Actress, writer, and producer Diarra Kilpatrick has signed an exclusive overall deal with BET Studios, a division of BET. As part of the deal, BET+ has ordered eight episodes of Kilpatrick’s straight-to-series project, “Diarra from Detroit.”
The one-hour comedy follows a divorcing schoolteacher with a sharp sense of humor who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld. Production for the show is currently wrapping up and is set to premiere later in 2023.
Aisha Summers Burke, Executive Vice President, and General Manager of BET Studios said, “We are so excited to partner with Diarra. She represents the next generation of content creators, boldly embracing the role of a multi-hyphenate as a writer, actress, and producer. With a unique and authentic voice, Diarra’s storytelling is fearless, funny, and subversive. We are thrilled to have her part of the BET family.”
The series is created by Kilpatrick and produced by BET Studios and Khalabo Ink Society, with Kilpatrick executive producing alongside Kenya Barris for Khalabo Ink Society and Miles Orion Feldsott. Erynn Sampson serves as a producer, overseeing the project for Khalabo Ink Society.
Kilpatrick has a history of successful projects, having been nominated for a Primetime Emmy for her award-winning series “American Koko,” which was produced by Viola Davis for ABC Digital. She has also written for “The Last OG” on TBS and “I’m Dying Up Here” on Showtime. She has sold pilots to Amazon, Showtime, and FX.
Kilpatrick is also an accomplished actress, having acted in films such as “Lila and Eve” and “Twilight Zone” opposite Kumail Nanjiani. She currently plays a series regular on HBO’s “Perry Mason” as Clara Drake.
“When Kenya called, I jumped at the opportunity to work with BET Studios,” said Kilpatrick. “It’s a dream come true to work with Scott, Aisha, Devin, Kenya and their teams and to have a space to create stories for everyone that center the Black experience. It’s a privilege to write, perform, and EP with this sharp and collaborative team supporting me. I’m so grateful.”
“Diarra from Detroit” will premiere later in 2023, exclusively on BET+.