Justin Simien’s ‘Dear White People’ Getting Netflix TV Series

Justin Simien's acclaimed film, Dear White People, has officially been picked by Lionsgate Television to adapt the story for a Netflix TV series.

The Dear White People movie was written, directed and co-produced by Simien. The film focuses on rapidly increasing racial tensions at a reputable Ivy League college from the point of views of several African American students. The film featured Tyler J. Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner and Marque Richardson in prominent roles.

The Hollywood Reporter reported on May 5, 2016 that after the worldwide success of Orange Is the New Black, Lionsgate Television has announced its second deal to produce the Dear White People TV series based on the film, distributed through Netflix. Simien will pen down the series and will direct the first episode.

While talking to The Hollywood Reporter about the TV series, Simien stated that in 2014 when the film was released, he had an enormous pressure on his shoulders as he has to speak to a lot of students and faculties to understand the issues in that time.

"I'm so grateful to have this platform - not only to give a voice to those too often unheard in our culture, but to also tell great stories from new points of views. From Day 1, Lionsgate has been remarkably supportive of the vision for the show, and working with Netflix is every bit as harmonious as I'd imagined it would be. Bringing this show to such a vibrant platform is an honor I don't take lightly," Simien further added.

Screen Rant revealed that the production of the TV series will begin this year and the season one, with 10-episodes, is expected to be released sometime in 2017. At this moment, there is no update whether the original cast from the series will reprise their roles or will be seen doing some meaningful cameos.