During the 30th anniversary of Essence Fest, Prime Video launched a series of panels under their Black brand Culture Rated. Included within those panels were a mix of new series and film projects as well as returning shows that we have come to love.
Tyler Perry’s latest film called Tyler Perry’s Divorce In The Black is currently streaming on Prime Video. The film stars Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict. In the film Good plays Ava, a young bank professional that is devastated when her husband Dallas (Hardrict) abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes. It’s later revealed Dallas’ wicked deeds have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate. During the panel, Good spoke to the family aspect of playing this character and the journey she was preparing for. She drew from her own experiences, and says when she went through her own divorce, it was her community that got her through it.
The Boys, now in its 4th season, has definitely caught audiences by surprise, most notably by A-Train’s character played by actor Jessie T. Usher who turned out to be a leak for Vought. There’s also a new character added to the ensemble cast by the name of Sister Sage played by Susan Heyward. Both performers made an appearance on the Culture Rated panel at Essence to discuss their roles respectively this season. Susan’s character was very important for audiences to see a Black woman who is the smartest person in the world. Both characters have significant story arcs this season which have fans excited for where their journey will land by the season finale.
One of Prime Video’s most ambitious projects was the launch of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Returning for a second season after an unprecedented first season reaching global success reaching over 100 million viewers worldwide, Prime Video’s Rings of Power promises to be more ambitious than it was in season one. Actors Cynthia Addai-Robinson and Sophia Nomvete who play Queen Miriel and Princess Disa respectively, joined the stage to talk about the series. Not much can be said in detail about the journey of their characters, one thing that was important for them to highlight was the role of women on the show and the value they bring to their characters. And while season one has notably been known to be a hero’s journey, season 2 will be a villain’s journey which could definitely impact how Queen Miriel and Princess Disa are impacted as they (as well as the rest of Middle Earth) as they confront Sauron.
Another series that is also shrouded in mystery in the upcoming show Cross starring Aldis Hodge. The launch date for the series was announced at Essence Fest (which is November 14th by the way) and Aldis spoke to the crowd about filling the shoes of one of the most notable characters in film and novels alike. Hodge mentions that this is a show about Black excellence, which is what will stand out from the other iterations of other Alex Cross adaptations. Aldis mentions that having a Black female director gives a different level of protection around Black men and the choices they make. And we will see how that narrative is crafted throughout this series.
It’s all about must-see appointment TV this summer and into the fall with these shows Prime Video is presenting to and for the culture.
Tyler Perry’s Divorce in The Black is currently streaming on Prime Video.
Season 4 of The Boys is currently streaming on Prime Video.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere globally on Thursday August 29th.
Cross will premiere globally November 14 on Prime Video
*Featured image from Culture Rated Prime Video IG
