Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil have an impressive list of credits to their names, including “Girlfriends” and “The Game.” (Photo by Twitter)
Black Girl Magic is constantly being curated in the offices of OWN, the highest-rated cable network among Black women, and it is only going to get better.
Mara Brock Akil has signed on to work alongside her husband, Salim, on a new series titled “Love Is __,” which is set to premiere on OWN in 2018. The couple will create the show and work as executive producers through their company Akil Productions.
Based around the Akils’ own lives, the series will follow a power couple as they navigate their way through Black Hollywood. Mara will serve as the showrunner of the multi-camera drama-comedy.
“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,” Mara Brock Akil said. “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.”
Brock Akil has created, produced and written for “The Game,” “Girlfriends” and “Being Mary Jane,” which she left in 2015. She also worked as a producer for “The Jamie Foxx Show.” Salim Akil worked as a director and producer for “The Game,” “Girlfriends” and “Being Mary Jane,” as well as the 2011 movie, “Jumping the Broom.”
“I’ve dreamed of working with the Akils,” Winfrey said. “I’ve been a huge fan of their work since first viewing ‘Girlfriends.’ They know just how to hit the cultural nerve to make you think and laugh at the same time.”
In addition to the series, the Akils also are working on The CW’s “Black Lightning,” which follows a retired superhero who becomes a vigilante for justice. The show is set to premiere in 2018 and will feature The CW’s first Black superhero.
