Amazon developing series ‘Black America’ about slavery reparations from Will Packer, Aaron McGruder
The next breakout hit drama for Amazon Studios is in development and deals with post-slavery reparations in America.
Amazon may be developing their next show that joins Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle, Goliath and The Man in the High Castle as marquee shows on their Prime Video platform. Co-creators Will Packer and Aaron McGruder are developing a drama series that takes place during a post-slavery reparations America.
According to Variety, the series will focus on recently released slaves who formed “New Colonia” which consists of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The “New Colonia” has a ‘tumultuous’ relationship with the United States government, according to the report.
Packer is a rising star after producing Ride Along, Roots, Straight Outta Compton and Girls Trip. He’ll serve as an executive producer alongside McGruder who created the comicstrip-turned-animated series Boondocks and Black Jesus.
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I’m very intrigued by this concept as it’ll be the second alternate history drama on Amazon, joining The Man in the High Castle which is a show set in a world where the Germans won World War II. It’s a fascinating look at the “what if” and makes for interesting dramatic plots and action.
I have no doubts Black America will provide great drama and compelling dialogue to hook viewers from the start.
While the project is in its infancy, I can make that statement based on the track records of the two making the show and the belief that Amazon will allow them the creative freedom to make the show they want to make.
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Beyond that, I think this is an important series to make that’ll showcase African-American actors and actresses. While alt-history dramas, including the recently announced HBO series Confederate, from the creators of Game of Thrones, has come under fire for their show that is about a world where slavery remains legal after the South seceded from the Union. I think Black America will be a celebration for Black America.
There aren’t many shows made by and starring African-Americans, so I’m totally on the hype train and think Black America could be a game-changer for Amazon Prime Video. We still need a lot of details as the show is in the early stages, but casting will be imperative to ensuring it can be the type of game-changer I believe it has the potential to become based on Packer and McGruder’s track record.
As more information becomes available for Black America, we will be sure to deliver that news on Amazon Adviser.