Welcome to It’s a Hit! In this series, IndieWire speaks to creators and showrunners behind a few of our favorite television programs about the moment they realized their show was breaking big.
“Diarra from Detroit” starts simply enough. Months into a separation from her husband, Diarra Brickland (Diarra Kilpatrick) pushes herself into a blind date. It goes well — very well — but then she doesn’t hear from him. It’s like… poof. He’s gone. What happened? Is he busy? Sick? In trouble? Diarra’s friends mock her for ignoring the most obvious answer — she’s been ghosted — but the inquisitive school teacher can’t shake the feeling that something else is going on.
She’s right, and “Diarra from Detroit,” available on BET+, gradually develops into a winding mystery, then a shocking thriller, then a tender romance. Soon, it’s living within all these genre at once, plus...
“Diarra from Detroit” starts simply enough. Months into a separation from her husband, Diarra Brickland (Diarra Kilpatrick) pushes herself into a blind date. It goes well — very well — but then she doesn’t hear from him. It’s like… poof. He’s gone. What happened? Is he busy? Sick? In trouble? Diarra’s friends mock her for ignoring the most obvious answer — she’s been ghosted — but the inquisitive school teacher can’t shake the feeling that something else is going on.
She’s right, and “Diarra from Detroit,” available on BET+, gradually develops into a winding mystery, then a shocking thriller, then a tender romance. Soon, it’s living within all these genre at once, plus...
- 5/22/2024
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
[Editor’s note: Spoilers for the Season 1 finale of “Diarra from Detroit” below.]
By the time the Season 1 finale of “Diarra from Detroit” draws to a satisfying conclusion, Diarra (and we) have been through a lot. And the episode brings the tangled mystery to such an adroit close (while leaving enough unanswered questions to fuel a second season) that surely its structure was always part of the show’s DNA.
Nah, that’s not how TV works. Luckily, co-showrunner and star Diarra Kilpatrick knows how to pivot.
“We didn’t have the budget to shoot Episode 8 as it was originally written and conceived,” Kilpatrick told IndieWire. “Sometimes creativity comes from limitations.”
Diarra’s reconciliation with Swa (Morris Chestnut) proves to be short-lived when she finally solves the mystery of why he abruptly asked for an open marriage (to misdirect her away from learning about the vasectomy he’d had years ago!). Burying her feelings once again with the case,...
By the time the Season 1 finale of “Diarra from Detroit” draws to a satisfying conclusion, Diarra (and we) have been through a lot. And the episode brings the tangled mystery to such an adroit close (while leaving enough unanswered questions to fuel a second season) that surely its structure was always part of the show’s DNA.
Nah, that’s not how TV works. Luckily, co-showrunner and star Diarra Kilpatrick knows how to pivot.
“We didn’t have the budget to shoot Episode 8 as it was originally written and conceived,” Kilpatrick told IndieWire. “Sometimes creativity comes from limitations.”
Diarra’s reconciliation with Swa (Morris Chestnut) proves to be short-lived when she finally solves the mystery of why he abruptly asked for an open marriage (to misdirect her away from learning about the vasectomy he’d had years ago!). Burying her feelings once again with the case,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Mark Peikert
- Indiewire
It looks like we’ll find out who survived that White House shootout, after all. As part of Tyler Perry’s new deal with BET, The Oval has been renewed for a sixth season, guaranteeing that we’ll eventually find out if anyone of consequence was caught in the Season 5 finale crossfire.
And that’s not all. BET has also officially renewed Sistas for Season 8; the show is currently midway through its seventh season, having just revealed that Karen’s twins have two different fathers.
More from TVLineSistas Midseason Finale Solves Karen's Paternity Mystery in the Craziest Way Possible - Did You See That Coming?...
And that’s not all. BET has also officially renewed Sistas for Season 8; the show is currently midway through its seventh season, having just revealed that Karen’s twins have two different fathers.
More from TVLineSistas Midseason Finale Solves Karen's Paternity Mystery in the Craziest Way Possible - Did You See That Coming?...
- 4/16/2024
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
At a time when networks are loudly hunting for the next “second-screen series” (meaning a show you watch while you scroll on your phone), “Diarra from Detroit” is a bracing blast from the not-so-distant past when TV wasn’t just background noise.
