Twenties (TV series)

Last updated
Twenties
Twenties TV Series poster.jpg
Official promotional poster
GenreComedy [1]
Created by Lena Waithe
Written byLena Waithe [2]
Starring
ComposerAmanda Jones
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes18
Production
Executive producers
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time30 minutes [1]
Production companies
  • Hillman Grad
  • DAE Light Media
Original release
Network BET
ReleaseMarch 4, 2020 (2020-03-04) –
December 15, 2021 (2021-12-15)

Twenties is an American single-camera comedy series created by Lena Waithe. The plot is semi-autobiographical and follows "a queer black girl, Hattie, and her two straight best friends, Marie and Nia, who spend most of their days talking 'ish' and chasing their dreams." The show stars Jonica T. Gibbs, Christina Elmore, Gabrielle Graham, Sophina Brown, and Big Sean. [2] It premiered on BET on March 4, 2020. [3] [4] In June 2020, the series was renewed for a second season, [5] which premiered on October 13, 2021. [6]

Contents

Plot

The scripted comedy series follows a queer black woman in her twenties, Hattie (Jonica T. Gibbs), and her two straight best friends, Marie (Christina Elmore) and Nia (Gabrielle Graham), as they try to find their footing in life, love, and the professional world in Los Angeles. [2]

Cast

Recurring

Guest stars

Episodes

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1 8March 4, 2020 (2020-03-04)April 15, 2020 (2020-04-15)
2 10October 13, 2021 (2021-10-13)December 15, 2021 (2021-12-15)

Season 1 (2020)

Twenties, season 1 episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title  [9] Directed byWritten byOriginal air date  [9] U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Pilot" Justin Simien Lena Waithe March 4, 2020 (2020-03-04)0.56 [10]
22"I've Got the World on A String"Tiffany JohnsonLena WaitheMarch 4, 2020 (2020-03-04)0.45 [10]
33"Happy Place"Tiffany JohnsonDaniel WillisMarch 11, 2020 (2020-03-11)0.47 [11]
44"You Know How I Like It" Juel Taylor Kimiko Matsuda-LawrenceMarch 18, 2020 (2020-03-18)0.56 [12]
55"Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing"Juel TaylorNaomi IwamotoMarch 25, 2020 (2020-03-25)0.53 [13]
66"Redemption Song"Justin Tipping Keli Goff April 1, 2020 (2020-04-01)0.52 [14]
77"What Would Todd Do?"Justin TippingPatricia Ione LloydApril 8, 2020 (2020-04-08)0.49 [15]
88"Living The Dream"Justin TippingAzie DungeyApril 15, 2020 (2020-04-15)0.51 [16]

Season 2 (2021)

Twenties, season 2 episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title  [17] [9] Directed byWritten byOriginal air date  [17] [9] U.S. viewers
(millions)
91"One Night Only?"Diego Velasco Susan Fales-Hill October 13, 2021 (2021-10-13)0.49 [18]
102"Special Delivery"Diego VelascoDaniel WillisOctober 20, 2021 (2021-10-20)0.49 [19]
113"Killing Me Softly with His Song" Steven Tsuchida LaDarian SmithOctober 27, 2021 (2021-10-27)0.63 [20]
124"Everything"Steven TsuchidaM. CornishNovember 3, 2021 (2021-11-03)0.56 [21]
135"Cop or Drop?"MalakaiNaomi IwamotoNovember 10, 2021 (2021-11-10)0.46 [22]
146"Epiphany"MalakaiPatricia Ione LloydNovember 17, 2021 (2021-11-17)0.59 [23]
157"Dancing in the Moonlight"Cierra GlaudeKimiko Matsuda-LawrenceNovember 24, 2021 (2021-11-24)0.49 [24]
168"New Beginnings"Jingyi ShaoNaomi IwamotoDecember 1, 2021 (2021-12-01)0.60 [25]
179"Everything I Wanted"Jingyi ShaoBrenson ThomasDecember 8, 2021 (2021-12-08)0.52 [26]
1810"How Do You Feel?"Cierra GlaudeM. CornishDecember 15, 2021 (2021-12-15)0.54 [27]

