Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil are headed back to television with the hour-long dramedy, Love Is___. Using themes and inspiration from the Akils’ personal relationship, the new series will follow the love story of a modern day power couple. Set against a Black Hollywood backdrop, the series will ebb and flow between the ’90s and present day covering the beginning, the present, the good and the bad. The series was created and produced by the Akils. Brock Akil will serve as the showrunner for Love Is___.
OWN has picked up the series, and it sounds like it will fit nicely with the network’s current dramas, Queen Sugar and Greenleaf.
Interestingly enough, Tyler Perry who helped bring Oprah Winfrey’s network to life will be exiting his exclusive OWN deal for BET. It appears that OWN is trying to reshape the network with these lush dramas.
“I’ve dreamed of working with the Akils. I’ve been a huge fan of their work since first viewing Girlfriends. They know just how to hit the cultural nerve to make you think and laugh at the same time,” said Winfrey in a press release sent to EBONY.com.
“To have a partner that brings the attention to detail and sheer excellence that Oprah has built an empire on is an absolute dream come true for Salim and me,” Brock Akil added. “That, and it’s Oprah! Love Is ___ is not only a passion project, but is a personal one for us as well. We’re grateful to have her wholehearted support and magic touch behind this story.”
There is no set release date for Love Is ___ yet. Until we know more, you can check out the Akils’ new series, Black Lightning, which will hit The CW next year.
