Issa Rae Speaks On Network Cancellations Of Black TV Shows—Says She Is Considering Going Independent; You’re Seeing Very Clearly Our Stories Are Less Of A Priority!

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Cousins! Issa Rae is speaking out in regard to the growingly increasing trend of prejudice within the entertainment industry surrounding Black television shows.

As a beloved actress, and successful writer who has notably produced four in-studio series, Issa has bared witnessed a fad in Black television shows being canceled.

“You’re seeing so many Black shows get canceled, you’re seeing so many executives — especially on the DEI side — get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority,”said Issa for the cover story Net-a-Porter’s digital publication Porter.

Issa says that the cutthroat actions of the industry, including the recent cancellation of her hit series ‘Rap Sh!t’ after only two seasons, have her interested in going independent.

“It’s made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to.”

The 39-year-old also revealed that she isn’t optimistic about continuing to work with Hollywood, reports USA Today.

“I am pessimistic, because there’s no one holding anybody accountable — and I can, sure, but also at what cost? I can’t force you to make my stuff,” she said.

Despite the 2023 writers’ strike and a string of cancellations—- including the Emmy-nominated television show ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’, which was backed by her production company Hoorae; Issa says she’s still actively creating.

“I’m writing a couple of different projects — one for myself and one to produce and create with others — and I’ve been feeling so inspired and excited to get back at it,” Issa continued.

“I’m embracing that challenge. The industry is in flux, so it’s really inspired me to focus and hone in on what stories I want to tell. I’ve been laser-focused on getting these projects up and running.

Issa recently portrayed the role of Sintara Golden in the film “American Fiction”— the two shares a connection with the character in agreeing that “ire should be directed towards the white audiences that put very specific work about Black people on this pedestal, as opposed to more diverse representations of Blackness.”

She added: “I don’t think it’s a secret that many white audiences and critics tend to reward traumatizing depictions, or their own biased perceptions of what Blackness is. It’s frustrating.”