January 19, 2024
‘Black Twitter’ Calls Out The Removal Of Black-Led Shows After HBO Cancels ‘Rap Sh!t’
After just two seasons, Issa Rae’s “Rap Sh!t” has been canceled by HBO Max and 'Black Twitter' is speaking out.
After just two seasons, Issa Rae’s “Rap Sh!t” has been canceled by Max (formerly HBO Max), and “Black Twitter” is speaking out.
On Thursday, Jan. 18, Variety announced that season two of “Rap Sh!t” would be its last. Issa Rae created the show and served as executive producer alongside showrunner Syreeta Singleton.
Considering the success of their previous HBO series, “Insecure,” many assumed “Rap Sh!t” would see similar success. The scripted series followed rising rap duo Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), estranged high school friends who reconnect to stake their claim in Miami’s rap scene. Managed by their friend who works as an escort manager on the side Chastity (Jonica Booth), the show sees the trio navigate the entertainment industry, all while juggling the drama in their personal lives. Other show stars included RJ Cyler (Lamont), Jaboukie Young-White (Francoise), and Daniel Augustin (Maurice).
Issa and Syreeta released statements in response to the series’ quick cancellation.
“I’m so proud of and grateful for Syreeta, our cast, writers and crew that made this show possible,” Issa says. “Thanks to Sarah Aubrey and Suzanna Makkos for championing the show, and much love to the fans that tuned in weekly to root for our girls.”
“I love this show and I am so proud of the work we’ve done. We created something fun, raw, and original and we did it our way!” Syreeta adds.
“I will forever be grateful to Issa, our incredible cast, the amazing writers and crew that made this show possible. And so grateful to Max for giving us the chance to bring ‘Rap Sh!t’ to the screen.”
While Issa and Syreeta kept their heads high with positive statements about their show getting the boot, Black Twitter threw a fit over the news.
“CANT HAVE SH*T IN THIS WORLD!” one person wrote in response to The Hollywood Reporter’s announcement.
“This is actually crazy. The show was really getting good and @JonicaCBooth was about to take off! I need to see Chastity win! @HBO,” added someone else.
It didn’t take too long for others to note the long list of Black-led shows canceled in the last year. An actress named Nia Rae kicked off the conversation in a thread on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting some of the shows that were axed by major networks in the last 12 months.
Among the canceled Black-led shows: “Rap Sh!t”; “Blind Spotting” and “Run The World” on Starz; “Swagger” and “Truth Be Told” on Apple+ TV; “Southside” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show” on MAX, “Ziwe” on Showtime, “Kindred” on FX, and the list goes on.
Max’s @StreamOnMax page was under fire on X, with many “Rap Sh!t” fans calling them out for axing the show so soon.
Between “Rap Sh!t,” “Legendary,” “Southside,” and “Lovecraft Country,” Max is making it hard to believe that it’s a streaming platform where a Black-led show can thrive.
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