The popular spinoff of the hit ABC show Black-ish, Grown-ish, is scheduled to end after its sixth season. Free Form, the show’s home network, confirmed the news on Mar. 29.
Grown-ish follows Zoey Johnson, played by actress Yara Shahidi as she navigates college life and all of its associated obstacles. The show has received praise for depicting problems that young adults face, such as relationships, mental health, and social justice.
Despite the series’ critical acclaim and devoted fanbase, co-creator Kenya Barris told EW that he thinks it is time to call the show quits. He expressed his gratitude to the actors, crew, and fans who have supported the show over the years in a statement and promised that the final season would be a satisfying conclusion to the narrative. He added:
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“We’ve spent nearly a decade telling our stories through the -ish series and to say it has been an amazing journey would be an understatement. To be able to watch Yara, Marcus, and our entire Grown-ish family grow up in front of (and in many ways alongside) us over these past several years has been both a joy and an honor. From the stories we’ve told to the talent we’ve fostered and, most importantly, the memories made, I could not be more proud of everything we’ve accomplished and the -ish family I’ve been a part of.”
Fans can expect to see how Zoey’s adventure concludes as the series enters its final season. Just recently, Shahidi announced in an interview for Free Form that the final season will be the biggest yet, with many special guests, including Lil Yachty and Anderson .Paak. She also thanked the audience for their support over the years.
With the show’s track record of addressing important issues with nuance and sensitivity, the finale is sure to leave an impression.
Season 6 of Grown-ish will air on Free Form in 2024.
Related: These Actors Went to College (But Not for Acting)
Grown-ish’s Yara Shahidi Addresses Backlash Over Her Role as Tinkerbell
21-year-old actress Yara Shahidi has been chosen as Tinkerbell in Disney+’s upcoming live-action remake of Peter Pan titled Peter Pan and Wendy. However, her casting was greeted with a racist backlash on social media, with some criticizing the decision because of Shahidi’s African-American heritage.
Despite the hurtful remarks, Shahidi handled them with grace and optimism. She took to Instagram to thank everyone for their support and to address the criticism, writing, “I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to bring this magical character to life,” and that “everyone should feel the right to live in a world where they can play characters that reflect themselves and those around them.”
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Shahidi added, “I think oftentimes people think of diversity and inclusion as threatening or jeopardising the quality of the story, instead of seeing how beautifully they can be interwoven together to create something that impacts even more people, that lets even more people into stories that we love.”
Shahidi’s reaction emphasizes the significance of diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. People of all races and ethnicities must see themselves reflected in the media they consume, particularly in parts typically played by actors of other races. This representation aids in the dismantling of stereotypes and supports a more inclusive society. Furthermore, Shahidi’s response demonstrates the tenacity of marginalized groups in the face of adversity. Rather than being discouraged by the racist backlash, she used it to advocate for inclusivity and to encourage others to do the same.
Finally, Yara Shahidi’s reaction to the racist backlash over her casting as Tinkerbell demonstrates her strength and dedication to supporting diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood. She is many people’s role model, and her bravery and grace will surely inspire positive change in the industry.
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