The hunger for more diverse storytelling, for better representation has always been there and this time it won’t go unanswered. HBO Max has ordered a 12-episode animated series based on Oscar-winning animated short and critically acclaimed book Hair Love from its writer-director, Matthew A. Cherry, and Sony Pictures Animation. The new show titled ‘Young Love’ will be ran by Cherry and Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite). Dayna Lynne North (Insecure) will also help Cherry with writing. So not only is the story telling an authentic experience for many black girls worldwide, but HBO Max has enlisted amazing black artists to get it right; that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Both the book and the short of the same name, follows an African American father who has to learn to do his daughter Zuri’s hair. Young Love however, the 2D animated series, will explore family dynamics through this young Black millennial family — Stephen and Angela, their daughter, Zuri, and her pet cat, Rocky — as they juggle their careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues and multigenerational dynamics, all while striving to make a better life for themselves.
Cherry who has a multiyear deal with Warner Bros. Television stated:
I am beyond excited to continue telling the story of Stephen, Angela and Zuri and further explore the dynamics of a young Black millennial family we established in our short film Hair Love as an animated series, said Cherry in a released statement. Couldn’t ask for better partners in Sony Pictures Animation and HBO Max in helping us get Young Love out into the world.
I’m so ecstatic for this and hope more stories like this are brought center stage, to begin much needed conversations.