Emmy-nominated writer and executive producer Adele “Supreme” Williams premiered a sneak peek of her new animation series “Oh My God…Yes! A series of Extremely Relatable Circumstances” at the Howard Theatre last Thursday.
The historical venue long showcasing Black talent provided the perfect setting for a show attempting to challenge the norms in animation. The show marks the first time Adult Swim has aired an animated show created by and centered on a Black woman.
A mix of Howard students and animation enthusiasts gathered to watch the screening of the series’ first episodes. The theatre was alive with chatter and movement as people snapped photos, ate popcorn and discussed their theories.
“Oh My God…Yes!” follows the lives of three best friends, Sunny (Williams), Tulip (DomiNque Perry) and Ladi (Xosha Roquemore) as they navigate the complexities of womanhood in 22nd century South Central Los Angeles.
The animation balances raunchy quips and powerful messaging through the lens of a futuristic sci-fi world, bringing to light the story of “inappropriate” unorthodox Black women in a manner never quite done before, especially on the platform.
It reflects a future where Black women can be unapologetically themselves without feeling the weight of societal expectations.
Black women have been historically underrepresented in the media, with the few portrayals often being limited to stereotypical roles like “the angry Black woman” or “the sexually promiscuous Black woman. There is a growing trend of “quirky Black women” being depicted in media, such as Issa Rae’s character Issa in “Insecure” or Ayo Edeberi’s character Josie in “Bottoms.” These characters are allowed to exist outside of stereotypical narratives.
In this show’s futuristic world, even the wildest scenarios come to life, from baby robotic monsters overthrowing the city to Black girls riding tigers through the streets.
Representation in animation for Black women has long been limited. According to a study done by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, only 12% of animated shows star a woman of color.
Not everyone views intentional representation positively. Online, some users, including Reddit user einherjar4965 dismiss the series as “more DEI panderation.”
During the panel discussion following the screening, Williams teared up when reflecting on the challenges that came with her achievement.
“The way I expected it to feel? This ain’t mirroring that. It’s been stressful,” Williams said. “You really have to ground yourself as a person of color entering into this new season of storytelling.”
Williams’ creation not only challenges the animation space but also expands the landscape of what Black storytelling can look like in science fiction. The Los Angeles Times described it as “the devilish Afro-futurist surrealist animated action series you didn’t know you were waiting for.”
The audience had an overwhelmingly positive response to the screening, laughing at each punchline and asking for more episodes as the premiere came to its closure. People in the crowd laughed, clapped and cheered on Williams during the more emotional parts of the panel.
Williams’ storytelling takes inspiration from her upbringing, particularly her relationship with her mother.
“What it means to scrape your knees and be told ‘ain’t nothing wrong with you.’ Experiencing pain and being conditioned to suppress said pain, and not be able to put words to what you’re feeling,” she said.
This upbringing directly informed the style and the behaviors of the main characters that replicate different facets of her personality while also challenging this mindset.
Ultimately, the show reveals the strength that comes from embracing vulnerability and breaking free from the emotional restraints of one’s past. This is shown in the very first episode, when Sunny’s half-monster child (a literal manifestation of her internal struggles) wreaks havoc upon the city and she is forced to take a look at her emotional repression.
Through Williams’ vision, “Oh My God… Yes!” is not just a new addition to the world of animation, but a bold statement on the importance of representation and the significance of allowing space for different takes on the Black women experience.
In light of today’s entertainment industry, where many Black-led shows are getting cancelled, Williams shared a powerful message to Black youth today.
“I don’t know the secret to success, but I do know that the secret to failure is trying to please everyone,” Williams said. “We are living in a time where who you are, Black, will be confronted, you will be made to feel like you are not enough. You have to know and constantly remind yourself that you are. Now more than ever. Our time is now.”
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
