An untitled coming-of-age drama from “Dear White People” producer Lena Waithe has received a pilot order from Showtime.

The Chicago-set series is being described as a relevant, timely and distinctive tale about a young
African-American male in which just growing up can be a matter of life
and death. Waithe will pen the pilot, and she and Common will executive produce.

“The two creative forces behind the show, both hailing from Chicago’s
South Side, give this pilot an unparalleled authenticity,” said Showtime
president David Nevins. “Lena Waithe is an extremely fresh, talented young writer with a unique voice and a deeply
thoughtful perspective into the world where she grew up. I immediately
gravitated to her script, which is emotional, funny, tragic and
relevant, all at once. And we are so fortunate to have artist and
visionary Common for his first producing project in scripted
television.”

Waithe’s TV credits include a staff-writer stint on FOX’s “Bones.” She previously had a deal to adapt her webseries “Twenties” for BET.

[via THR]