Insecure (TV series)

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Insecure
GenreComedy-Drama
Created byIssa Rae
Larry Wilmore
Starring
ComposerRaphael Saadiq
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes12 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Issa Rae
  • Prentice Penny
  • Michael Rotenberg
  • Melina Matsoukas
  • Dave Becky
  • Jonathan Berry
Production locationsLos Angeles, California[1]
Inglewood, California
Malibu, California
Santa Monica, California
Camera setupSingle-camera
Production companiesHBO Entertainment
Issa Rae Productions
Penny for Your Thoughts Entertainment
3 Arts Entertainment
Original release
NetworkHBO
ReleaseOctober 9, 2016 (2016-10-09) –
present

Insecure is an HBO original comedy-drama series based partially on Issa Rae's widely lauded web series Awkward Black Girl.[2][3][4] The series premiered on October 9, 2016.[5][6] The show, which was created by Rae and Larry Wilmore, premiered online on September 23, 2016, via HBO Now and HBO Go. Since its release the show has gone on to receive critical acclaim. On November 14, 2016, HBO renewed the show for a second season.[7] The second season premiered on July 23, 2017.[8] On August 8, 2017 it was announced that the show was renewed for a third season.[9]

Background

In 2013, Rae began working on a comedy series pilot (in which she would star) along with Larry Wilmore. The show was planned to be about the awkward experiences of a contemporary African-American woman; the pair eventually settled on the current title of Insecure.[10] HBO picked up the pilot in early 2015, and it was subsequently greenlighted with a planned release of fall 2016.[11]

At HBO's 2016 Television Critics Association session, which featured Rae, showrunner Prentice Penny, and executive producer Melina Matsoukas, Rae spoke about the show, saying that the series will examine "the complexities of 'blackness' and the reality that you can’t escape being black." Rae also said, in regard to the potential mainstream reaction to the series:

We’re just trying to convey that people of color are relatable. This is not a hood story. This is about regular people living life.[12]

Raphael Saadiq created original music for the first season. Solange Knowles served as music consultant; she was introduced to Rae by Matsoukas, who directed the music video for Knowles's song "Losing You". [13]

Plot

The eight-episode first season explores the black female experience from the perspective of the two female protagonists, Issa (Issa Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji) who have been best friends with each other since their college days at UCLA.[14] They are both in their late 20s, career and relationship experiences are explored. Issa works at a non-profit that benefits middle-school students of color. Issa has a long-term relationship with Lawrence.[15] Molly is a successful corporate attorney who has career success but difficulty with dating men. The half-hour series explores social and racial issues that relate to the contemporary black experience.[16]

Cast

Main

  • Issa Rae as Issa Dee
  • Yvonne Orji as Molly Carter
  • Lisa Joyce as Frieda
  • Jay Ellis as Lawrence Walker
  • Natasha Rothwell as Kelli (recurring season 1; season 2–present)[17]
  • Amanda Seales as Tiffany DuBois (recurring season 1; season 2–present)
  • Y'lan Noel as Daniel King (recurring season 1; season 2-present)

Recurring

  • Catherine Curtin as Joanne
  • Maya Erskine as Diane Nakamura
  • Langston Kerman as Jared Oliver (season 1)
  • Neil Brown Jr. as Chad (season 1-present)
  • Wade Allain-Marcus as Derek DuBois
  • Gail Bean as Rasheeda
  • Denise Dowse as Dr. Rhonda(season 2)
  • Spencer Garrett as John Merrill (season 2)
  • Lil Rel Howery (season 2)
  • David Hull as Travis Moore
  • Sarunas J. Jackson as Alejandro 'Dro' Peña (season 2)
  • Heather Mazur as Hannah Richards-Foster
  • Dominique Perry as Tasha (season 1-present)
  • Ivan Shaw as Justin (season 1)
  • Leon Thomas as Eddie (season 2)
  • Sujata Day as Sarah
  • Veronica Mannion as Kitty
  • Mason McCulley as Ken
  • Kathreen Khavari as Patricia

Guest

Episodes

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
18October 9, 2016 (2016-10-09)November 27, 2016 (2016-11-27)
28July 23, 2017 (2017-07-23)September 10, 2017 (2017-09-10)

