Netflix Greenlights 'Dear White People' Series

Netflix has greenlit a new comedy series Dear White People, the network said Thursday.

The Lionsgate-produced series, based on writer/director/producer Justin Simien’s critically-acclaimed, Sundance award-winning indie film, will debut on the streaming service in 2017.

Dear White People follows a diverse group of students of color as they navigate a predominantly white Ivy League college where racial tensions are often swept under the rug, according to Netflix. The series will be written by Simien, with Sephanie Allain Bray (Hustle & Flow, Dear White People) and Julia Lebedev (The Dinner, Dear White People) serving as executive producers.

“Justin is a gifted storyteller whose bold, unique vision is perfectly suited to Netflix,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix in a statement. “His original film Dear White People announced the arrival of a fresh, creative voice that had everyone talking, and we’re excited to have Justin create this new series for our members worldwide.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.