The upcoming Netflix straight-to-series comedy series, Dear White People has added Black Reel Awards nominee Nia Long to the cast based on the successful Sundance film.
Described as “a sendup of “post-racial” America, Dear White People highlights a diverse group of students of color as they navigate a predominantly white Ivy League college where racial tensions are often swept under the rug.
Long will serve in a recurring role as Neika Hobbs, an African-American studies professor at Winchester University with a whip-smart intellect and unflappable confidence whose pulled-together professional life contrasts a more complicated personal one.
Recently, Long co-starred in on the canceled ABC series Uncle Buck as well as appearing in the comedy, Keanu. Some of her other recent TV credits include The Divide and House of Lies. Up next for Long is the Lifetime’s telefilm remake of Beaches, and the feature Roxanne, Roxanne.
Justin Simien, who made his feature directing debut on the Dear White People film, will write the series and direct several episodes. Yvette Lee Bowser will executive produce alongside the movie’s Stephanie Allain and Julia Lebedev. The 10-episode series goes into production this month for a 2017 premiere on Netflix.