HBO Max Greenlights Animated Series from Hair Love Creator

HBO Max has ordered the 2D animated series Young Love, based on the characters introduced in the Academy Award-winning short film Hair Love from Matthew A. Cherry.

Hair Love centers on the relationship between an African-American father and his daughter Zuri as he does her hair for the first time. The all-new animated series Young Love expands on the family introduced in Hair Love, following as they juggle their careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues and multi-generational dynamics all while striving to make a better life for themselves.

The 12-episode new series is created by Cherry, who will showrun with long-time animation creative Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite). The series will be executive produced by Blue Key Entertainment’s Monica A. Young (producer of Hair Love) along with Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.

“Hair Love struck a chord that is still resonating deeply with audiences of all ages,” said Billy Wee, senior VP of original animation at HBO Max. “Matthew and Sony Animation’s creative voices are a welcomed addition to the HBO Max family and we can’t wait to bring this joyous story to the world.”

“I am beyond excited to continue telling the story of Stephen, Angela and Zuri and further explore the family dynamics of a young Black millennial family we established in our short film Hair Love as an animated series,” said Cherry. “Couldn’t ask for better partners in Sony Pictures Animation and HBO Max in helping us get Young Love out to the world.”

Karen Rupert Toliver, executive VP of creative for Sony Pictures Animation and Oscar-winning producer of Hair Love, added, “It’s a privilege to continue our partnership with Matthew Cherry, who has a gift for tapping into meaningful stories that touch our hearts. I personally can’t wait to collectively laugh and cry with the Young family.”