“For me, TV can be a really sacred time,” series creator/showrunner/star Diarra Kilpatrick told IndieWire. “TV watching time can be like a really sweet and sacred time. And so I did want to make something where each episode felt like a full meal. That was intentional from the very beginning. You know when you have half of a piece of key lime pie left in the refrigerator and all day, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to go home and eat the other half of that key lime pie with some peppermint tea’? It gets you through the day, you know? And I really like that about television,...
“For me, TV can be a really sacred time,” series creator/showrunner/star Diarra Kilpatrick told IndieWire. “TV watching time can be like a really sweet and sacred time. And so I did want to make something where each episode felt like a full meal. That was intentional from the very beginning. You know when you have half of a piece of key lime pie left in the refrigerator and all day, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to go home and eat the other half of that key lime pie with some peppermint tea’? It gets you through the day, you know? And I really like that about television,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Mark Peikert
- Indiewire
‘Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black’: Netflix Reveals Cast For New Series Under Creator’s First Look Deal
Netflix has revealed the cast of Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, a new series coming to the streamer that’s the result of a previously announced creative partnership.
The pact calls for Perry will write, direct, and produce feature films and series under a multi-year first-look deal.
Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black follows two women leading very different lives. While Kimmie is struggling to make a living after her mother kicked her out, and Mallory is running a successful business, they find themselves entangled in each other’s lives.
The 16-episode hour-long drama is written, directed, and produced by Perry.
The cast includes Taylor Polidore Williams (Divorce in the Black; Snowfall) as Kimmie; Amber Reign Smith (Outlaw Posse; Wu-Tang: An American Saga) as Rain; Crystle Stewart (Tyler Perry’s The Oval; Acrimony) as Mallory; Ricco Ross (A Husband for Christmas; Aliens) as Horace; Debbi Morgan (Power; Power Book...
The pact calls for Perry will write, direct, and produce feature films and series under a multi-year first-look deal.
Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black follows two women leading very different lives. While Kimmie is struggling to make a living after her mother kicked her out, and Mallory is running a successful business, they find themselves entangled in each other’s lives.
The 16-episode hour-long drama is written, directed, and produced by Perry.
The cast includes Taylor Polidore Williams (Divorce in the Black; Snowfall) as Kimmie; Amber Reign Smith (Outlaw Posse; Wu-Tang: An American Saga) as Rain; Crystle Stewart (Tyler Perry’s The Oval; Acrimony) as Mallory; Ricco Ross (A Husband for Christmas; Aliens) as Horace; Debbi Morgan (Power; Power Book...
- 4/4/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Diarra From Detroit is, at various points, a hard-boiled mystery, a quarter-life crisis comedy, a complicated love triangle (that’s occasionally a quadrangle), and an ensemble hangout show about a group of longtime friends. Some of these elements in theory make sense together — though in theory they should not all fit within the same series. But the reason Diarra, which debuted last week on the BET+ streaming service, is among this year’s most pleasant TV surprises is how much it all makes sense when you watch it.
Diarra Kilpatrick...
Diarra Kilpatrick...
- 3/28/2024
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
Diarra Kilpatrick loves a mystery. Growing up watching classic detective tales like the original Perry Mason, Murder, She Wrote and Columbo with her grandmother created a lifelong love of the genre. That love has resulted in her creating and starring in investigative tales like American Koko and acting in detective noirs such as HBO‘s Perry Mason. Diarra From Detroit, streaming in full now on BET+, is her latest mysterious creation. Kilpatrick stars as Diarra Brickland, who’s juggling her messy divorce with husband Francois, aka “Swa,” played by Morris Chestnut, while also trying to move on in her love life. She goes on a magical Tinder date with a new man, Chris (Shannon Wallace), who then goes M.I.A. Determined to prove she wasn’t ghosted and that something really happened to this man, Diarra turns herself into a private investigator, recruiting help from her reluctant but supportive best friends,...
- 3/22/2024
- TV Insider
“I come as one, I stand as 10,000,” Diarra Kilpatrick said through tears at the premiere of Diarra From Detroit in Los Angeles on Wednesday night as she thanked the cast, crew and executives at BET for their work in bringing her new series to life.
