With all the seasons of Girlfriends headed to Netflix on Sept. 11, Shadow and Act has learned that Netflix has signed Mara Brock Akil to an overall deal. Another Akil-created series, The Game, hit Netflix last month.

“It is a dream to partner with the force of Netflix, for we have the same goals—telling human stories for a global audience.  I’m excited to have a home that allows me the creative freedom and support to do what I do best–  paint portraits and murals of women, Black people and anyone else whose story is missing from this golden age of television. Representation matters and so does who you build with– I can’t wait to work closely with Channing Dungey and her team to launch some great stories,” said Akil.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mara Brock Akil to Netflix. Her signature storytelling, authentic perspective and captivating characters have long entertained audiences and proven to be relevant, timely and endlessly engaging. We look forward to bringing her distinct voice, vision and passion to our global members,” said Channing Dungey, VP Original Series, Netflix.

Akil’s storied career also includes Love Is __ (which she created), Black Lightning (which she executive produces), Moesha, The Jame Foxx Show, and more.

To celebrate Girlfriends on Netflix, there will be Girlfriends 20th Anniversary celebration on Instagram Live on Friday, September 11 at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, hosted by Akil on @StrongBlackLead along with surprise cast and guest appearances. Following this, there will be a live watch party, hosted by Akil, for the first two episodes of Season 1 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET.

 

More to come.