Tina Knowles-Lawson is producing a new show that aims to debunk stereotypes about Black men in America.
The series will stream on Discovery+ and is produced by OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, according to a Wednesday press release from OWN.
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Knowles-Lawson is teaming up with Trell Thomas and A. Smith & Co. Productions for the series tentatively titled Breaking Black, which “sets out to challenge and debunk the negative stereotypes that have surrounded Black men for centuries, by reshaping the narrative and highlighting their authentic stories.”
Knowles-Lawson shared details about the series on her Instagram page : “I am super excited about this new series on OWN. @trellthomas and I have been discussing how stereotyping the Black man and putting him in categories is so unfair and damaging for a long time. We always talked about showing that Black men are not dangerous, they are great fathers and providers, that they do have successful relationships, and on and on, we will debunk these myths and stereotypes. Cannot wait for you to see it.”
Breaking Black will combine interviews, historical footage, and personal stories from Black men across the country. P. Frank Williams will be the showrunner.
OWN President Tina Perry said in a statement: “OWN has built its loyal audience through programming that connects with viewers very deeply, and it is that intention that drives the programming we are bringing to Discovery+,”
Along with Breaking Black, four other OWN-produced shows have been ordered straight-to-series to stream on Discovery+.
“Our young and diverse Discovery+ streaming audience places a premium on content from innovative storytellers across a wide range of voices, and OWN possesses an unparalleled track record in developing successful projects fitting that same criteria,” said Lisa Holme, SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy for Discovery, Inc. Below are descriptions on the new shows.
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Taking Back The House (working title)
For the first time ever, OWN and HGTV will partner up for the series Taking Back The House (working title) which will show Robert Hartwell’s renovation process for a 200-year-old colonial house in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Hartwell made headlines last year when he announced on Juneteenth that he, a gay Black man, had purchased the home his ancestors had built in slavery. Hartwell is honoring both his past and future by having Black creatives design his newly renovated home. Taking Back The House is produced by Scott Brothers Entertainment. Hartwell and Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott (the stars of Property Brothers) are the executive producers.
The Great Soul Food Cookoff
This reality competition series will have eight chefs go head-to-head in a soul food cooking competition
to showcase the delicious and historical dishes of soul food.
Burger Truck Brawl
This food truck competition series is produced by Guy Fieri’s Knuckle Sandwich Productions and Lando Entertainment. The Billionaire Burger Boyz (and the Burger Girl) will go to different cities across the country to help struggling food truck owners. In the end, the food trucks will compete for a cash prize.
Like Mother, Like Daughter? (working title)
This unscripted reality series will have six mother-daughter pairs live in an isolated resort for three weeks to try to heal the wounds and issues of their intense relationships. Therapists will be on hand to lend them support.
Burger Truck Brawl will debut on Discovery+ on Saturday, Aug. 21. Premiere dates for the other series will be announced later.
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