Issa Rae has revealed she’s leaning towards going independent as Black shows are losing priority with big networks.
According to Complex, Rae wasn’t pleased when her comedy-drama, Rap Sh!t, was canceled.
She spoke to Net-A-Porter about how Black TV projects are getting canceled and losing priority with big studios.
Rae’s debut show, Insecure, was a hit on HBO from 2016 to 2021.
However, her subsequent shows, Sweet Life: Los Angeles and Rap Sh!t, were canceled.
Other Black-led shows that Issa Rae has produced were also canceled, including:
- A Black Lady Sketch Show
- The Wonder Years
- Grand Crew
- South Side
- Lovecraft Country
Issa Rae Is Right To Go Independent
After so many of her shows were canceled, Rae is right to go indie.
“It’s already happening. You’re seeing so many Black shows get cancelled, you’re seeing so many executives – especially on the DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] side – get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority.”
Rae then hinted that she’ll go the independent route, which will give her more autonomy over her shows.
And Rae has already shown she knows how to run businesses, as her portfolio includes a prosecco brand, a hair care line, a coffee shop chain, and a media company.
“I am pessimistic, because there’s no one holding anybody accountable – and I can, sure, but also at what cost? I can’t force you to make my stuff. It’s made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to.”
Issa Rae is also a bonafide movie star, with roles in recent flicks like American Fiction, Barbie, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
