Kevin Hart’s entertainment company Hartbeat is teaming up with Sundial Media & Technology Group—the parent company to ESSENCE, AFROPUNK, and Refinery29—to launch an ESSENCE-branded FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel. It’s a first-of-its-kind move aimed squarely at filling a major gap in the streaming landscape: a premium digital platform specifically made for Black women.
And it’s not just a new channel—it’s a cultural destination.
The new FAST channel will combine Sundial’s robust content archive with Hartbeat’s original, premium productions, offering Black women access to entertainment that centers and celebrates their stories, voices, and influence. Expect a mix of exclusive new content and beloved acquired programming that speaks directly to ESSENCE’s core audience.
“This ESSENCE-branded FAST channel represents another strategic opportunity to create authentic content for an audience that has been overlooked,” said Hartbeat President Jeff Clanagan. “We’re not just launching a channel – we’re creating a cultural destination.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Black audiences are consuming more streaming content than ever, with Connected TV viewership growing 40% year over year. Yet programming specifically made for Black women is still scarce across major platforms. This partnership wants to change that.
Michele Ghee, Chief Content Officer at ESSENCE, added: “We’re proud to introduce an ESSENCE-branded FAST channel that elevates the voices, experiences, and culture of our audience… We’re not just launching a channel; we’re creating a new space for our community to see themselves reflected and celebrated in bold, authentic ways.”
The rollout also emphasizes investment in Black women creatives. The channel will offer sustainable funding for Black actresses, writers, and directors while opening up new revenue opportunities through brand collaborations that authentically resonate with Black women.
Behind the scenes, Hartbeat’s production muscle—responsible for Fight Night on Peacock and Number One on the Call Sheet for Apple TV+—will help shape the tone and quality of the original programming. The company’s Women Write Now program has already proven their commitment to spotlighting and elevating Black female voices in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, Sundial’s legacy speaks for itself. ESSENCE has championed Black women for 55 years, and the parent company’s tentpole events like ESSENCE Festival of Culture® and Beautycon™ command massive cultural impact.
The ESSENCE FAST channel will be available across all major FAST, YouTube, and Connected TV platforms, making it easy for Black women to tap in—anytime, anywhere.