Twenties After-Show With B. Scott

No.Title  [28] [29] Original air date  [28] [29] U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Lena Waithe & Jonica T. Gibbs"October 13, 2021 (2021-10-13)0.31 [18]
2"Iman Shumpert NBA player and & JessHilarious"October 20, 2021 (2021-10-20)0.31 [19]
3"Xavier Watson & Amber Whittingham"October 27, 2021 (2021-10-27)0.37 [20]
4"Jevon McFerrin & Crystal Anderson"November 3, 2021 (2021-11-03)0.32 [21]
5"Sophina Brown, Derica Cole Washington & Rich Fresh"November 10, 2021 (2021-11-10)0.27 [22]
6"Kenya Moore & Shylo Shaner"November 17, 2021 (2021-11-17)0.40 [23]
7"Parker Young & Christina Elmore"November 24, 2021 (2021-11-24)0.26 [24]
8"Estelle, David Bernard Jones, Lea Robinson"December 1, 2021 (2021-12-01)0.38 [25]
9"Donnell Rawling & Nia Jervier"December 8, 2021 (2021-12-08)0.34 [26]
10"Jonica T. Gibbs, Big Sean & Gabrielle Graham"December 15, 2021 (2021-12-15)0.32 [27]

Production

Development

Lena Waithe wrote the series when she was in her twenties based on her experience of Los Angeles when she first moved there. [2] She stated that she was intentional about creating a series starring a "masculine-presenting stud" with straight friends because that was her own personal experience. [30] Waithe asked Susan Fales-Hill to help her produce the series, which was initially in talks to be produced by BET, then landed at Hulu before being picked up by BET again. [30] It is the first series on the network to center a queer lead character. [30]

On April 15, 2019, BET announced that they had ordered the eight-episode comedy series, Twenties, written by Lena Waithe. [31] Waithe is the co-showrunner with Fales-Hill. The two are also executive producers with Rishi Rajani and Andrew Coles. [31] The director of the pilot, and co-executive producer is Justin Tipping. [3]

Of her experience filming Twenties, Waithe stated that BET gave no notes and was supportive of the producers' creative vision. [2]

On June 26, 2020, BET renewed the series for a second season. [5] A talk show hosted by B. Scott, Twenties After-Show With B. Scott, premiered on October 13, 2021. [6]

Release

The series premiered on March 4, 2020. [4] The second season premiered on October 13, 2021. [6]

Critical reception

Twenties has received "generally favorable reviews" according to aggregator Metacritic, where it received a score of 73/100. [32] It received a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is described in the critics consensus, "sharply written and hilarious relatable, Twenties is another impressive series from creator Lena Waithe that also announces Jonica T. Gibbs as a talent to watch." [7]

In a review for Variety, Caroline Framke wrote, "In large part thanks to Gibbs' appealingly loose performance, it's entertaining to watch Hattie figure out how to break into the business, but without any clear motivations pushing her, it's frustratingly ephemeral. If she and Twenties want to be memorable, they both have to figure out what's actually driving them to do it." [33] In a less positive review, Kellee Terrell of The A.V. Club stated: "Pilots are always tricky because they have to introduce viewers to new characters and rules, but the hyperfocus on Blackness distracts from the real issue at hand: [] character development." [34]

    Accolades

    YearAwardCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
    2022 GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Comedy Series TwentiesNominated [35]

    Related Research Articles

    Expedition Unknown is an American reality television series produced by Ping Pong Productions, that follows explorer, archeologist and television presenter Josh Gates as he investigates mysteries and legends. The series premiered on January 8, 2015 and originally aired on Travel Channel before moving to Discovery Channel in 2018. The thirteenth season premiered on June 19, 2024.

    Boomerang is an American comedy television series, serving as a sequel to the 1992 film of the same name. The series premiered on February 12, 2019, on BET.

    Bigger is an American comedy television series executive produced by Will Packer that premiered on September 19, 2019 on BET+. On February 18, 2020, BET+ announced the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on April 22, 2021. In December 2021, the series was canceled after two seasons.

