Deadline is reporting that OWN has given a straight-to-series order to an untitled coming-of-age drama from Moonlight co-writer Tarell Alvin McCraney.
The series, which will be produced by, among others, Mike Kelley (Revenge) and Michael B. Jordan (Creed), follows an impoverished 14-year-old from South Florida forced to choose between a life on the streets and an educational path that could lead him out of a dangerous life. The series will chronicle the boy’s relationship with his hardworking single mother and the impact that the sudden death of his closest friend has on his psyche.
“When Tarell shared his powerful story with us there wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” said Oprah Winfrey. “I knew this was something special that our viewers will without a doubt connect to and feel compelled to explore with us. I am honored to be working with Tarell and the rest of the producers on this project.”
With prolific OWN content creator Tyler Perry signing an exclusive deal with Viacom, OWN has been ramping up its scripted development to make up for the coming losses. Not only have they already renewed prestige properties Queen Sugar and Greenleaf for their third seasons, they’ve given another straight-to-series order to romantic drama Love Is. From Mara Brock and Salim Akil, that series follows an entertainment power couple navigating the complicated world of Black Hollywood.
