Hulu discontinues 'The Other Black Girl' after S1: Here's why
Hulu has axed the comedy series The Other Black Girl after just one season. The show, adapted from Zakiya Dalila Harris's book of the same title, was initially developed in April 2020 and released a full 10-episode season in September 2023. Despite earning high critical acclaim with an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audience reception was lukewarm, reflected in a viewer score of just 50%. In India, it's streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Production team and the cast of 'The Other Black Girl'
Tara Duncan, president of Disney's BIPOC-focused studio Onyx Collective, was part of the project. Initially, Danielle Henderson was slated to be the showrunner but was replaced by Jordan Reddout and Gus Hickey. The executive producers included Duncan, Rashida Jones, Temple Hill's Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey, Adam Fishbach, and author Harris. Sinclair Daniel, Ashleigh Murray, Brittany Adebumola, Hunter Parrish, Bellamy Young, and Eric McCormack were part of the ensemble.
What was it all about?
For those unaware, The Other Black Girl centers around Nella Rogers, an editorial assistant at Wagner Books, who finds herself as the sole Black woman employed until the arrival of Hazel-May McCall. As strange events unfold post-Hazel's hiring, Nella unravels unsettling truths about Wagner's past. Inspired by the author's own encounters in the editorial realm, the narrative boldly confronts systemic racism entrenched within corporate environments.
Earlier, showrunners hoped for 'The Other Black Girl' Season 2
Last year, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunners Reddout and Hickey expressed their hopes for a second season. "Our brains are spinning. They've been spinning on season two for a year. It's something we constantly talk about and would be very exciting to do," Reddout stated. Hickey added, "Since we changed the ending, we want the chance to show everyone what's going to happen now. There's a lot to explore."
Hulu's recent cancelations and Onyx Collective's future
The Other Black Girl joins a list of other shows recently canceled by Hulu, including Death and Other Details, This Fool, The Great, and How I Met Your Father. This trend comes as streaming services are adjusting their scripted slates and budgets following the burst of the Peak TV bubble. For Onyx Collective, this marks their first scripted series cancelation, while other shows like Reasonable Doubt and Unprisoned have been renewed.