“Love Is___” Premiere: Oprah, Salim Akil, Mara Brock Akil, Will Catlett, Michele Weaver Attend

Oprah Winfrey with actor Will Catlett, show creator/executive producer Salim Akil, show creator/executive producer/showrunner Mara Brock Akil, and actress Michele Weaver

“Love Is___” Premiere

The stars of OWN’s newest show hit the red carpet this week. “Love Is___” is the new original one-hour romantic drama from award-winning producers Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil premiering on Tuesday, June 19 at 10 p.m. On Monday (June 11th), the cast attended the private screening and after party at NeueHouse Hollywood.

Oprah Winfrey with “Love Is___” stars Will Catlett and Michele Weaver

Michele Weaver (“Illicit”) and Will Catlett (“Black Lightning”) star in OWN’s new romantic drama “Love Is__,” from award-winning producers Mara Brock Akil (“Girlfriends,” Being Mary Jane,” “The Game”) and Salim Akil (“Black Lightning”).

Set primarily in 1990’s Los Angeles against the backdrop of Black Hollywood, “Love Is__” follows Nuri (Michele Weaver) and Yasir (Will Catlett), a couple from seemingly opposite worlds, as they chase their dreams and learn to follow their hearts. Told from the perspective of the couple’s present-day selves, the romantic drama also revisits the social issues and vibrant black culture of that time reflecting on how it all aligned to shape the couple they have become nearly 20 years later — a power couple navigating a complex set of social codes while also balancing successful careers and a beautiful family. Drawing inspiration from creators Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil’s own relationship journey, the series explores the highs, the lows, and the magic of falling (and staying) in love.

“Love Is___” also features Primetime Emmy®-winner Loretta Devine (“Grey’s Anatomy”), NAACP Image Award-nominee Vanessa Bell Calloway (“Coming to America”), NAACP Image Award-winner Tim Reid (“Sister, Sister”), Tosin Morohunfola (“The Chi”), Tammy Townsend (“Sherri”), and Michael King (“Black Lightning”), all with recurring roles.

Photo credit: Courtesy of OWN/Photographer: Chris Frawley

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