Watch Run the World

"Run the World" is a fresh and funny comedy series, recently premiered in 2021 from STARZ, revolving around a group of four black women living in New York City's Harlem. Created by Leigh Davenport, the show stars Amber Stevens West as Whitney, Andrea Bordeaux as Ella, Bresha Webb as Renee, and Corbin Reid as Sondi, who are all in their early thirties and tight-knit friends since college. They are all highly accomplished in their respective fields, from PR, professional writing, law, and education. The series picks up with a minor rift between the quartet when Whitney returns from a period of abroad travel, looking to reconnect with her girlfriends and make new strides in her career.

In this series, we get to indulge in the beautiful and rich culture of Harlem, with an almost symbiotic relationship between its residents and their surrounding community. The locale itself is almost considered another character in the show, with food scenes serving as beautiful backdrops of the vibrant and dynamic New York City, that the characters call home.

As the series progresses, each of the characters grapples with various personal and professional challenges. Whitney battles with her relationship, trying to find her footing after breaking up with her boyfriend and starting her own PR firm. Ella, a no-nonsense free-spirited writer, struggles with writer's block, creatively stagnant after failing to land a prestigious literary award. Renee, a divorce lawyer, is in the process of dealing with her mother’s illness, balancing her career with her caregiver duties is a difficult challenge for Renee. Sondi, a prim and proper teacher, takes on her wayward younger cousin and attempts to get him back on the right path after he gets expelled from college.

The genre of the show is an upbeat, empowering series that showcases black women in leading roles, something often lacking from traditional Hollywood fare. It subtly touches on social issues like gentrification in Harlem and power imbalance in relationships that affect their female perspectives. The writing is witty, sophisticated and relatable, and successful in creating an entertaining storyline. But most of all, this series is about celebrating the friendship of black women, the trials and tribulations they face together as well as conquering them through unwavering support from each other.

The women of "Run the World" are not superheroes, nor do they possess magical powers. They are a group of intelligent, confident, and successful women who have insecurities, make mistakes, and are still trying to figure things for themselves. It’s the relatability of the character's experiences that draws viewers to the series. Whitney, the glamorous one, might have her weakness for men and guilty pleasures, but she's still an inspiration as she bravely navigates entrepreneurship with her new firm. Ella, a goofy and adventurous writer who likes to take risks, has her adventurous spirit but is also called to find balance to find her voice again. Renee provides a fresh perspective as she juggles her career, love life, and looking after her ailing mother. Sondi, the steady rock of the group, explores her maternal instincts as she grapples with the shortcomings of a family member.

The chemistry between the four main actresses is impeccable, with their friendship radiating throughout each scene when they are all together. The series has a vibrant mix of characters and storylines that will keep viewers wanting more. The TV series is not just visually stunning, but it portrays a rich and diverse story in a modern setting that manages to deliver its message in an entertaining and easy-to-digest way.

In conclusion, "Run the World" is not just an empowering show of women supporting each other, but it also provides a fresh perspective on black women in popular culture. It will appeal to fans of Sex and the City, as it has excellent writing, a stellar cast, and focuses on a group of women striving for success and happiness. This witty and empowering series is well worth watching, and it’s one of the most exciting TV shows to debut this year.

Run the World is a series that ran for 2 seasons (16 episodes) between May 16, 2021 and on STARZ