Season 1 (2016)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Insecure as Fuck"Melina MatsoukasIssa Rae & Larry WilmoreOctober 9, 2016 (2016-10-09)[a]0.371[18]
After a disappointing 29th birthday, Issa Dee starts doubting her relationship with her unemployed boyfriend, Lawrence. Her successful best friend, Molly, is struggling with being single. When Issa hears from an old ex, she takes Molly with her to an open mic-night in the hopes of reconnecting with her old flame. Issa performs the rap “Broken Pussy”, based on Molly’s romantic life, to impress Daniel which causes a fight between the friends. After leaving the club, Issa gets a text from Daniel and decided to meet up with him despite Molly’s disapproval. Issa and Daniel kiss but he lets her know that he is not looking for a relationship after she brings the subject up.
22"Messy as Fuck"Cecile EmekeIssa RaeOctober 16, 2016 (2016-10-16)0.458[19]
While Issa decides to become the “No Fucks” version of herself, Molly decides to treat herself to a day of pampering. Lawrence continues to worry about Issa’s absence as she ignores him and even has an awkward encounter with her at Rite Aid while she was buying a pack of underwear. The next day, Issa botches her work presentation that she failed to prepare for but later comes up with a beach clean-up event with her coworker Frieda. Molly later runs into Jared, the cute guy she met at the open mic-night, after a disappointing date and makes a connection with him. Issa returns home and apologizes to Lawrence for ignoring him.
33"Racist as Fuck"Melina MatsoukasDayna Lynne NorthOctober 23, 2016 (2016-10-23)0.469[20]
Lawrence and Issa have a hard time returning to their old ways. Lawrence learns that he might have to take a lower-entry job and Issa overhears her coworkers badmouthing her beach day event behind her back. Molly brings Jared to a party to meet her friends and finds out that he never attended college, unlike her and her group of friends. Jared admits his interest in Molly after the party. Molly later decides to end things with Jared when she gets accepted into “The League”, a highly exclusive dating app. Issa’s beach clean-up event is a huge success and proves her coworkers wrong. When Issa returns home, she finds Lawrence cooking dinner and begins to reminisce about the good times they shared in the apartment. They finally share official apologies to each other.
44"Thirsty as Fuck"Kevin BrayLaura KittrellOctober 30, 2016 (2016-10-30)0.348[21]
Issa and Lawrence are now on good terms which is shown on their shopping trip for a new couch. Molly quickly finds a new date from “The League” after scaring off Michael, her first suitor from the app. Daniel shows up at Issa’s job to apologize for how things left off. She later asks him to present at her Career Day when their speaker for the arts drops out. Molly sparks a connection with her new date by explaining how her bosses asked her to speak to a black intern. Daniel tells Issa’s class about her rapping talent and they find a YouTube video of her rapping “Broken Pussy”.
55"Shady as Fuck"Melina MatsoukasBen DouganNovember 6, 2016 (2016-11-06)0.329[22]
Issa freaks out about the kids discovering her video and enlists help to take it down. Molly is enjoying her new guy, Chris, and invites him to her coworker’s engagement party for the evening. While Molly calls Jared to find out who posted the video, Issa visits Daniel to do the same. Chris arrives at the party but upsets Molly when he admits that he only came because she “needed a win”. Daniel encourages Issa to attempt a freestyle in his studio, professes his feelings for her, and they proceed to have sex. Molly shows up to Jared’s apartment drunk after the party and spends the night on his couch.
66"Guilty as Fuck"Debbie AllenAmy AniobiNovember 13, 2016 (2016-11-13)0.388[23]
Issa is struggling with the guilt of sleeping with her ex-Daniel, and has flashbacks of being with Daniel when trying to be intimate with Lawrence. Molly mends fences with Chris. Issa overcompensates in her relationship due to the guilt of cheating and works on ignoring Daniel. At work Issa manages to get her boss to agree to holding a fundraiser in their city instead of Malibu. Molly informs Issa that her and Jared are now back together. While Issa and Lawrence are out for their date night, Lawrence takes her to a jewelry store to try on engagement rings, triggering more flashbacks to her night with Daniel. Jared and Molly take turns sharing stories from their past and he exposes that he has been with a man in the past. Molly informs her friends about it and exposes her concerns about Jared's past and Issa tries to ease Molly's concerns. Molly unable to cope with Jared's past breaks up with him. Issa informs Molly about her and Daniel. Molly advises her to move on, Issa goes home and has sex with Lawrence. On his way to the restroom Lawrence discovers Issa phone and sees a text from Daniel.
77"Real as Fuck"Kevin BrayPrentice PennyNovember 20, 2016 (2016-11-20)0.382[24]
Issa goes out shopping for a fundraiser dress with Molly, and informs her that she is going to be more focused on her work and her relationship. Molly runs into an old friend who discloses that she has been going to therapy and has been working on fixing herself and how she values herself. Lawrence goes on an interview and gets a job offer. Lawrence informs Issa about the job offer but also confides in her of his idea to not take the job in order to continue working on his app "Woot-Woot". Issa tells him to take the job offer and work on programming his app at night. Molly helps Issa set up for her fundraiser and tells her about running into Crystal and the conversation she had with her. Molly knocks therapy, and Issa makes an argument that Molly may benefit from therapy. Issa is doing successful at her fundraiser, while Molly’s behavior is questionable. Daniel arrives at the fundraiser and is intercepted by Molly. Issa tries to make Daniel leave and is seen by Lawrence. Molly and Issa get in a fight at the fundraiser and Molly leaves. Molly shows up at Jared’s house and tries to mend fences. Lawernce asks Issa about Daniel and leavers after she admits to the affair.
88"Broken as Fuck"Melina MatsoukasIssa RaeNovember 27, 2016 (2016-11-27)0.565[25]
Issa tries to apologize to Lawrence who rejects her. Molly is still not talking to Issa. The four girls go to Malibu. Lawrence goes out with his friends. Kelli and Tiffany both gang up on Molly about her love life and Issa defends her. Tiffany outs Issa on her relationship with Lawrence. Lawrence is at the strip club finally calls Issa and says they should talk. Molly and Issa mend fences when she drives Issa back home to see Lawrence. Issa arrives home to see Lawrence packed his things and left his key behind.
Notes
  1. ^ The first episode was released online on September 23, 2016, two weeks before the series premiere.

