OWN has announced that acclaimed family drama Queen Sugar will undergo a showrunner change heading into its upcoming third season, with producing director Kat Candler taking over for season two showrunner Monica Macer. Additionally, series producer Paul Garnes (Selma) has been promoted to executive producer and DeMane Davis assuming Candler’s former position.
“Kat has an incredible eye and brings her beautifully nuanced artistry to our vision for the series. Paul has been paramount to the growth and blossoming of the series since our very first season. And DeMane Davis is a vibrant leader on set who I’m pleased to have join us in a new producerial role,” said creator/executive producer Ava DuVernay. “I’m truly thrilled to work alongside these dynamic storytellers as we continue our Queen Sugar journey together.”
Based on the 2014 Natalie Baszile novel of the same name, Queen Sugar follows Charley, Nova, and Ralph Angel Bordelon, three siblings who are tasked with owning and operating their family sugarcane farm after their father unexpectedly passes. The midseason premiere, which aired earlier this month, averaged 1.737 million viewers in Live+Same Day viewing, up +9% versus the summer finale on August 2nd, and ranked as the most-watched episode since the season two premiere this past summer.
Queen Sugar is Candler’s first television production credit after having directed episodes of Being Mary Jane and 12 Monkeys. She’s previously directed 2014 Aaron Paul film Hellion and suicide drama Jumping Off Bridges. Garnes has previously been involved with Being Mary Jane, The Game, and Underground, while Davis wrote and directed 2001 Kerry Washington drama Lift.
Queen Sugar airs Wednesdays at 10:00 on OWN. You can check out a look at tomorrow’s episode below.
