Stories by @jmcdowell
73 stories
If Girlfriends Was Cast in 2022
An ensemble sitcom focusing on a mixed batch of black women who face life's tests and triumphs together. From dating to divorce and friends to family to relationships, Joan, Maya, Lynn and Toni support each other despite their differing backgrounds, learning about true friendship in the process.
The Women of Brewster Place
The third adaptation of the 1982 novel of the same name by Gloria Naylor, following the 1989 miniseries and the short-lived 1990 television series Brewster Place by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions. It tells the story of seven women and explores their interconnected lives.
A Thin Line Between Love And Hate Reboot
Ladies' man Darnell Wright is used to getting his way with women. Although he is committed to marrying his longtime love, Mia, he can't help himself when he meets the beautiful and standoffish Brandi. After bedding and then trying to ditch Brandi, Darnell is in for an unpleasant surprise: the unhinged Brandi is not about to let Darnell dump her, and she will do anything to exact revenge on him for tossing her aside.
Mahogany Reboot
A young woman named Billie navigates the fashion industry as one of the hottest new supermodels while hiding her true identity: she's the granddaughter of the world renowned fashion designer and supermodel, Tracy Chambers.
Mo
A Moesha reboot in the dramatic style of Peacock's Bel-Air. Follows Moesha Mitchell, a teenage girl navigating high school, friends, relationships and the occasional family drama.
Hello, Dolly!
A 1964 musical with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder's 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, which Wilder revised and re-titled The Matchmaker in 1955. The musical follows the story of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a strong-willed matchmaker, as she travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the miserly "well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder.
The Tap Dance Kid Live!
Tells the story of Willie, a 10-year-old boy from an upper-middle-class Black family, who dreams of becoming a professional tap dancer, despite his father’s disapproval. A musical based on the novel Nobody's Family is Going to Change by Louise Fitzhugh. It was written by Charles Blackwell with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics by Robert Lorick.
This Is It
About the life and career of R&B and Broadway legend Melba Moore.
Hardcore
About the life and career of Hip Hop icon Kimberly "Lil Kim" Jones.
Your Arms Too Short to Box with God
Based on the Biblical Book of Matthew, with music and lyrics by Alex Bradford and a book by Vinnette Carroll.
Pam
About the life and career of '70s icon and sex symbol, Pam Grier, based on her 2010 memoir Foxy: My Life in Three Acts.
Nina Simone: To Be Young, Gifted & Black
Chronicles several periods in the life of Nina Simone.
Take Me to the River: The Al Green Story
Chronicles the life of Soul singer Al Green. Based on Green's 2000 autobiography Take Me to the River: An Autobiography.
Storm
A movie centered around the fictional heroine Storm, first appeared in the Marvel Comic Giant Size X-Men #1 (May 1975).
My Guy: The Mary Wells Story
Chronicles the life and career of former Motown singer Mary Wells.
Getting to Happy
Sequel to Waiting to Exhale. Best friends Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin have had their share of broken marriages, concessions, and the lessons learned from taking happiness for granted. Now, with each at a crossroads that will define their future, it’s time for these women to get their act together. They’re on their way to healing past hurts and to reclaiming the joy and the dreams they deserve. And they’re doing it with spirit, sass, and hard-earned faith in one another. It’s been fifteen years since they exhaled: now they’re finally learning to breathe.
Who Asked You?
Betty Jean already has her hands full when her grown daughter leaves her two young sons in her care. In between dealing with her other adult children, two opinionated sisters, an ill husband, and her own postponed dreams—BJ still manages to hold down a job delivering room service at a hotel. Her son Dexter is about to be paroled from prison; Quentin, the family success, can’t be bothered to lend a hand; and taking care of two lively grandsons is the last thing BJ thinks she needs. But who asked her?
Uptown
About the history and legacy of 90's record label Uptown Records
Aida
An enslaved Nubian princess, Aida, finds her heart entangled with Radames, an Egyptian soldier who is betrothed to the Pharaoh's daughter, Amneris. As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility that she faces as the leader of her people. Aida and Radames' love for one another becomes a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.
The Nell Carter Story
About the life and career of Tony and Emmy winning Broadway and TV icon Nell Carter