Dear White People (TV series)
A comedy-drama about black students navigating race at an Ivy League college.
Dear White People is an American comedy-drama television series on Netflix that follows several black college students at the fictional Ivy League institution Winchester University, exploring modern American race relations from a politically progressive perspective. Based on and continuing the 2014 film of the same name, the series was created by the film's writer and director Justin Simien, who also wrote and directed episodes. It stars Logan Browning, Brandon P. Bell, DeRon Horton, and Antoinette Robertson, with most episodes focusing on a single character.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Comedy drama; Satire
- Creator
- Justin Simien
- Showrunner
- Yvette Lee Bowser
- Based on
- Dear White People, Justin Simien
- Narrator
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Composer
- Kris Bowers
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
Facts from the source article.
Cast and characters
Logan Browning portrays Samantha "Sam" White, a college student striving to highlight social issues at Winchester, replacing Tessa Thompson from the film. Brandon P. Bell reprises his film role as Troy Fairbanks. DeRon Horton plays Lionel Higgins, a gifted school reporter with emotional difficulties, replacing Tyler James Williams. Antoinette Robertson plays Colandrea "Coco" Conners, an ambitious black woman who opposes Samantha, replacing Teyonah Parris. John Patrick Amedori appears as Gabe Mitchell, Samantha's primary love interest, replacing Justin Dobies. Ashley Blaine Featherson reprises her film role as Joelle Brooks (credited as "Curls" in the film). Marque Richardson reprises his role as Reggie Green (seasons 2–4; recurring in season 1). Jemar Michael reprises his film role as Al Lucas (credited as "Smoothe" in the film; season 4; recurring seasons 1–3). Courtney Sauls reprises her film role as Brooke Morgan (credited as "Wild" in the film; season 4; recurring seasons 1–3). Giancarlo Esposito plays Dr. Edward Ruskins, who also serves as the narrator for the first three seasons (seasons 1–3). DJ Blickenstaff portrays Silvio, Lionel's boss at the school newspaper The Independent (seasons 1–3). Caitlin Carver plays Muffy Tuttle, a friend of Coco and former political rival of Troy. Ally Maki appears as Ikumi (seasons 1, 3). Obba Babatundé plays Dean Fairbanks, replacing Dennis Haysbert from the film. Brandon Black plays Pastor Kordell. Wyatt Nash plays Kurt Fletcher, editor of Pastiche (seasons 1–3), replacing Kyle Gallner. Erich Lane plays Clifton. Sheridan Pierce plays Abigail, the sole female member of Pastiche's writing staff. Nicholas Anthony Reid plays James. John Rubinstein plays President Fletcher (seasons 1, 4), replacing Peter Syvertsen. Nia Long plays Professor Neika Hobbs (season 1), a bisexual college professor cheating on her lesbian fiancée with Troy.
Production
Netflix initially ordered ten 30-minute episodes from Simien and Lionsgate. TV writer Yvette Lee Bowser joined as showrunner and executive producer. The first season was released on April 28, 2017. The series was renewed for a second season on June 30, 2017, premiering May 4, 2018; a third season was renewed on June 21, 2018, released August 2, 2019; and a fourth and final season was renewed on October 2, 2019, released September 22, 2021. For the final season, Simien promoted longtime series writer Jaclyn Moore to co-showrunner, and the season features a significant musical element.
Reception
The initial trailer drew angry responses, with some Twitter users accusing the series of racism toward white people and calling for a Netflix boycott; the YouTube trailer received more dislikes than likes. Creator Justin Simien responded positively, stating the backlash reiterated the series' point and brought more attention. Lead actress Logan Browning noted that many critics who gave the show rave reviews were white. Actor Jeremy Tardy announced he would not return for the fourth season, citing racism allegations against Lionsgate, specifically unequal pay and negotiation powers for fourth-season roles. The series received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, season one has a 95% approval rating based on 55 reviews (average rating 8.69/10), with the critics consensus calling it "Timely, provocative, and sharply written." On Metacritic, season one scored 85 out of 100 based on 21 reviews. Season two holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews (average rating 9.35/10), with a consensus praising its "endearing excellence" and emotional maturity; on Metacritic, it scored 89 out of 100 based on 7 reviews. Season three has a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 20 reviews (average rating 8/10), with a consensus noting it "excels thanks to its continued willingness to confront tough social issues with comedic grace"; on Metacritic, it scored 78 out of 100 based on 8 critics.
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