OWN Slates Drama from Mara Brock Akil & Salim Akil

Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, the producers behind Being Mary Jane, The Game and Girlfriends, are working on a new drama about a modern-day power couple for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network called Love Is ___.

The series, in association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television, is being produced through the duo’s Akil Productions banner, with Mara Brock Akil serving as showrunner. Love Is ___ will draw inspiration from the Akils’ own relationship and is set to premiere in 2018.

“I’ve dreamed of working with the Akils,” said Oprah Winfrey. “I’ve been a huge fan of their work since first viewing Girlfriends. They know just how to hit the cultural nerve to make you think and laugh at the same time.”

“To have a partner that brings the attention to detail and sheer excellence that Oprah has built an empire on is an absolute dream come true for Salim and me,” said Mara Brock Akil. “That, and it’s Oprah! Love Is ___ is not only a passion project, but is a personal one for us as well. We’re grateful to have her wholehearted support and magic touch behind this story.”

OWN has been steadily expanding its scripted output, with a slate that now includes Queen Sugar, Greenleaf, The Haves and the Have Nots and If Loving You is Wrong.