OWN has given a straight-to-series order to an untitled scripted drama created by Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight). The series marks McCraney's first foray into television.
The coming-of-age drama centers on a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects. Haunted by the death of his closest friend, and relying on his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty, he must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a way out. Set in South Florida at the end of the Obama administration, the drama is inspired by events in McCraney's own life and explores the precarious balance needed for the making of a man.
McCraney will executive produce with Michael B. Jordan, Mike Kelley and Melissa Loy. Warner Horizon Television, Outlier Productions and Page Fright Productions produce.
"I wanted to explore the pivotal steps towards adulthood and identity, the ones we take when we think or feel we have no other choice," said McCraney.
"When Tarell shared his powerful story with us there wasn't a dry eye in the room," said Oprah Winfrey. "I knew this was something special that our viewers will without a doubt connect to and feel compelled to explore with us. I am honored to be working with Tarell and the rest of the producers on this project."