Season 2 (2017)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
91"Hella Great"Melina MatsoukasIssa RaeJuly 23, 2017 (2017-07-23)1.118[26]
102"Hella Questions"Melina MatsoukasAmy AniobiJuly 30, 2017 (2017-07-30)1.293[27]
113"Hella Open"Marta CunninghamDayna Lynne NorthAugust 6, 2017 (2017-08-06)1.158[28]
124"Hella LA"Prentice PennyLaura KittrellAugust 13, 2017 (2017-08-13)1.300[29]
135"Hella Shook"[30]Tina MabryBen DouganAugust 20, 2017 (2017-08-20)N/A
146"Hella Blows"[31]Kevin BrayRegina Y. Hicks & Ben Corey JonesAugust 27, 2017 (2017-08-27)N/A
157"Hella Disrespectful"[32]Kevin BrayPrentice PennySeptember 3, 2017 (2017-09-03)N/A
168"Hella Perspective"[33]Melina MatsoukasIssa RaeSeptember 10, 2017 (2017-09-10)N/A

Reception

Critical response

Season 1

On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a rating of 100% based on 52 reviews, with an average rating of 8.05/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Insecure uses star Issa Rae's breakout web series Awkward Black Girl as the basis for an insightful, raunchy, and hilarious journey through the life of a twentysomething black woman that cuts through stereotypes with sharp wit and an effusive spirit."[34] On Metacritic, the season has a score of 84 out of 100, based on 33 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[35]

The Los Angeles Times wrote: "The half-hour series explores the friendship between two African American women who deal with their sometimes stormy relationship while also grappling with conflicts inside and outside black culture. Much of the humor has a raw flavor, and does not hold back on sexually frank situations and dialogue."[12]

Season 2

On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a rating of 100%, based on 14 reviews, with an average rating of 7.9/10.[36] On Metacritic, the season has a score of 90 out of 100, based on 13 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[37]

