On November 1, Amazon held an exclusive first look at their brand new comedy Harlem.
The premiere of Prime Video’s newest comedy ‘Harlem’ took place at the famous AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 on Wednesday. ‘Harlem’ tells the story of four Black women in NYC navigating relationships, work, and aspirations. The series stars Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Shoniqua Shandai, and Jerrie Johnson, were all in attendance and dazzled on the blue carpet.
Harlem is the creation of Tracey Oliver who has additionally written ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘Little.’ Prior to the screening, Oliver thanked many including producers Amy Poehler and Pharrell Williams.
The series hit Prime on Dec. 3. With ‘Harlem,’ Amazon is adding to a slate of diverse programs from BIPOC creators. Earlier this year, ‘Them,’ a horror anthology following a black family gained massive popularity online. But with ‘Harlem,’ successful Black women are at the forefront of a fun, flirty narrative. Amazon Studios Head Jennifer Salke said, “I think it was really important for us to capture really strong women who have these vibrant lives over years. And we’re still managing everything but we all struggle with love and relationships and friendship. So there’s a very grounded part of it, but their lives are really kind of fabulous within it, but they still deal with troubled struggles so there’s a relatability quality to it.
‘Harlem’ is the latest creation from Girl’s Trip writer Tracy Oliver. Prior to the screening of the first episode, Oliver thanked a number of producers including Amy Poehler and Pharrell Williams.
Outside of the cast and crew behind ‘Harlem,’ a number of special guests were invited including comedians Dulce Sloan and X Mayo. Both star in Yearly Departed—a comedy special headed to Amazon Prime on December 23. Mayo, who writes for ‘The Daily Show’ said “I think it’s so important because black women are so diverse. We have so much to offer—our voices, our unique comedic perspective which has been silenced for so long. I think it’s so important to have a representation of four different large archetypes of black women that you’ll see in ‘Harlem.'”
Following the screening, guests attended an afterparty featuring a fashion show with looks inspired by the four main characters, desserts, and a beauty bar. Each installation was later part of a community project this weekend to celebrate Harlem.
Chief marketing officer Okonwa Ojo said, “We really wanted to take everything that was so great about the show, and so great about Harlem and bring it all together for people. And what is it about the city of Harlem, the neighborhood in general, that makes it so great! It’s the culture, the music, the fashion, the friendships the people, it’s everything and I just feel like Tracy captured it so well on the show.”
The ten episodes of Harlem’s first season are available to screen. And check out our interview with the cast!