Premiering on BET+ on Thursday, the mystery comedy-drama created and executive produced by Kilpatrick is an emotional milestone for the writer and actress who grew up performing in theater in Detroit before moving to Los Angeles to further pursue her passion. “I think about the fact that in 2012 I used my tax return to make a web series,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s been a long journey, and I’m really grateful to all the people who have become a part of it, and I’m grateful to myself for being able to get to my dream.”
Diarra From Detroit sees Kilpatrick star...
Premiering on BET+ on Thursday, the mystery comedy-drama created and executive produced by Kilpatrick is an emotional milestone for the writer and actress who grew up performing in theater in Detroit before moving to Los Angeles to further pursue her passion. “I think about the fact that in 2012 I used my tax return to make a web series,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s been a long journey, and I’m really grateful to all the people who have become a part of it, and I’m grateful to myself for being able to get to my dream.”
Diarra From Detroit sees Kilpatrick star...
- 3/21/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It would be a stretch to describe BET+’s Diarra From Detroit, about a schoolteacher getting sucked into the criminal underground via a decades-old missing persons case, as “relatable.” But the sly punchline is that it starts in a familiar place. You see, Diarra (Diarra Kilpatrick) only gets caught up in the mess because she’s looking for Chris (Shannon Wallace), the Tinder date who ghosted her after a single magical evening. Who could blame her for wondering why, and for seeking out literally any explanation besides coldhearted rejection?
In this case, Diarra’s seemingly unhinged conspiracy theory turns out to be true, thus pulling her down a path that’s part noir-infused mystery and part midlife-crisis comedy. If the marriage between the two isn’t always as smooth as it could be, Diarra From Detroit still shines as a fun and funny showcase for Kilpatrick, its creator as well as its star.
In this case, Diarra’s seemingly unhinged conspiracy theory turns out to be true, thus pulling her down a path that’s part noir-infused mystery and part midlife-crisis comedy. If the marriage between the two isn’t always as smooth as it could be, Diarra From Detroit still shines as a fun and funny showcase for Kilpatrick, its creator as well as its star.
- 3/20/2024
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Diarra From Detroit is a clever, humorous mystery dramedy with an intelligent, irreverent sleuth that will have you laughing one minute and on the edge of your seat the next. Exec produced by black-ish creator Kenya Barris and BET Studios, the eight-episode series bows Thursday, March 21 on BET+ (the first three installments drop on premiere day, followed by weekly releases on subsequent Thursdays for the remaining five episodes).
After leaving Netflix and signing an overall deal with BET in 2021, Barris told TVLine’s sister pub The Hollywood Reporter that he wanted to do “in your face s–t ,” and Diarra does not disappoint.
After leaving Netflix and signing an overall deal with BET in 2021, Barris told TVLine’s sister pub The Hollywood Reporter that he wanted to do “in your face s–t ,” and Diarra does not disappoint.
- 3/10/2024
- by Diedre Johnson
- TVLine.com
This Saturday at 9:00 Pm on VH1, viewers are in for a riveting premiere with “Diarra From Detroit” Season 1 Episode 1, titled “Chasing Ghosts.” Following the life of Diarra Brickland, recently separated from her husband, the episode unfolds as she ventures into the realm of online dating. A promising first date with Chris takes an unexpected turn when he fails to appear for their second meeting. The plot thickens as Diarra’s disappointment transforms into curiosity, leading her to unearth a compelling missing person case from the 1990s.
Expect a blend of suspense, romance, and mystery as Diarra’s personal journey intertwines with the investigation into a decades-old disappearance. “Chasing Ghosts” promises an engaging narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, exploring the complexities of modern relationships and the haunting echoes of the past. Don’t miss the premiere on VH1 at 9:00 Pm for a captivating introduction to “Diarra From Detroit.
Expect a blend of suspense, romance, and mystery as Diarra’s personal journey intertwines with the investigation into a decades-old disappearance. “Chasing Ghosts” promises an engaging narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, exploring the complexities of modern relationships and the haunting echoes of the past. Don’t miss the premiere on VH1 at 9:00 Pm for a captivating introduction to “Diarra From Detroit.
- 3/9/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Exclusive: BET has rounded out the series regular cast for Diarra From Detroit. Phylicia Rashad, Shannon Wallace and Jon Chaffin are set as leads opposite Diarra Kilpatrick in the dark comedy series that is slated to premiere on BET+ in late 2023.
