David Makes Man

(OWN)

Network: OWN.
Episodes: Ongoing (hour).
Seasons: Ongoing.

TV show dates: August 14, 2019 — present.
Series status: Has not been cancelled.

Performers include: Akili McDowell, Alana Arenas, Phylicia Rashad, Isaiah Johnson, Travis Coles, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Cayden K. Williams, Ade Chike Torbert, Jordan Bolger, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Elvis Nolasco, Gillian Williams, Juanita Jennings, Liza Colón-Zayas, Lindsey Blackwell, Lela Rochon, and Nick Creegan.

TV show description:
From creator Tarell Alvin McCraney, the David Makes Man TV show is a coming of age drama that unfolds in South Florida. The series centers on David (McDowell), a 14-year-old prodigy growing up in “The Ville” — the Homestead Village housing projects.

David is still struggling to come to terms with the death of his friend. He also feels torn between the streets where he grew up and the future he might achieve through higher education.

A former drug user, David’s mother, Gloria (Arenas), is an industrious woman who wants to make better lives for her children. She counts on David, and he knows it. Likewise, his young brother Jonathan Greg or “JG” (Williams) may act tough, but he still relies on David.

In The Ville, David’s community includes Mx. Elijah (Coles), a gender queer person. This lifelong resident knows a lot but plays most things close to the vest.

The mysterious Sky (Johnson) is a deep thinker who considers David a friend. Despite the fact that he’s a dope dealer, he’s also a mentor to the young man.

Raynan (Torbert) runs things for Sky. Although he also tries to forge a connection with him, he wants David to be more of a follower than a friend. His lieutenant Shinobi (Bolger) resents David and the attention he gets.

At his magnet school, David’s circle includes his best friend, Seren (McIntyre), who is keeping a painful secret. Like David, he is academically gifted. The lively, sharp Dr. Woods-Trap (Rashad) is one of David’s teachers. She advocates for him, and in some ways is a mother to him, even though she can be intimidating.

Inspired by events in McCraney’s life, David Makes Man delves into the issue of childhood trauma and explores the power of imagination as a means of survival.

What do you think? Do you like the David Makes Man TV series? Should this OWN TV show be cancelled or renewed for another season?