Issa Rae’s scripted comedy series, “Rap Sh!t,” is canceled after a two-season run on Max. The show, created by Rae and starring Aida Osman, KaMillion, and an ensemble cast, explored the journey of two estranged friends from Miami who reunite to form a rap duo and chase their dreams in the music industry.
The decision to conclude the series was announced by Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton, expressing pride and gratitude for the collaborative effort that brought “Rap Sh!t” to life. Rae stated, “I’m so proud of and grateful for Syreeta, our cast, writers and crew that made this show possible,” as she thanked Max executives Sarah Aubrey and Suzanna Makkos for their support.
Singleton also shared her sentiments, saying, “I love this show and I am so proud of the work we’ve done. We created something fun, raw, and original, and we did it our way!” She expressed gratitude to Issa Rae, the cast, and the crew for making the show a reality.
Originally launched in July 2022 as Rae’s first scripted series post-“Insecure,” “Rap Sh!t” received acclaim and nominations at prestigious awards ceremonies. The second season, consisting of eight episodes, faced a brief delay due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike but returned with strong reviews, holding a 100% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics praised the show’s textured and raw exploration of the challenges that come with achieving dreams. The series delved into the lives of characters Mia, Shawna, and Chastity as they navigated new stages and audiences, uncovering the complexities of fame and notoriety.
The music in “Rap Sh!t” also earned recognition, with Raedio, Rae’s music supervision arm, curating a captivating soundtrack. Singleton added, “And so grateful to Max for giving us the chance to bring ‘Rap Sh!t’ to the screen.”
The cancellation of “Rap Sh!t” adds to recent decisions at Max, including the discontinuation of “Julia” and “Our Flag Means Death.” Despite the conclusion of these series, Max’s scripted roster continues to feature acclaimed shows like “Hacks,” “Peacemaker,” and upcoming originals such as “Duster,” “The Girls on the Bus,” and “The Penguin.”