How Issa Rae Single-Handedly Created The Best TV-Series Representing Black Women By Tamani Lyn

HBO’s top-rated Insecure is an American comedy-drama television series created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, and is partially based on Rae's acclaimed Youtube-web series Awkward Black Girl. The series is about the ‘awkward’ experiences of a contemporary African-American woman, which grew into Insecure after Awkward Black Girls’ quick success.

Modern-day black women might be described as strong and confident; in other words, just the opposite of Issa and Molly, which are the main characters of Insecure. As the two best friends deal with their own real-life flaws, their insecurities (pun-intended) come to the fore as together they cope with an endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. Created by co-star Issa Rae and writer/comic Larry Wilmore ("The Daily Show With Jon Stewart"), the comedy series looks at the friendship of two black women in a unique, authentic way. It features the music of both indie and established artists of color, and touches on a variety of social and racial issues that relate to the contemporary black experience. (rottentomatoes.com)

What makes this series curated by Issa so successful, is her ability to tap into the real life experiences of us as black women navigating our 20s in career, relationships, friendships, and life. Girl – it can be A LOT. And Issa puts all of this on-screen in a relatable, funny, honest and dynamic way.

Specifically for black women, this series makes us feel human, seen, and related to. A lot of the life experiences we face tend to be unique, and to see a platform that talks about our modern-day political, social, and career-alike experiences, especially as female entrepreneurs (and 9-5ers), it is refreshing.

Representation of black women outside of reality-based TV-series that are built on the back of our demises and drama, needs to grow. Insecure breaks the barriers of what we can see more of from young-black TV producers, directors and more – as Issa has set the tone for years to come.

Insecure Reviews

Angela Ruttao - USA

"Any woman in her 30s and up, this show is a must watch. The lines between love, friendship, career, growing up, life choices all cross one another in the most unreasonable yet realistic ways on a daily basis. Issa is an incredible writer, actress, artist and she legit hits the nail on the head with her character. If you want a show that will make you laugh, cry, laugh & cry simultaneously, reexamine your life, and ultimately be proud of where you are, then 'Insecure' is 100% the show to watch."

Tami Lee - USA

"I love this show!! Issa Rae is amazing at capturing the different essences of black woman and struggles they go through with dating, career advancements, being in your head some times and just random acts of life. I really appreciate the different phases of friendship and the truth behind how hard it is to navigate different situations in life. By far one of the best series out there!"

Watch the entire 5-season series here: HBO Max (hbomax.com)