It’s been ten years since Issa Rae launched her web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” on YouTube. A show about the life of a girl named J, who finds herself in awkward situations in her work life and love life. The 1st episode aired on February 3rd, 2011, and now has over 19 million views and counting.
The series won a Shorty Award for ‘Best Web Series” in 2012, and the second season aired on Pharrell Williams’ I am OTHER multi-media collective. Issa thanked all of the people who supported her before her rise to fame on Instagram, saying, “I am deeply appreciative of everyone (cast, crew, writers, supporters) who helped to take it as far as it got. Special shout-out to @tracyyoliver who had the vision to take the series to the next level, and @pharrell, who bet on us for Season2! Rewatch Season 1 with us today! Happy #ABG10!”
Who would have thought that a decade ago, the web series would became the foundation for her HBO-series “Insecure”; which is now entering its 5th and final season. Fans are sad to see it end, but it has revolutionized black Hollywood without a doubt.
“10 years ago, today, I released the first episode of “The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl.” I had just turned 26, it was my third web series (the first one I was in), and my big plan was to sell these dingy ass t-shirts (? Thanks to the real ones who bought some). I had no idea the series was going to change my life — but my broke a** was sure the f*** ready for it too. “
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In its four seasons, the show has been nominated for 11 Emmys. Last year, in 2020, Insecure won an Emmy for ‘Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Show.’
Check out “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” here.
Photo Credit: SHADOW & ACT
