Actress and writer Diarra Kilpatrick has signed an overall deal with BET Studios, which includes eight episodes of her straight-to-series project Diarra From Detroit.

Diarra from Detroit is described as a “dark comedy” that follows “a divorcing schoolteacher with an acerbic sense of humor who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date. Her search for the missing man pulls her into a decades-old mystery involving the Detroit underworld.” The series is currently finishing production and will premiere later this year.

Diarra from Detroit is executive produced by Kilpatrick, Kenya Barris via his production company Khalabo Ink Society, and Miles Orion Feldsott. Erynn Sampson will oversee for Khalabo Ink Society.

Kilpatrick is best known for her Primetime Emmy-nominated series American Koko, produced by Viola Davis for ABC Digital. She also wrote and acted on TBS’ The Last OG and wrote for Showtime’s I’m Dying Up Here. She is a series regular on HBO’s Perry Mason.

“We are so excited to partner with Diarra. She represents the next generation of content creators, boldly embracing the role of a multi-hyphenate as a writer, actress, and producer,” said Aisha Summers Burke, Executive Vice President, and General Manager, BET Studios, in a statement. “With a unique and authentic voice, Diarra’s storytelling is fearless, funny, and subversive. We are thrilled to have her part of the BET family.”

“When Kenya called, I jumped at the opportunity to work with BET Studios,” added Kilpatrick. “It’s a dream come true to work with Scott, Aisha, Devin, Kenya, and their teams and to have a space to create stories for everyone that center the Black experience. It’s a privilege to write, perform and EP with this sharp and collaborative team supporting me. I’m so grateful.”

Diarra From Detroit

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