There’s a new web series on the block!
Insecure‘s Issa Rae and Empire‘s Jussie Smollett have teamed up to produce Giants, written and directed by James Bland. The six-episode series takes a look at a trio of millennials struggling to get it together and navigate life’s ups and downs.
There are a number of reasons to watch the show, which premieres January 25, but we’ve narrowed it down to three.
1. You’ll See Some Talented Familiar Faces
Bland, who plays Malachi, appeared in Rae and Jahmela Biggs’ viral hit series First as Brock, directing a few of the show’s episodes. You’ll also recognize Malachi’s roommate if you were a fan of Ken & Kel. Vanessa Baden, who plays Journee, starred in the Nickelodeon series as Kyra Rockmore, Kenan’s little sister with a massive crush on Kel. She was also one of the little actresses on Gullah, Gullah Island.
2. The Show Tackles Hot-Button Issues
Giants takes a deep dive into mental health and sexuality, issues that are still somewhat stigmatized in the black community. The show also explores race, class, police brutality, and much more in a very honest and real way.
3. It’s Relatable, Funny, And Poignant
The show finds a way to delicately balance humor with more intense moments, which is what makes it so relatable and heartfelt. Viewers will see themselves in the characters and laugh along with them as they find moments of light in dark situations.
Describing the show in a statement, Bland adds, “Giants explores social issues that are either ignored or stigmatized by the black community and regardless of race, these characters’ experiences are relatable to almost anyone because they learn the hard way that when life kicks your ass, you either lie down or fight back.”
The series premieres January 25 at 8p.m. on Rae’s YouTube channel. You can check out the trailer below.