We’ll get to hang out with the Bordelon family for at least another season. Variety confirms “Queen Sugar” is getting a fourth run at OWN. The Ava DuVernay-created intergenerational family drama is currently airing its third season.
OWN also announced Anthony Sparks will be taking over showrunning duties next season. Kat Candler is currently serving as showrunner, and DuVernay and Monica Macer held the position in Seasons 1 and 2, respectively. An alum of Broadway’s “Stomp,” Sparks has written for and produced “Lincoln Heights,” “The Blacklist,” and “Undercovers” in addition to “Queen Sugar.” Season 4 will also see Sparks executive producing.
“Under Ava’s creative vision and leadership, ‘Queen Sugar’ continues to earn a well-deserved reputation for depicting nuanced characters, rich storylines, and establishing an inclusive team that inspires and ignites much needed conversations about our society today,” said Erik Logan, president of OWN. “We are very proud of this show, the incredible cast, producers, and crew, and can’t wait for more of the Bordelon family in Season 4.”
Each episode of “Queen Sugar’s” three seasons has been directed by a woman, and Variety reports that precedent will continue in Season 4. “For us, this is not a trend, this is not a publicity stunt. This is our choice,” DuVernay has said of exclusively hiring female directors. “Just like it’s their choice never to think about hiring a woman,” she added in reference to series that are overwhelmingly directed by men (“Game of Thrones,” “Mom,” “Mr. Robot,” etc.).
Based on Natalie Baszile’s novel of the same name, “Queen Sugar” centers on three adult siblings (Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Kofi Siriboe) trying to revive the sugar cane farm their late father left them. The Louisiana-set series explores issues related to race, class, police brutality, social justice, familial legacy, and more. Tina Lifford, Bianca Lawson, Omar J. Dorsey, Nicholas L. Ashe, and Dondre Whitfield co-star.
DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, Candler, and Paul Garnes exec produce the NAACP Image Award-winning series.
“Queen Sugar” airs Wednesdays on OWN. The Season 3 finale will bow August 22.
