Kenya Barris is bringing yet another comedy show into the world.
Netflix has ordered Astronomy Club, a sketch comedy series by Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society and Irony Point. The series will span six half-hour episodes and star Astronomy Club, a New York-based sketch comedy and improv group. The group was created in 2013 and billed as the first all-Black house team at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Group members include Shawntae Bowen, Jonathan Braylock, Ray Cordova, James III, Caroline Martin, Jerah Milligan, Monique Moses and Keisha Zollar.
The show will use comedy to broach many a tough subject. According to the official description: “As the group has done successfully with its improv and sketch performances, the series will use comedy to discuss complex and nuanced real-world topics. Combining honesty with levity, sketches will explore an array of topics ranging from pop culture and social issues to the Black experience.”
The series will be executive produced by Barris as well as Daniel Powell for Irony Point. The partnership between Khalabo Ink Society and Irony Point is said to reflect on Barris’ focus on the collaborative process.
“These types of partnerships are reflective of Barris’ approach to mentorship and have become a pillar of Khalabo Ink Society’s creative process,” states the release. “With a focus on socially conscious storytelling that reflects our culture and tackles contemporary issues and themes, Barris has grown the transmedia company with the goal of establishing it as a creative collective, where collaboration is fostered and new talent can thrive.”
This is one of several projects on Barris’ production slate. Khalabo Ink Society is also working on a remake of the popular television series Bewitched for ABC, another black-ish spinoff called mixed-ish, and his first series with Netflix, Black Excellence. His production company is also behind upcoming films Coming to America 2, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches, a Cheaper by the Dozen remake, and original films The French Quarter Will Not Be Spared for Lionsgate, The Last Dragon for Sony, The Guysmaids for 20th Century Fox, and an animated film based on the songs of Bob Marley.
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Photo: Netflix
