Harlem (TV series)

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Harlem
GenreComedy
Created byTracy Oliver
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes18
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • David Bausch
  • Britt Matt
  • Shani Saxon
CinematographyMatt Edwards
Editors
  • Christian Kinnard
  • Kate Pedatella
Running time30 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkAmazon Prime Video
ReleaseDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03) –
present (present)

Harlem is an American comedy television series created and executive produced by Tracy Oliver. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on December 3, 2021. In February 2022, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on February 3, 2023. In December 2023, the series was renewed for a third season.

It received generally favorable reviews by critics, earning nominations at the Black Reel Awards and NAACP Image Awards, both for direction and cast of actors.

Synopsis

The 10-episode series follows four girlfriends who met while attending New York University and are now in their thirties, living in Harlem, as they try to balance love, life, and their careers as working professionals.[1][2]

Cast

Main cast

Recurring cast

Guest appearances

Production

The project was first announced on July 8, 2019, as an untitled half-hour comedy series.[3] Filming was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] Creator Tracy Oliver said she had the idea for the show because she felt there weren't a lot of "Black female friendship stories on the air," and she wanted to portray people in their thirties who were still searching for their path in life.[4] She based the show in part on her own experiences.[4] The series is executive produced by Oliver, Amy Poehler, Kim Lessing, Dave Becky, Pharrell Williams, and Mimi Valdés.[1]

On January 14, 2020, it was announced that Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Jerrie Johnson, and Shoniqua Shandai had been cast in the series, and that Malcolm D. Lee would direct the first two episodes.[5] On February 17, 2021, it was announced that Whoopi Goldberg and Jasmine Guy would be joining the show in recurring roles.[6] On March 4, 2021, it was announced that Andrea Martin, Robert Ri'chard, Juani Feliz, Kate Rockwell, and Sullivan Jones would also have recurring roles.[7] On February 17, 2022, Amazon renewed the series for a second season.[8] On December 6, 2023, Amazon renewed the series for a third season.[9]

Episodes

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
110December 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
28February 3, 2023 (2023-02-03)February 24, 2023 (2023-02-24)

Season 1 (2021)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Pilot"Malcolm D. LeeTracy OliverDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
22"Saturn Returns"Malcolm D. LeeTracy OliverDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
33"Rainbow Sprinkles"Linda MendozaAzie DungeyDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
44"Winter Solstice"Linda MendozaNjeri BrownDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
55"Boundaries"Linda MendozaTravon FreeDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
66"Cuffing Season"Stacey MuhammadJess WatsonDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
77"The Strong Black Woman"Stacey MuhammadBritt MattDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
88"Five Years Ago"Linda MendozaAzie Dungey & Sean BuckleyDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
99"Secrets"Neema BarnetteAeryn Michelle WilliamsDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)
1010"Once Upon a Time in Harlem"Neema BarnetteTracy Oliver & Scott KingDecember 3, 2021 (2021-12-03)

Season 2 (2023)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [10]
111"Takesie Backsies"Linda MendozaTracy Oliver & Scott KingFebruary 3, 2023 (2023-02-03)
122"If You Can't Say Anything Nice…"Meagan GoodBritt MattFebruary 3, 2023 (2023-02-03)
133"As Assist from the Sidelines"Stacey MuhammadAeryn Michelle Williams & Jessica Watson & Tracy OliverFebruary 10, 2023 (2023-02-10)
144"Baby and the Bath Water"Linda MendozaNicole Drespel & Morgan Collins & Tracy OliverFebruary 10, 2023 (2023-02-10)
155"Pride"Linda MendozaBritt Matt & Sean Buckley & Tracy OliverFebruary 17, 2023 (2023-02-17)
166"Out of the Deadpan and into the Fire"Shea William VanderpoortAlisha Cowan & Thembi Ford & Tracy OliverFebruary 17, 2023 (2023-02-17)
177"Fall Back to Rumspringa Forward"Shea William VanderpoortAnaya Byrd & Katie Tibaldi & Tracy OliverFebruary 24, 2023 (2023-02-24)
188"Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy"Stacey MuhammadTracy Oliver & Brandon K. Hynes & Nicole DrespelFebruary 24, 2023 (2023-02-24)

Stacey Muhammad, Shea Vanderpoort and Tasha Smith are the directors of season 3.[11]

Release

The trailer was released on November 3, 2021.[4] All 10 episodes of the series premiered on Prime Video on December 3, 2021.[4]

Reception

According to the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series' first season has a 96% approval rating based on 26 critics' reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Harlem is a delight that is often wise about friendly foibles, aided by a terrific cast whose snappy repartee immediately shines."[12] Metacritic assigned the first season a weighted average score of 77 out of 100 based on 12 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[13]

Accolades

Award Year Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Black Reel Awards 2023 Outstanding Comedy Series Harlem (given to Tracy Oliver) Nominated
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy Series Meagan Good Nominated
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy Series Whoopi Goldberg Nominated
NAACP Image Awards 2022 Outstanding Comedy Series Harlem Nominated
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series Neema Barnette (for "Once Upon A Time in Harlem") Nominated
2024 Outstanding Comedy Series Harlem Pending
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Meagan Good Pending
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Tyler Lepley Pending
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Shoniqua Shandai Pending
GLAAD Media Awards 2022 Outstanding New TV Series Harlem Nominated
2024 Outstanding Comedy Series Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b Jones, Okla (November 8, 2021). "Amazon Releases Trailer For New Comedy 'Harlem'". Essence. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Sledge, Philip (October 28, 2021). "7 Quick Things We Know About Tracy Oliver's Upcoming Prime Video Comedy Series". Cinema Blend. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  3. ^ Petski, Denise (July 8, 2019). "Amazon Orders Tracy Oliver Comedy Series From Amy Poehler & Universal TV". Deadline. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d Jones, Marcus (November 3, 2021). "Harlem trailer touts guest stars Whoopi Goldberg, Jasmine Guy, and a Cousin Skeeter reunion". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  5. ^ Thorne, Will (January 14, 2020). "Tracy Oliver Amazon Series Casts Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Jerrie Johnson and Shoniqua Shandai". Variety. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  6. ^ Petski, Denise (February 17, 2021). "Whoopi Goldberg & Jasmine Guy Join Tracy Oliver Comedy 'Harlem' In Recurring Roles". Deadline. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  7. ^ Petski, Denise (March 4, 2021). "'Harlem': Andrea Martin, Robert Ri'chard, Juani Feliz, Kate Rockwell & Sullivan Jones To Recur In Tracy Oliver's Amazon Comedy". Deadline. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  8. ^ Petski, Denise (February 17, 2022). "Tracy Oliver's 'Harlem' Renewed For Season 2 By Amazon". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  9. ^ Cordero, Rosy (December 6, 2023). "'Harlem' Renewed For Season 3 At Prime Video". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  10. ^ "Shows A-Z – Harlem on Amazon". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  11. ^ Cordero, Rosy (March 27, 2024). "'Harlem' Sets Recurring Cast For Season 3". Deadline. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |acordate= ignored (help)
  12. ^ "Harlem: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  13. ^ "Harlem: Season 1". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved January 7, 2022.

External links