If you’re a hardcore Spike Lee fan, then you’re probably still basking in the glow of his recent Oscar win for BlacKkklansman. And even if you’re not, the 61-year-old Lee remains one of the most prolific filmmakers working today, and his cinematic exploration of American culture is always worthy of discussion.
There has never been a better time for filmmakers to make the jump to TV and streaming. Networks now offer filmmaking auteurs 10-13-hour blocks to share their cinematic visions. In 2017, Lee and Netflix joined forces, and he directed all ten-episodes of the She’s Gotta Have It adaptation. Although the show holds a scorching 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it suffered the same fate as most streaming titles. People discussed it for about a week and moved on to something else. The show’s strong fanbase earned one more season, and She’s Gotta Have It will drop nine new episodes on May 24, 2019.
Take a look at the announcement below:
In 1986, Lee launched his career with a small-scale black and white film called She’s Gotta Have It. The movie told the story of Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns), a smart, sexy, and confident artist who was also polyamorous. She’s Gotta Have It became an indie “Darling” and ignited Lee’s illustrious career – in front of and behind the camera. With its forward-thinking sexual themes and modest budget (scrapped together with the help of family and friends), the picture was ahead of its time. But we now live in a media landscape where anything can happen, and Lee blessed his fans with She’s Gotta Have It do-over. And 30-years later, a story about Nola Darling feels right on time.
Whenever a new Spike Lee Joint arrives, I feel like a kid at Christmas. And I’ll be counting down the days until Netflix drops this nine-episode binge into my living room. DeWanda Wise’s Nola Darling is a fascinating female protagonist. And both the character and show shift timely cultural conversations from Twitter to our Netflix queues. This series wants viewers to strap on their critical thinking caps. But you can also sit back, relax, and enjoy the show’s charm; chiefly, the cast’s wonderful chemistry and great performances.
If you’ve never jumped on board the She’s Gotta Have It train, try starting with the OG Spike Lee Joint and then move on to the Netflix series. It’s intriguing tracking filmmaker’s careers from the beginning and watching which techniques they return to and which they toss out of their repertoire. Come May 24, Lee’s bold signature style will be dropping a slice of Brooklyn into my living room. #WhereBrooklynAt?!
She’s Gotta Have It Season 2 synopsis:
A seriously sexy comedy and rousing celebration of female empowerment, She’s Gotta Have It Season 2 offers a timely and topical portrait of rising talents, with free-spirited artist Nola Darling (DeWanda Wise) at the center. Struggling with newfound success this season, against a backdrop of black art and culture, Nola must decide if she will remain true to her creative ideals or give in to the corporate world.
Her journey of self-discovery helps transform the lives of those around her, including friend and sometimes lover Mars Blackmon (Anthony Ramos), who sets out to pursue his true passion of music as well as her inner circle of Opal (Ilfenesh Hadera), Greer Childs (Cleo Anthony), Jamie Overstreet (Lyriq Bent), Clorinda Bradford (Margot Bingham), Shemekka Epps (Chyna Layne) and Winnie Win (Fat Joe). Their journey expands to new destinations this season beyond their home base of Fort Greene, the vibrant Brooklyn enclave, that continues to evolve and change as gentrification remakes the neighborhood.
She’s Gotta Have It season 2 is available to stream on Netflix on May 24, 2019.
