailer, but we suspect based on the appearance of the character and the backdrop it weaves the tale of a kid from the ‘hood, who just so happens to be gay, trying to make a better life for himself by using his wits to leave his failing community behind for good. We also suspect he will find love through experimentation and the eventual acceptance of his sexuality.

What do you all think of the trailer? Will you be watching? Leave us your answers in the comments’ section below!

Netflix continues to push the envelope with its amazing and innovative series. The latest being one of its most outlandish, and interestingly informative–Sex Education! The dramatic comedy centers on, Otis (Asa Butterfield), son of a sex and relationship therapist (Gillian Anderson), dealing with his own insecurities and phobias surrounding sex.

Asa Butterfield, Ncuti Gatwa, and Emma Mackey in Sex Education (2019)

Otis, alongside his best friend, Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), are low on the totem pole in the high school hierarchy. This all begins to change for Otis when he begins to fall for Maeve (Emma Mackey) a girl who happens to be an amazing writer, but has been labeled as the school slut. Otis manages to unwittingly find a niche for himself forming a “clinic” with Maeve to help their classmates with various sexual issues and the hijinks ensue!

What We Liked:

-The dramatic and comedic tones of the show. It really shows life–and sex–at best can be bittersweet.

-The dynamic between Otis and his mother. Her profession juxtaposed by the awkwardness of his burgeoning sexuality and the tension of many teen-parent relationships is all too real.

-The love triangle between Otis, Jeffery, and Maeve.

-The diversity of sexuality and sexual situations. This show does The Kinsey Scale justice!

What We Loved:

-The friendship and bond between Otis and Eric. These two were as thick as thieves and their friendship really overcame a lot.

-Eric’s journey of self-love and discovery, and the love he received from his family and community. It’s a far cry from the unsavory “welcome” many LGBT people of color receive.

-The array of information about sex! All kinds of sex–DOPE!

What We Hated:

-We would have loved to learn more about Otis’s father. He should definitely make an appearance Season 2.

-The love story between Eric and his bully is “to be continued…” Hurry up Season 2!

The 2010s will go down in entertainment as “The Age of Reboots!” First our favorite sitcoms, dramas, and movies from the nineties are revamped (Full House, Roseanne, Charmed, Boy Meets World, etc.) Now it seems it is time for animated series to get their own rebooted treatment as a true blast from the past–the eighties to be exact–series, She-Ra & The Princesses of Power, is now available on Netflix!

The series is set in a mystical dimension on a planet known as Etherea. There the natives are rebelling against The Horde, an evil, occupying force led by Hordack and his sorceress, Shadow Weaver, is bent on ravaging their world. The Rebellion, led by Angella, Queen of Bright Moon, is constantly on the defense against them while the other monarchs of Etherea have opted to protect their lands solely. The tide begins to turn in The Rebellion’s favor as Adora, a young girl with a mysterious past, and a former Horde soldier, is chosen to become She-Ra, The Princess of Power, prophesied to save Etherea from The Horde and restore it to its former glory. To do so Adora/She-Ra must unite all the Princesses on the planet, all while learning the full extent of her power, and being confident in her destiny.

What We Liked:

-Adora was an experienced fighter and soldier already. She-Ra’s power only supplemented that.

-The diversity of The Princesses of Power. Each one was from different cultures but manage to overcome their differences for the greater good! Girls CAN work together!

-The friendship between Adora, Glimmer, and Bow. It was the heart of the series, and kept the story grounded.

-Swift Wind–who doesn’t like a flying and talking unicorn?

What We Loved:

Catra vs. She-Ra

-Adora’s transformation sequence into She-Ra! It was very reminiscent of The Sailor Scouts from Sailor Moon.

-The complex, love-hate friendship between Adora/She-Ra and Catra. Even though they are on opposing sides and even fight, neither of them truly wishes to destroy the other. Their friendship is more like sibling rivalry than actually enemies.

-Shadow Weaver set as a motherly villain for Adora and abuser of Catra adds layers the series. It really juxtaposes the characters and brings in the whole nature versus nurture argument. Who would be the heroine here if Shadow Weaver’s affections had been switched.

-The more powerful characters of the series were primarily women.

Scorpia and Catra at the Princess Prom

-The Princess Prom was not gender conforming. People wore what they wanted and went with whomever they desired.

-The Princess Alliance was everything! We have to admit Frosta and Mermista are our favorites!

What We Hated:

Shadow Weaver

-We did not see enough of Hordak. What makes him so ominous and threatening. Hopefully we will see him in action in Season 2.

-Where’s the mention of Adora’s biological family? In the eighties series, she was Prince Adam of Eternia/He-Man’s long lost twin sister who was stolen from their family on Eternia shortly after their birth.

-We did not see what finally caused Mara to lose her way and banish Ethera to the Despos Dimension.

-Most of the characters looked like adolescents. In the OG series they were at the very least teenagers or young adults.