    First Wives Club is an American comedy television series based on the 1996 film of the same name written by Robert Harling; it premiered on September 19, 2019 on BET+. The series was renewed for a second season on November 26, 2019, premiering on July 15, 2021. On September 8, 2021, the series was renewed for a third season. Unlike the original film, the series features an entirely African-American cast.

    <i>Dr. Pimple Popper</i> (TV series) American TV series

    Dr. Pimple Popper is an American reality television series airing on TLC. The series, starring dermatologist and Internet celebrity Dr. Sandra Lee, follows her as she treats patients with unusual cases of facial and skin disorders at her clinic Skin Physicians & Surgeons in the Inland Empire city of Upland, California. The show started with an hour-long special on January 3, 2018 before the first season aired on July 11, 2018.

    <i>The Oval</i> (TV series) American TV drama/soap opera (2019–)

    The Oval is an American political drama and soap opera created, executive produced, written, and directed by Tyler Perry, that premiered on October 23, 2019, on BET. The series chronicles the lives of a family placed in the White House by people of power, while also highlighting the personal side and everyday lives of the staff who run its inner workings.

    <i>Sistas</i> (TV series) American comedy drama television series by Tyler Perry

    Sistas is an American comedy drama television series created, written and executive produced by Tyler Perry that premiered on October 23, 2019, on BET.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Wednesday Night Wars</span> Era of professional wrestling

    The Wednesday Night War or Wednesday Night Wars was a period of mainstream televised American professional wrestling in which All Elite Wrestling (AEW)'s Dynamite debuted on TNT opposite WWE's NXT on USA Network in a competition for Nielsen ratings each week. The ratings war lasted from October 2, 2019, to April 7, 2021.

    <i>Ruthless</i> (TV series) American drama television series by Tyler Perry

    Ruthless is an American drama series created, executive produced, written, and directed by Tyler Perry. The series is produced under Perry's overall deal with Viacom/CBS. It is a spin-off from the BET drama The Oval. The first season of 24-episodes premiered on March 19, 2020, on BET+. Starting on February 23, 2021, the show began airing on BET following new episodes of The Oval. Season 2 premiered on March 11, 2021. Season 3 premiered on March 10, 2022. Season 4 premiered on April 20, 2023. In April 2024 the show was renewed for a fifth season, which premiered on August 8, 2024.

    Tyler Perry's Assisted Living is an American television sitcom created and produced by Tyler Perry that premiered on BET on September 2, 2020. David Mann and Tamela Mann reprised their roles from Meet the Browns.

    The Ms. Pat Show is an American television sitcom created by Jordan E. Cooper and Patricia "Ms. Pat" Williams that premiered on the streaming service BET+ on August 12, 2021. The show is based on the comedy and life story of comedian Ms. Pat as a convicted felon from the streets of Atlanta turned reluctant suburban mother. On September 2, 2021, BET+ renewed the series for a second season which premiered on August 11, 2022. On July 6, 2022, BET+ renewed the series for a third season, which premiered on February 23, 2023. On May 30, 2023, BET+ renewed the series for a fourth season that premiered on May 23, 2024.

    Disrupt & Dismantle is an American six-part television documentary series which premiered on February 21, 2021 on BET. The series is hosted by Soledad O'Brien.

    All the Queen's Men is an American drama television series created by Christian Keyes and executive produced by Tyler Perry. It premiered on BET+ on September 9, 2021. The series is an adaptation 'made for television' based on the 2015 urban romance novel Ladies Night, which Keyes authored himself and was presented by Carl Weber.

    American Gangster: Trap Queens is an American docuseries that premiered on BET+ on October 17, 2019.

    <i>Haus of Vicious</i> American drama television series

    Haus of Vicious is an American drama television series created by Jill Ramsey that premiered on BET on August 17, 2022.

    After Happily Ever After is an American reality competition series that premiered on October 19, 2022 on BET. The series is hosted by Bow Wow.

