HBO Max has ordered a 12-episode animated series based on the Oscar-winning animated short Hair Love from its writer and director Matthew A. Cherry.
Creator Cherry will showrun the series with animation creator Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite). Blue Key Entertainment’s Monica A. Young producer of Hair Love will executive produce along with Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.
“I am beyond excited to continue telling the story of Stephen, Angela and Zuri and further explore the family dynamics of a young Black millennial family we established in our short film Hair Love as an animated series,” Cherry said. “Couldn’t ask for better partners in Sony Pictures Animation and HBO Max in helping us get Young Love out to the world.”
Based on Cherry’s best-selling book, Hair Love follows the story between the relationship of an African-American father and his daughter Zuri, as he learns to do her hair for the first time. Young Love, the 2D animated series will expand the story of the Young family—including millennial parents Stephen and Angela, their daughter Zuri and her pet cat Rocky—as they juggle careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues and multi-generational dynamics while striving to make a better life for themselves.
“Hair Love struck a chord that is still resonating deeply with audiences of all ages. said Billy Wee, HBO Max SVP of Original Animation. “Matthew and Sony Animation’s creative voices are a welcomed addition to the HBO Max family, and we can’t wait to bring this joyous story to the world.”
Sony Pictures Animation executive VP of creative and Hair Love producer Karen Rupert Toliver called it a “privilege” to continue working with Cherry, adding that he has “gift for tapping into meaningful stories that touch our hearts. I personally can’t wait to collectively laugh and cry with the Young family.”
Matthew A. Cherry recently inked a multi-year first-look deal with Warner Bros Television Group to develop comedies, dramas, and event series for WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, pay and basic cable networks, and broadcast.
I am from Houston, Texas where I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science. I worked as Assistant
I am from Houston, Texas where I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science. I worked as Assistant Production Intern for 104.1 KRBE radio station where I produced two shows in the mornings and afternoons. I began writing my senior year of college for Cliche Magazine as an Entertainment Writer. After a year with Cliche Magazine, I began freelance writing for various online companies and became a staff writer for ScreenRant. After leaving ScreenRant, I started independent work again as a Contributor Entertainment Writer. On top of writing, I work as a Social Media Manager for Blessed Beatz Radio and Active Athlete Sneaker Company.