Issa Rae Created This Awkward HBO Comedy-Drama That's Still Highly Praised 10 Years Later

Television shows that premiere on HBO are often known for their clever writing and likeable characters. This is why the HBO comedy-drama Insecure is still loved by fans even after a decade following its premiere. 2026 marks the 10th anniversary for the show, which is still relevant to audiences in many ways.

Insecure was co-created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore. The inspiration for the series comes from an acclaimed web series created by Issa titled Awkward Black Girl, which premiered on her YouTube channel. While that web series was partially based on Issa’s personal experiences, Insecure expanded upon its concepts of the complexities of blackness. She wanted to convey the reality that one cannot escape being black.

While writing on the show began as far back as 2013, it wouldn’t be until September 2016 when Insecure finally premiered on HBO. It would have weekly episodes and run for a total of five seasons, before its series finale aired in December 2021. The series would be aired on the HBO channel, but also watchable on HBO Now, the earlier version of what would eventually become HBO Max.

The show would center around a young black woman named Issa and her friend Molly, played by Issa Rae herself and actress Yvonne Orji. The two of them have been best friends since their college days, and find themselves dealing with the everyday struggles of living in south Los Angeles. Problems with relationships, their careers, and interactions with the black community are part of each season, with multiple recurring characters and storylines.

Critics and audiences enjoyed watching Insecure on HBO, praising its unique female experiences within black-centered stories. Unlike other shows with black leads and plotlines, Insecure had a more believable and ordinary story for audiences to follow. Praise for the series was enough for the cast to be nominated for multiple awards, including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Golden Globes and NAACP Awards for Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji.

Since the final season aired on television, Insecure was syndicated on OWN in 2023, and later became available for streaming on Netflix. It was the first HBO show in streaming history to be available on Netflix.

source https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/issa-rae-created-this-awkward-hbo-comedy-drama-thats-still-highly-praised-10-years-later