Netflix has greenlit a new comedy series Dear White People, the network said Thursday.
The Lionsgate-produced series, based on writer/director/producer Justin Simien’s critically-acclaimed, Sundance award-winning indie film, will debut on the streaming service in 2017.
Dear White People follows a diverse group of students of color as they navigate a predominantly white Ivy League college where racial tensions are often swept under the rug, according to Netflix. The series will be written by Simien, with Sephanie Allain Bray (Hustle & Flow, Dear White People) and Julia Lebedev (The Dinner, Dear White People) serving as executive producers.
“Justin is a gifted storyteller whose bold, unique vision is perfectly suited to Netflix,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix in a statement. “His original film Dear White People announced the arrival of a fresh, creative voice that had everyone talking, and we’re excited to have Justin create this new series for our members worldwide.”
