TBS Secures Lena Waithe Comedy Pilot ‘Twenties’

TBS has ordered to pilot producer/actor writer Lena Waithe’s latest project Twenties, the network said Tuesday.

The project follows the adventures of a queer black woman, Hattie, and her two straight best friends who spend most of their days chasing their dreams, said network officials. Waithe (Netfix’s Master Of None, Showtime’s The Chi) serves as executive producer of the pilot through her company Hillman Grad Productions along with Andrew Coles.

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“I wrote Twenties back in 2009,” said Waithe, who recently won an Emmy Award for writing for Master Of None. “I always wanted to tell a story where a queer black woman was the protagonist and I'm so grateful to TBS for giving me a platform to tell this story. Queer black characters have been the sidekick for long enough, it's time for us to finally take the lead.” 

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.