The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl
| The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl |
|
| Genre |
Comedy |
| Created by |
Issa Rae |
| Written by |
Issa Rae
Tracy Oliver
O.C. Smith
Amy Aniobi |
| Directed by |
Issa Rae
Shea Vanderpoort |
| Starring |
Issa Rae
Sujata Day
Tracy Oliver
Hanna
Madison T. Shockley III
Andrew Allan James
Kiki Harris
Fahad Saud
Tristen Winger
Leah A. Williams
Lyman Johnson |
| Country of origin |
United States |
| Language(s) |
English |
| No. of seasons |
1 |
| No. of episodes |
11 |
| Production |
| Producer(s) |
Tracy Oliver |
| Broadcast |
| Original channel |
YouTube |
| Original run |
February 3, 2011 (2011-02-03) – present |
| External links |
| Website |
The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl is an American comedy web series, commonly known as 'Awkward Black Girl' created by and starring, Issa Rae[1] as J.[2] It premiered on YouTube on February 3, 2011.[3] The show follows the life of J as she interacts with co-workers and love interests who place her in uncomfortable situations.[2] The story is told through first-person narrative as J usually reveals how she feels about her circumstances through voice-over or dream sequence.
History
Issa Rae was inspired to create The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl in January 2009 while working at New Federal Theatre[4] in New York City.[5] Experiencing difficulty in meeting people in an unfamiliar place, Issa Rae decided that it would be entertaining to depict uncomfortable scenarios one may experience when dealing with others.[6] Neglecting the idea for 2 years, Issa Rae's interest was renewed after reading an article by Leslie Pitterson[7] pointing out the absence of black female nerd characters on screen.[8] She then called on friends to shoot the first episode.[6] The series went viral through word of mouth, blog posts, social media and media coverage.[9] In an effort to fund the rest of the season, Issa Rae and producer, Tracy Oliver[10] decided to raise money for the series through Kickstarter.[11] On August 11, 2011 they were awarded $56,269 from 1,960 donations.[12] Due to the popularity of the series, Issa Rae has been interviewed by Fredrick Whitfield for CNN Newsroom, Michel Martin for Tell Me More, Associated Press and other media outlets.[2][8][13]
Characters and cast
- J is the self-described 'awkward and black' passive-aggressive main character who works at a call center for weight-loss pill company, Gutbusters. As a means of dealing with the stresses of her love-life and work environment, J composes and performs rap lyrics sometimes with friend, CeCe. J is portrayed by Issa Rae, creator, actress, writer, and director.[14]
- CeCe is the best friend/sidekick and co-worker of J who works in human resources. Typically excited, CeCe offers J falliable advice that usually leads J into trouble. CeCe is portrayed by actress and writer, Sujata Day.[14]
- Nina is the primary antagonist and co-worker of J. She is promoted by Boss Lady over J and appears to have dated J's love interest, Fred. Nina is portrayed by actress, writer, and producer, Tracy Oliver.[14]
- Boss Lady is J's superior and an antagonist of J. She is apparently unaware of her racial insensitivity. Boss Lady is portrayed by actress, Hanna.[14]
- Fred is J's initial love interest and co-worker. Fred is portrayed by actor, Madison T. Shockley III.[14]
- A is an antagonist and nerdy co-worker of J. He is introduced as her 'awkward mistake' after sleeping with him at a company holiday party. A is portrayed by actor and dancer, Andrew Allan James.[14]
- Patty is an antagonist of J and other Gutbusters employees. She is commonly referred to as, 'Germy Patty'. Patty continues to appear at the Gutbusters office and company social events after being fired by Boss Lady. Patty is portrayed by actress, Kiki Harris.[14]
- Amir is an antagonist of J and other Gutbusters employees. He makes racially insensitive jokes at the expense of his co-workers. Amir is portrayed by actor, Fahad Saud.[14]
- Darius is an antagonist and co-worker of J. He is commonly referred to as, 'Baby Voice Darius'. Darius speaks low enough that others find him inaudible except for long-time friend, Fred. Darius is portrayed by actor, Tristen Winger.[14]
- Dolores Clarence is a co-worker and antagonist of J and CeCe. She works in human resources and changes her name to Sister Mary after becoming a born-again Christian. Dolores is portrayed by actress, Leah A. Williams
- White Jay is a love interest of J who works as a counselor. He is outwardly off-beat and appears to share the same awkward disposition as J. His introduction creates a love triangle between him, J and Fred. White Jay is portrayed by actor, Lyman Johnson.[14]
- Jerry is an overly excited temporary worker at Gutbusters. He is portrayed by actor, Ricky Woznikhak.
- D is J's former boyfriend. D is played by actor, Mike Danger.
References
External links
Streaming webisodes