In addition to Kilpatrick, they join previously announced series regulars Morris Chestnut, DomiNque Perry, Claudia Logan and Bryan Terrell Clark.
Created by and starring Kilpatrick, Diarra from Detroit follows Diarra Brickland (Kilpatrick), a divorcing schoolteacher who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld. As the case unfolds, her co-workers, friends, and lovers become unlikely allies as she falls down a dangerous rabbit hole.
Rashad will play Vonda, Wallace portrays Chris and Chaffin plays Danger. Character descriptions are being kept under wraps for now.
From BET Studios and Khalabo Ink Society,...
In addition to Kilpatrick, they join previously announced series regulars Morris Chestnut, DomiNque Perry, Claudia Logan and Bryan Terrell Clark.
Created by and starring Kilpatrick, Diarra from Detroit follows Diarra Brickland (Kilpatrick), a divorcing schoolteacher who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld. As the case unfolds, her co-workers, friends, and lovers become unlikely allies as she falls down a dangerous rabbit hole.
Rashad will play Vonda, Wallace portrays Chris and Chaffin plays Danger. Character descriptions are being kept under wraps for now.
From BET Studios and Khalabo Ink Society,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2023 Tribeca Festival has announced the lineups for its TV and Now programs.
The TV lineup includes world premieres of Steven Soderbergh’s Max series Full Circle, starring Dennis Quaid, Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, Zazie Beetz, and Jharrel Jerome; the Kenya Barris-executive produced Diarra From Detroit for BET+, written and starring Diarra Kilpatrick; and Prime Video’s The Horror of Dolores Roach, a Sweeney Todd-inspired series starring Justina Machado.
The festival, set to run from June 7-18 in New York, will also screen the season seven premiere of Starz’s Outlander and the second season premiere of Apple TV+’s Swagger. The event will also screen AMC’s Walking Dead spinoff Dead City, starring Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Documentary projects featured in the lineup include HBO Sports’ The Golden Boy about Oscar De La Hoya, executive produced by Mark Wahlberg and Mario Lopez; Disney+’s Choir about...
The TV lineup includes world premieres of Steven Soderbergh’s Max series Full Circle, starring Dennis Quaid, Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, Zazie Beetz, and Jharrel Jerome; the Kenya Barris-executive produced Diarra From Detroit for BET+, written and starring Diarra Kilpatrick; and Prime Video’s The Horror of Dolores Roach, a Sweeney Todd-inspired series starring Justina Machado.
The festival, set to run from June 7-18 in New York, will also screen the season seven premiere of Starz’s Outlander and the second season premiere of Apple TV+’s Swagger. The event will also screen AMC’s Walking Dead spinoff Dead City, starring Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Documentary projects featured in the lineup include HBO Sports’ The Golden Boy about Oscar De La Hoya, executive produced by Mark Wahlberg and Mario Lopez; Disney+’s Choir about...
- 4/20/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Actress, writer and producer Diarra Kilpatrick has signed an overall deal with BET for its BET Studios division. As part of the deal, BET+ ordered eight episodes of the straight-to-series project Diarra from Detroit.
Each one-hour episode of the dark comedy follows a divorcing schoolteacher with an acerbic sense of humor who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld. Production is currently wrapping up on Diarra from Detroit, which is slated to premiere later in 2023.
Related Story Ving Rhames To Star In BET+ Original Series ‘Legacy’ Related Story 'Tyler Perry's House Of Payne' & 'Assisted Living' Return To BET In March With New Series Regulars Related Story BET+ Greenlights Biopic 'The First Lady Of Bmf: The Tonesa Welch Story'
“We are so excited to partner with Diarra.
Each one-hour episode of the dark comedy follows a divorcing schoolteacher with an acerbic sense of humor who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld. Production is currently wrapping up on Diarra from Detroit, which is slated to premiere later in 2023.
Related Story Ving Rhames To Star In BET+ Original Series ‘Legacy’ Related Story 'Tyler Perry's House Of Payne' & 'Assisted Living' Return To BET In March With New Series Regulars Related Story BET+ Greenlights Biopic 'The First Lady Of Bmf: The Tonesa Welch Story'
“We are so excited to partner with Diarra.
- 3/21/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
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