    References

    1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Harris, LaTesha (December 3, 2019). "TV News Roundup: BET Releases Trailer for Lena Waithe's 'Twenties'". Variety . Retrieved January 5, 2020.
    2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ju, Shirley (August 1, 2019). "Lena Waithe on Casting Big Sean for BET Series 'Twenties': 'He's Phenomenal, So Natural'". Variety . Retrieved January 5, 2020.
    3. 1 2 3 4 Petski, Denise (December 3, 2019). "'Twenties' Trailer: First Look At Lena Waithe's New BET Comedy Series". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved January 5, 2020.
    4. 1 2 Sepinwall, Alan; Fontoura, Maria (January 3, 2020). "25 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2020". Rolling Stone . Retrieved January 21, 2020.
    5. 1 2 Petski, Denise (June 26, 2020). "Lena Waithe's 'Twenties' Renewed For Season 2 By BET". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved June 26, 2020.
    6. 1 2 3 Del Rosario, Alexandra (September 16, 2021). "'Twenties': BET Sets Season 2 Premiere Date For Lena Waithe Series, After-Show Hosted By B. Scott". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved September 17, 2021.
    7. 1 2 "Twenties: Season 1 (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved June 21, 2020.
    8. ↑ Petski, Denise (December 3, 2019). "'Twenties' Trailer: First Look At Lena Waithe's New BET Comedy Series". Deadline Hollywood . Penske Business Media . Retrieved December 3, 2019.
    9. 1 2 3 4 "Twenties – Listings". The Futon Critic . Retrieved December 3, 2021.
    10. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (March 5, 2019). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.4.2020". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on March 6, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
    11. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (March 12, 2019). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.11.2020". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on March 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
    12. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (March 19, 2019). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.18.2020". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on March 19, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
    13. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (March 26, 2019). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.25.2020". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on March 26, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
    14. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (April 2, 2019). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.1.2020". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on April 2, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
    15. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (April 8, 2020). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on April 9, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
    16. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (April 15, 2020). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily . Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
    17. 1 2 "Twenties – Season 2 Listings". Zap2It . Retrieved November 26, 2021.
    18. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (October 14, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 10.13.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals &Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved October 14, 2021.
    19. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (October 21, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 10.20.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved October 21, 2021.
    20. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (October 28, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 10.27.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved October 28, 2021.
    21. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (November 4, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 11.3.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved November 4, 2021.
    22. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (November 11, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 11.10.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved November 11, 2021.
    23. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (November 18, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 11.17.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved November 18, 2021.
    24. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (November 29, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 11.24.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved December 1, 2021.
    25. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (December 2, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 12.1.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals (& Network Finals to come) UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved December 3, 2021.
    26. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (December 9, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 12.8.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals (& Network Finals to come) UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved December 9, 2021.
    27. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (December 16, 2021). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 12.15.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved December 16, 2021.
    28. 1 2 "Twenties After-Show With B. Scott Listings". Zap2It . Retrieved November 26, 2021.
    29. 1 2 "Twenties After-Show With B. Scott – Listings". The Futon Critic . Retrieved December 3, 2021.
    30. 1 2 3 Ramos, Dino-Ray (January 14, 2020). "Lena Waithe Redefines Queer Black Narrative On BET's 'Twenties', Talks Being A Truth-Teller In A Hetero World: "I Had To Be My Own Revolution" – TCA". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved January 21, 2020.
    31. 1 2 Petski, Denise (April 15, 2019). "Lena Waithe Comedy 'Twenties' Gets Series Order At BET". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved January 5, 2020.
    32. ↑ Twenties , retrieved 2020-03-09
    33. ↑ Framke, Caroline (March 3, 2020). "Lena Waithe's 'Twenties': TV Review". Variety . Retrieved March 9, 2020.
    34. ↑ "Lena Waithe's Twenties has potential and one glaring problem". The A.V. Club . 4 March 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
    35. ↑ "The Nominees for the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards". GLAAD. 2022-01-21. Retrieved 2022-01-22.
    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.