Blindspotting (TV series)

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Blindspotting
GenreComedy drama
Created byRafael Casal & Daveed Diggs
Based onBlindspotting
Starring
Music by
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Jasmine Cephas Jones
  • Chrisann Verges
  • Michele Greco
CinematographyTarin Anderson
Editors
  • Craig Hayes
  • Varun Viswanath
  • S. Robyn Wilson
  • Chris Chandler
  • Trevor Penna
  • Paul Ero Jr.
Running time30–34 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkStarz
ReleaseJune 13, 2021 (2021-06-13) –
May 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)

Blindspotting is an American comedy-drama television series and a spin-off sequel of the 2018 film of the same name. Set six months after the events of the film, the series follows Ashley after Miles, her boyfriend and father of their son, is suddenly incarcerated, forcing her to move in with Miles' mother and half-sister. It co-stars Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Benjamin Earl Turner, and Atticus Woodward.

The series was created and executive produced by Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, writers, producers and lead stars of the original film, with Casal also acting as showrunner. Keith Calder, a producer on the original film, is also an executive producer, as well as actress Jasmine Cephas Jones. It premiered on June 13, 2021 on Starz.[1] In October 2021, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on April 14, 2023.[2][3] In September 2023, the series was canceled after two seasons.[4]

Plot[edit]

Six months after the events in the film of the same name, Miles, Ashley's partner of 12 years and father of their son, is suddenly incarcerated,[5] and the situation leaves her to navigate a chaotic and humorous existential crisis when she and her son Sean are forced to move in with Miles' mother and half-sister.[6]

Cast[edit]

Main[edit]

Recurring[edit]

Guest stars[edit]

Episodes[edit]

Series overview[edit]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
18June 13, 2021 (2021-06-13)August 8, 2021 (2021-08-08)
28April 14, 2023 (2023-04-14)May 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)

Season 1 (2021)[edit]

No.Title [8]Directed byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"The Ordeal"Seith MannRafael Casal & Daveed DiggsJune 13, 2021 (2021-06-13)[a]N/A
2"Smashley Rose"Seith MannRafael Casal & Daveed DiggsJune 20, 2021 (2021-06-20)[a]N/A
3"The Rule of Three"Aurora GuerreroPriscila Garcia-JacquierJune 27, 2021 (2021-06-27)N/A
4"The Four Hustlateers"Aurora GuerreroRafael Casal & Daveed DiggsJuly 4, 2021 (2021-07-04)N/A
5"Beaches Be Trippin"Erin FeeleyAlanna BrownJuly 18, 2021 (2021-07-18)N/A
6"Ghost Dad"Pete ChatmonNijla Mu'minJuly 25, 2021 (2021-07-25)0.088[10]
7"Seannie Darko"Angela BarnesBenjamin Earl TurnerAugust 1, 2021 (2021-08-01)N/A
8"Bride or Die"Rafael CasalRafael Casal & Daveed DiggsAugust 8, 2021 (2021-08-08)0.066[11]

Season 2 (2023)[edit]

No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [8]Directed byWritten byOriginal air date [8]U.S. viewers
(millions)
91"Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"Rafael CasalBrittany MillerApril 14, 2023 (2023-04-14)N/A
102"Life Is Too Short"Rafael CasalBenjamin Earl TurnerApril 14, 2023 (2023-04-14)N/A
113"N*ggaz and Jesus"Jess Wu CalderRafael Casal & Daveed DiggsApril 21, 2023 (2023-04-21)N/A
124"By Hook or by Crook"Jess Wu CalderSarah LaBrieApril 28, 2023 (2023-04-28)N/A
135"Karate Kiss"Blackhorse LoweObehi JaniceMay 5, 2023 (2023-05-05)0.064[12]
146"The Good, the Bad, and the Thizzly"Rafael CasalSanjay ShahMay 12, 2023 (2023-05-12)N/A
157"Meatfest"Darrell WoodardNyesha Littlejohn & Susan ParkMay 19, 2023 (2023-05-19)N/A
168"Return to Ithaca"Rafael CasalRafael Casal & Daveed DiggsMay 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)0.093[13]

Production[edit]

Development[edit]

In September 2020, it was announced that Starz had ordered a spin-off series of Blindspotting by Carlos López Estrada, with Jasmine Cephas Jones set to star and produce, with Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal serving as executive producers and writers on the series.[14] Production companies involved with the series were slated to consist of Lionsgate Television, Snoot Entertainment, and Barnyard Projects.[15] In December 2020, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman and Helen Hunt joined the cast in starring roles, with Rafael Casal and Justin Chu Cary set to appear in recurring capacity.[16][17]

