ALLBLK , AMC Networks’ popular streaming service for Black TV and film, today announced that new sci-fi drama, Wicked City, from executive producers Tressa “Azarel” Smallwood and Donte Lee, will debut this winter. The new series, comprised of six, 30-minute episodes follows five urban witches who push their supernatural powers to new heights after uncovering dark secrets and accidentally entering the world of the forbidden.
The cast includes Vanessa Bell Calloway, Columbus Short, Taylor Polidore, Shaquita Smith, Mercedez McDowell, Chantal Maurice, Chanel Mack, Rhonda Morman, Malika Blessing, and Rolonda Rochelle
While living their best life in Atlanta, four young, chic, modern-day witches, Jordan Davis, Mona De La Cruz, Angela Harris, and Sherise Baker make the acquaintance of Camille, a naturally powerful witch who is oblivious to her gift. Reluctantly, Camille joins the women for a spell, but things take a menacing turn resulting in an accidental death. The witches quickly perform a forbidden resurrection spell, however it is too late, as a dark sinister being is brought back from the other side. Now, between their complicated personal lives, unearthed secrets of the past, and attempting to defeat a powerful wraith, this coven is in for the most dangerous ride of their lives.
Leading the cast is Vanessa Bell Calloway (Shameless ) staring as Tabitha, the owner of Charm City Awakening and longtime mentor to the coven; Taylor Polidore (Snowfall ) plays the role of Camille, a dance teacher who returns to her hometown and unaware of her powers; Shaquita Smith (The Couch ) stars as Jordan, who works at the fictitious occult shop Charm City Awakening; rarely seen without best friend, Mona, played by Mercedez McDowell (The Resident ), is currently working 3 jobs to make ends meet; Chantal Maurice (P-Valley ) portrays Angela who has an affinity for selling magically enhanced psychedelics and other drugs; Chanel Mack (The Harder They Fall) plays the role of Sherise who is the most experienced of the coven and with magic; Rhonda Morman (Sister Swap: Christmas in the City ) portrays Claudette, a formerly powerful witch who is intent on regaining the powers that were reluctantly taken from her; Malika Blessing (The Lost Souls Café ) starring as Caden, a mysterious stranger who the coven believes is a threat. Rounding out the ensemble cast is Columbus Short (True To The Game ) staring as a dangerous sorcerer known as The Handler and Rolonda Rochelle (Chicago Fire) staring as Kendria, Camille’s mother who warns her of the dangers lurking ahead.
“Tressa and I have worked together over the years on various projects, and I’m delighted we’ve reunited once again on Wicked City ,” said Brett Dismuke , General Manager, ALLBLK & WE tv. “As content offerings continue to evolve at ALLBLK, this supernatural drama delivers something different we are confident will resonate with subscribers.” Added Nikki Love , SVP, Development & Production, ALLBLK, “The storyline of Black witches is something we hardly see, if ever, within the wildly popular supernatural, sci-fi and fantasy genre. The addition of Wicked City to ALLBLK’s continuously growing roster provides diverse Black representation in an otherwise underrepresented space. We look forward to being a part of the narrative.”
Executive producer and showrunner Tressa “Azarel” Smallwood added, “My goal has always been to give emerging, talented Black writers opportunities to showcase new and engaging stories. When writers Kristin Iris Johnson and Serena M. Lee approached me with the concept for Wicked City, I knew we had something new and different that hadn’t been seen on TV before. Wicked City not only showcases a broader diversity of Blackness, it fills the gap of the kind of Black supernatural content that so many in our community have wanted to see but have been perpetually deprived of. I am so excited to work with Brett and ALLBLK on bringing this kind of new content to a platform that unapologetically centers Black stories.”
Currently shooting in Atlanta, GA, Wicked City is executive producer by Tressa “Azarel” Smallwood of Mega Mind Media . Donte Lee will also serve as executive producers with Kevin Key who will produce and Dale Lewis who will direct for Relentless Studio . Melissa LLewellyn-Alston will serve as producer. General Manager, Brett Dismuke , and SVP of Development & Production, Nikki Love will serve as executive producers for ALLBLK. @watchallblk
