Oprah invites the Akils to her network for ‘Love Is ___’
The Oprah Winfrey Network has ordered Love Is ___ from Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil.
The series is based on the Akils’ relationship as a power couple navigating Black Hollywood. Originally developed as a multi-camera comedy by ABC, the show will now take shape as an hour-long light-hearted drama.
Mara Brock Akil was the creator behind Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane, which both center on young black women leading modern lives. Her husband Salim Akil is the director of Jumping the Broom, a comedy about an African-American wedding.
Oprah Winfrey has long been a fan of the duo, admitting, “I’ve dreamed of working with the Akils since first viewing Girlfriends. They know just how to hit the cultural nerve to make you think and laugh at the same time.”
Mara Brock Akil was just as excited about the collaboration: “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. 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.”
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Love Is ___ is expected to premiere in 2018.
