It follows a successful pilot in 2021 and will be produced by Big Deal Films and A24.
The pilot for Dreaming Whilst Black adapted from the hugely popular web series co-written by Adjani Salmon and Ali Hughes, garnered a deluge of critical acclaim and a string of award wins and nominations for the creator, star and co-writer Salmon.
Loosely inspired by real-life events, Dreaming Whilst Black follows aspiring filmmaker Kwabena, played by Adjani Salmon, in and out of reality as he tries to make it in “Babylon.” The problem is he’s broke, Black and born into a Jamaican family who wishes he was an accountant.
Speaking about the news, co-creator, writer and star of Dreaming Whilst Black, Adjani Salmon said "When we made the web series we wanted to be “di bes ting pon di intanet.” With all the support we now have, we want to make “di bes ting pon BBC TV,” pun intended."
To which BBC's Head of Comedy, Tanya Qureshi, said "We are sure it won’t come as a surprise that BBC Comedy wanted to take this wonderful project to series. Its success and recognition speaks for itself. It is a testament to the work that Big Deal Films and co-writers Adjani and Ali have done, that it has attracted such a strong partner in A24. We can’t wait to bring the series to UK audiences later next year."
The six-part series will come to BBC Three in 2023 and will be co-produced by Big Deal Films and A24 who will distribute the series internationally. It will be executive produced by Dhanny Joshi, Thomas Stogdon and Adjani Salmon, directed by Jermain Julien and Joelle Mae David and produced by Nicola Gregory.
Co-Executive Producer for Big Deal Films, Dhanny Joshi, said "We are thrilled for the opportunity to continue telling Kwabena’s story in creative collaboration with A24, BBC Comedy and the rest of our incredible cast, writers and crew. The response we’ve received from audiences who continue to discover the Dreaming Whilst Black pilot is one of the most deeply rewarding experiences we’ve shared."
"To hear viewers express how the show made them “feel seen” has been inspirational, and we're so grateful to the team at BBC Comedy and A24 for making the series a reality."
The original web series was co-written by Salmon and Ali Hughes and was created by Adjani Salmon, Max Evans, Laura de Sousa Seixas and Natasha Jatania of 4 Quarters Films.
Dreaming Whilst Black will air in 2023 on BBC Three