There aren’t many television series focused on young women of color. There are even less that depict college life. The potential “Black-ish” spinoff could be an antidote to both those problems.
As The Hollywood Reporter writes, ABC is in “early talks” for a “Black-ish” offshoot centered on Yara Shahidi’s character, Zoey Johnson, at college. Nothing is set in stone yet, but this development would be reminiscent of “A Different World,” the “Cosby Show” spinoff that followed Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her friends at Hillman College.
If this project does move forward, it could begin “as a backdoor pilot this spring” and would be overseen by “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris, Larry Wilmore (“Insecure,” “The Nightly Show”), and ABC studios, THR details.
“Black-ish” is one of the most buzzworthy, critically-lauded series on network TV, and deservedly so. It speaks insightfully about race relations, the Black Lives Matter movement, and how U.S. politics repeatedly fails minorities. It’s one of those few shows that is relevant, subtle, and hilarious. We would love to see the series extend its universe and explore even more prevalent social issues through Zoey’s college experience.
That being said, it is a little discouraging that no women are involved behind the camera as of yet. This is the type of project that is perfect for women showrunners, writers, and directors. It also could provide a much-needed breakthrough in TV for women of color in the business.