Principal photography for the series began in December 2020.[17][18] Production for the first season took place in March 2021 in West Oakland, Oakland, California.[19]

Diggs does not reprise his film role as Collin in the first season beyond a voice cameo in the finale, despite co-creating the show. Casal hoped to include Collin during the planning stages, but Diggs wished for the season to focus on Ashley. He ultimately came to regret not making an appearance. Diggs and Casal both expressed interest in bringing back Collin for a potential second season.[20]

On October 14, 2021, Starz renewed the series for a second season.[2] On April 14, 2022, LeVar Burton, Katlynn Simone Smith, Tamera Tomakili, and Tim Chantarangsu were cast in recurring roles, while E-40, P-Lo and Too $hort were set to guest star for the second season.[7] Production for the series' sophomore season wrapped on April 28, 2022.[21]

It was announced on January 11, 2023 that Starz would premiere a number of episodes of their sophomore season at the 2023 SXSW Festival held in Austin, Texas in March under the TV Spotlight category.[22]

On September 25, 2023, Starz canceled the series after two seasons.[4]

Music[edit]

Show creators Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs recruited fellow schoolmate Ambrose Akinmusire and Blindspotting film composer Michael Yezerski to compose the score for the series. Akinmusire and Yezerski have created score to accompany spoken word, verse, dance, and various other types of scenes demonstrated throughout the series. In a Variety article, Akinmusire and Yezerski describe the experience as "a very rare opportunity for the score to just become the driving language of a piece of dramatic television content."[23]

Soundtrack[edit]

Album Year Composed by Featured Artists Details
Blindspotting (Music from the STARZ Original Series, Season 1) 2021 Ambrose Akinmusire

Michael Yezerski

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Rafael Casal

Benjamin Earl Turner

  • Release date: September 17, 2021
  • Label: Lions Gate Entertainment Inc
  • Formats: Streaming
Blindspotting (Music from the STARZ Original Series, Season 2) 2023 Ambrose Akinmusire

Michael Yezerski

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Rafael Casal

Benjamin Earl Turner

Helen Hunt

  • Release date: May 26, 2023
  • Label: Lions Gate Entertainment Inc
  • Formats: Streaming

Release[edit]

The series had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 11, 2021.[9][24] It premiered on Starz on June 13, 2021.[25] The second season premiered on April 14, 2023.[3]

Reception[edit]

Critical response[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an approval rating of 100% based on 25 critic reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "The rare adaptation that exceeds its source material, Blindspotting deftly takes on complicated social constructs with comedic flair, crafting a show that's as funny as it is poignant while giving its incredible ensemble—led by the captivating Jasmine Cephas Jones—plenty of room to shine."[26] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 76 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[27]

The second season has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 5 critic reviews, with an average rating of 8.7/10.[28]

Awards and nominations[edit]

Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2021 Women's Image Awards Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Jasmine Cephas Jones Nominated [29]
Outstanding Comedy Series Blindspotting
Geneva International Film Festival Best International TV Series Blindspotting Nominated [30]
Hollywood Music in Media Awards Best Music Supervision - TV Show/Limited Series Blindspotting
(supervision by Jonathan McHugh) 		Nominated [31]
Gotham Awards Breakthrough Series – Short Format Blindspotting Nominated [32]
Clio Awards Press/Influencer Kits & Collateral Blindspotting
(created by A Very Good Job) 		Won [33]
Film Independent Spirit Awards Best Female Performance in a Scripted Series Jasmine Cephas Jones Nominated [34]
Best New Scripted Series Blindspotting
2022 Guild of Music Supervisors Awards Best Music Supervision - Television Comedy or Musical Blindspotting, Season 1
(supervision by Jonathan McHugh) 		Nominated [35]
NAMIC Vision Awards Best Performance – Comedy Jasmine Cephas Jones Nominated [36]
Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy Jasmine Cephas Jones Nominated [37]
2023 SXSW Audience Awards TV Spotlight Audience Award Blindspotting - Season 2 Won [38]
Television Academy Creative Arts Emmy Awards Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming The History / San Quentin Blues
(Choreography by Jon Boogz) 		Won [39]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b This episode premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 11, 2021, ahead of its weekly Starz premieres.[9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Lopez, Kristen (May 12, 2021). "Blindspotting' Trailer: Starz Expands Daveed Diggs' Sundance Favorite for TV". IndieWire. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  2. ^ a b White, Peter (October 14, 2021). "'Blindspotting' Renewed For Season 2 At Starz". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Cordero, Rosy (February 1, 2023). "'Blindspotting' Sets Season 2 Premiere". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Otterson, Joe (September 25, 2023). "Heels, Run the World, Blindspotting Canceled at Starz; Venery of Samantha Bird Not Moving Forward (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  5. ^ Rasilla, Azucena (11 June 2021). "'Blindspotting' TV series is a love letter to Oakland, women of color, and local filmmaking". The Oaklandside. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  6. ^ Berlatsky, Noah (13 June 2021). "The 'Blindspotting' TV Show Does What the Movie Couldn't Do". Observer. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Petski, Denise (April 14, 2022). "'Blindspotting': LeVar Burton, Katlynn Simone Smith Among New Season 2 Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c "Shows A-Z – Blindspotting on Starz". The Futon Critic. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Blindspotting". Tribeca Film Festival. Archived from the original on May 13, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  10. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (July 27, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.25.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  11. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 10, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.8.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  12. ^ Salem, Mitch (May 8, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Friday 5.5.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  13. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (May 30, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Friday 5.26.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  14. ^ White, Peter (September 10, 2020). "'Blindspotting': TV Spin-Off Of Rafael Casal & Daveed Diggs Feature Goes To Series At Starz". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  15. ^ Porter, Rick (September 10, 2020). "'Blindspotting' Series Based on Movie a Go at Starz". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  16. ^ White, Peter (December 1, 2020). "'Blindspotting': Starz Sets Cast For TV Adaptation Of Rafael Casal & Daveed Diggs' Feature Film". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  17. ^ a b Porter, Rick (December 2, 2020). "Helen Hunt Boards 'Blindspotting' Series at Starz". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  18. ^ Casal, Rafael [@rafaelcasal] (December 1, 2020). "Bay Area stand up. Blindspotting the series has begun filming. Part one of 2 big pieces of news. Love to our amazing cast @benjaminearlturner @jaylenbarron @candace.nicholas.lippman @lilmanatticus and of course @jazzy_joness. Diggs and I couldn't be happier with this crew. So many people are working so hard during a pandemic to make this happen, we are eternally grateful and excited to bring this story to life. Link to the announcement in my bio. #dreamswithfriends". Retrieved July 4, 2021 – via Instagram.
  19. ^ Bartlett, Amanda (February 10, 2021). "'Blindspotting' star talks filming spin-off TV series in West Oakland next month". SFGate. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  20. ^ Hill-Paul, Lucas (8 June 2021). "Blindspotting creator says Daveed Diggs 'was mad' he didn't make an appearance". Express. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  21. ^ "Login • Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2022-04-30. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  22. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2023-01-11). "SXSW Lineup Includes 'Dungeons & Dragons' On Opening Night, 'Evil Dead Rise', Eva Longoria's 'Flamin' Hot', A24's 'Problemista' & More". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
  23. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (2021-07-06). "'Blindspotting' Composers on Creating Music for the TV Series' Stylized Dance Sequences". Variety. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
  24. ^ Haring, Bruce (April 29, 2021). "The 2021 Tribeca Festival Unveils Plans For TV, Episodic And Creator's Market, Including Live Events With Tina Fey, KISS". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  25. ^ Dela Paz, Maggie (May 12, 2021). "Blindspotting Trailer: Jasmine Cephas Jones Leads Starz's Sequel Series". Coming Soon. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  26. ^ "Blindspotting: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  27. ^ "Blindspotting: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  28. ^ "Blindspotting: Season 2". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  29. ^ "Women's Image Network Announces its 23rd Women's Image Awards Film & Television Nominees". PRWeb. 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
  30. ^ "Blindspotting". GIFF 2021. 2021-10-19. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  31. ^ "2021 Music In Visual Media nominations". Hollywood Music In Media Awards. 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  32. ^ Lang, Brent; Tangcay, Jazz (2021-10-21). "'Passing', 'The Lost Daughter', Lead 2021 Gotham Awards Nominations (Full List)". Variety. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  33. ^ "Blindspotting / STARZ - Influencer Watch Kits". Clios. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
  34. ^ "These are the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees". Film Independent. 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  35. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (2022-02-10). "'Eyes of Tammy Faye,' 'Encanto,' 'Being the Ricardos' Among Guild of Music Supervisors Awards Nominees". Variety. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  36. ^ "NAMIC Vision Awards » NAMIC » Multi-ethnic Diversity in the Communications Industry". NAMIC. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  37. ^ Verhoeven, Beatrice (2022-07-07). "'This Is Us,' 'Succession,' 'Severance' Lead 2022 HCA TV Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2022-07-13.
  38. ^ "2023 SXSW Film & TV Festival Announces Audience Award Winners". SXSW. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  39. ^ "Outstanding Choreography For Scripted Programming Nominees / Winners 2023". Television Academy. Retrieved 2023-11-10.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blindspotting_(TV_series)&oldid=1217487378"