Kenya Barris leaves ABC Studios – Variety

Kenya Barris leaves ABC Studios

Producer and showrunner behind shows like ABC's critically acclaimed comedy "Black-ish" and Freeform's "Grown-ish" spin-off leave the studio in August. Barris also has the comedy Freeform "Besties" recently commissioned at the studio, but a studio spokesman said Barris will remain an executive producer on all his shows.

Kenny Smith will now join the longtime co-showrunner Jonathan Groff She will lead the daily operations of "Black-ish" and Julie Bean will continue to act as a showrunner on "Grown-ish". Groff, Smith and Bean all have agreements with ABC Studios.

with ABC Studios was not due to expire until 2021.

"I am very grateful to Patrick Moran and his team at ABC Studios, who supported me at every step of the creation of the world "Black-ish," "grown", and now "Besties," Barris said in a statement. "It was an incredible race including a Peabody and Golden Globe win, Emmy nominations, and many other awards, but most importantly, they helped me realize my dream of creating my own shows and I am so proud of the work we have done together .. Whatever the case may be, the studio has never hesitated to support my creative vision.The output is bittersweet, but between my on-air series and projects currently in development, I know that I will continue to work with ABC Studios for a long time. "

Barris' relationship with ABC began to show signs of tension in March when Variety reported that the network had indefinitely put aside an episode of "Black-ish" that he had written and directed, "Please, Baby, Please," which touched the news, including the controversy about kneeling athletes at performances of the national anthem. Barris said Variety at the time, "Given our creative differences, neither ABC nor I were happy with the direction of the episode and mutually agreed not to spread it. "

A month later Netis courted Barris for a global deal. The streaming service was the preserve of high level showrunners last year, signing nine-figure deals with Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes.

But complicating a jump to another studio was the ABC case of Barris. The producer had just signed a global deal renewed last year, which lasted until 2021. As a result of the contract, Barris would not be able to relocate to Netflix or to another studio without a penalty. first negotiate an exit from ABC.

to comment on Barris Friday

More recently, "black-ish" has been the subject of controversy because of sexual assault charges against the co-creator and star Anthony Anderson, who is currently under criminal investigation by the LAPD. Anderson denied the allegations against him, and sources say Variety that the production of the new season of "Black-ish" is progressing as expected.