Accolades

Year Award Category Recipients Outcome
2017
AAFCA Awards AAFCA Top Ten TV Shows Insecure Won
Golden Globe Award[38] Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Issa Rae Nominated
NAACP Image Awards[39] Outstanding Comedy Series Insecure Nominated
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Issa Rae Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Yvonne Orji Nominated
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series Melina Matsoukas Nominated
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore Nominated
Prentice Penny Nominated
Dorian Awards TV Comedy of the Year Insecure Nominated
NAMIC Vision Awards Comedy Won
Best Performance - Comedy Issa Rae Won
MTV Movie & TV Awards Show of the Year Insecure Nominated
Next Generation Issa Rae Nominated
TCA Awards Individual Achievement in Comedy Nominated
BET Awards Best Actress Nominated

References

  1. ^ "Map: A guide to Insecure filming locations in Los Angeles".
  2. ^ "Issa Rae is still an Awkward Black Girl in the trailer for HBO's Insecure". 2016-06-23. Retrieved 2016-08-18.
  3. ^ "WATCH: Issa Rae's 'Insecure' Trailer Is Everything 'Awkward Black Girl' Was But Better". WaterCoolerConvos. 2016-06-24. Retrieved 2016-08-18.
  4. ^ CNN, Lisa Respers France. "Issa Rae's 'Insecure' may already be a hit". CNN. Retrieved 2016-08-18. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ Abrams, Natalie (July 30, 2016). "HBO sets premiere dates for Westworld and more". Entertainment Weekly.
  6. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 15, 2015). "Issa Rae Comedy 'Insecure' Gets HBO Series Order". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
  7. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 14, 2016). "'Westworld', 'Divorce' & 'Insecure' Renewed For Season 2 By HBO". Deadline.com. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  8. ^ "Issa Rae on Twitter".
  9. ^ Lockett, Dee. "Insecure Is Hella Renewed for Season Three". Vulture. Retrieved 2017-08-08.
  10. ^ "Issa Rae & Larry Wilmore To Create 'Non-Prophet' For HBO". vibe.com. August 6, 2013. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  11. ^ "Issa Rae Comedy 'Insecure' Gets HBO Series Order". Deadline. Retrieved 2016-01-09.
  12. ^ a b Times, Los Angeles. "Issa Rae takes HBO from white 'Girls' to black women with 'Insecure'". latimes.com. Retrieved 2016-08-28.
  13. ^ Spanos, Brittany (October 6, 2016). "'Insecure' Creator Issa Rae on Drake's Influence, Maintaining 'Awkward'-Ness". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
  14. ^ "Yvonne Orji at imdb".
  15. ^ "Jay Ellis at imdb".
  16. ^ Calvario, Liz (2016-08-26). "'Insecure' Teaser: Issa Rae Is Torn Between Two Lovers In New HBO Comedy". Retrieved 2016-08-28.
  17. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 18, 2016). "Natasha Rothwell Upped To Regular On 'Insecure', Will Develop Comedy For HBO". Retrieved November 17, 2016.
  18. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (October 11, 2016). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 10.9.2016". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
  19. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (October 18, 2016). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 10.16.2016". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
  20. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (October 25, 2016). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 10.23.2016". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  21. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 1, 2016). "Showbuzzdailys Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals Network Finals 10 30 2016". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  22. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 8, 2016). "Showbuzzdailys Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals Network Finals 11 6 2016". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  23. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 15, 2016). "Showbuzzdailys Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals Network Finals 11 13 2016". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
  24. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 22, 2016). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.20.2016". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  25. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 30, 2016). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.27.2016". ShowBuzzDaily. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
  26. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (July 25, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.23.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  27. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 1, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.30.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
  28. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 8, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.6.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  29. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 15, 2017). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.13.2017". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 15, 2017.
  30. ^ "Insecure 13: Hella Shook". HBO. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  31. ^ "Insecure 14: Hella Blows". HBO. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  32. ^ "Insecure 15: Hella Disrespectful". HBO. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  33. ^ "Insecure 16: Hella Disrespectful". HBO. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  34. ^ "Insecure: Season 1 (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  35. ^ "Insecure: Season 1 reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  36. ^ "Insecure: Season 2 (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  37. ^ "Insecure: Season 2 reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  38. ^ "Golden Globe Nominations Announcement Livestream". Deadline.com. December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  39. ^ "NAACP Image Award Nominations Announced". naacp.org. December 13, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.

External links

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