American Soul

{{Short description|American television series}}

{{about|the television series|other uses|American Soul (disambiguation)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{Infobox television

| image = AmericanSoul.png

| genre = {{Plainlist|

}}

| creator = {{Plainlist|

}}

| director =

| writer =

| story =

| starring = {{Plainlist|

}}

| composer = Kurt Farquhar

| country = United States

| language = English

| num_seasons = 2

| num_episodes = 18

| list_episodes =

| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|

  • Tony Cornelius
  • Peter O'Fallon
  • Jonathan Prince
  • Devon Greggory
  • Alfonso Delgado
  • Kenneth Edmonds
    (season 2)

}}

| producer = {{Plainlist|

  • James Bigwood
  • Carl Craig

}}

| location = {{Plainlist|

}}

| cinematography = Richard Vialet

| editor = {{Plainlist|

  • Jacques Gravett
  • Jamin Bricker

}}

| camera = Single-camera

| runtime = 39–42 minutes

| company = {{Plainlist|

  • Once A Frog Entertainment
  • Inphiniti Entertainment
  • Philoment Media
  • {{nowrap|Jesse Collins Entertainment}}

}}

| network = BET

| first_aired = {{Start date|2019|02|05}}

| last_aired = {{End date|2020|07|15}}

}}

American Soul is an American musical drama television series, created by Jonathan Prince and Devon Greggory, that premiered on February 5, 2019, on BET. The series tells the story of Don Cornelius and the creation of his legendary music and dance program Soul Train and it stars an ensemble cast including Sinqua Walls, Jason Dirden, Iantha Richardson, Christopher Jefferson, Katlyn Nichol, Jelani Winston, and Kelly Price. In April 2019, it was renewed for a second season, which premiered on May 27, 2020.

Premise

American Soul tells the story of Don Cornelius, "his Soul Train dancers, crew and musicians in a cutthroat Hollywood in the 1970s and how they worked, played, rose and fell against the backdrop of the show that was most responsible for the way African-American culture was perceived by the world then."{{cite web|last1=Goldberg|first1=Lesley|title='Boomerang' Reboot Among 3 Series Orders as BET Doubles Down on Scripted (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/boomerang-reboot-3-series-orders-as-bet-doubles-down-scripted-1100776|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 11, 2018|language=en|date=April 11, 2018}}

The first season takes place between the first two seasons of Soul Train between 1971 and 1973. The second season jumps ahead two years later in 1975.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/american-soul-elton-john-james-brown-dick-clark-music-industry-portrayed-season-2-bet-series-guest-stars-1202793329/|title='American Soul': Elton John, James Brown, Dick Clark, Richard Pryor Among Those To Be Portrayed In Season 2 Of BET Series|first1=Denise|last1=Petski|date=November 25, 2019}}

Cast and characters

=Main=

  • Sinqua Walls as Don Cornelius
  • Jason Dirden as Gerald Aims
  • Jelani Winston as Kendall Clarke (season 1)
  • Christopher Jefferson as Jeffrey "JT" Tucker
  • Iantha Richardson as Tessa Lorraine
  • Kelly Price as Brianne Clarke
  • Katlyn Nichol as Simone Clarke
  • India McGee as Flo, a dancer on Soul Train
  • Perri L. Camper as Delores Cornelius, Don's first wife

=Recurring=

  • Kelly Rowland as Gladys Knight (season 1)
  • Shannon Kane as Ilsa Dejarnette, a vindictive lawyer for Motown
  • Javon Johnson as George Johnson, founder of Afro and Ultra Sheen and a close friend of Don's (season 1, guest season 2)
  • Jared Warren as Johnnie Cochran
  • Phillip Mullings Jr. as Patrick Lorriane, a LAPD detective and husband of Tessa (season 1)
  • Simeon Daise as Reggie Michaels, revolutionary gangster
  • Joseph Lee Anderson as Joseph Clarke, a Vietnam veteran, husband of Brianne, and father of Simone and Kendall, who is killed while on a tour of duty in Vietnam
  • James Devoti as Brooks Donald, a slightly bigoted business partner of Don's
  • Shannon Wallace as Private Nate Barker (season 1)
  • Njema Williams as Uncle Pete (season 1)
  • Christopher B. Duncan as Ray Bradley (season 2)
  • Candace West as TBA, girlfriend of JT, rival of Simone Clarke (season 2)
  • Kearran Giovanni as Ruby Daniels, an acquaintance of Don and ex-wife of Gerald. (season 2)
  • Michael Christopher Rodney as Woody Harley, ex-lover of Simone Clarke, rival of JT (season 2)

=Guest=

{{col-begin|width=80%}}

{{Col-2}}

==Season 1==

==Season 2==

Episodes

{{Series overview

| color1 = #FD8102

| link1 = #Season 1 (2019)

| episodes1 = 10

| start1 = {{Start date|2019|02|05}}

| end1 = {{End date|2019|04|02}}

| color2 = #000000

| link2 = #Season 2 (2020)

| episodes2 = 8

| start2 = {{Start date|2020|05|27}}

| end2 = {{End date|2020|07|15}}

}}

=Season 1 (2019)=

{{Episode table|background=#FD8102|overall=|season=|title=|director=|writer=|airdate=|viewers=|country=U.S.|episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 1

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Man is First Destiny

|DirectedBy = Peter O'Fallon

|WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Jonathan Prince & Devon Greggory|t=Devon Greggory}}

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|02|05}}

|Viewers = 0.89{{cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Mitch |title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.5.2019 |url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-5-2019.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124008/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-5-2019.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |website=ShowBuzz Daily |access-date=February 6, 2019 |date=February 6, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 2

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Continuous Revolution In Progress

|DirectedBy = Peter O'Fallon

|WrittenBy = Devon Greggory & Katlyn Nichol

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|02|05}}

|Viewers = 0.99

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 3

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Lost and Found

|DirectedBy = Robert Townsend

|WrittenBy = Annmarie Morais

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|02|12}}

|Viewers = 0.68{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-12-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214061540/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-12-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 14, 2019|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.12.2019|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=February 13, 2019|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=February 13, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 4

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Just Us

|DirectedBy = Robert Townsend

|WrittenBy = A. Zell Williams

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|02|19}}

|Viewers = 0.55{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-19-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224151/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-19-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2019|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.19.2019|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=February 21, 2019|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=February 21, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 5

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Fault Lines

|DirectedBy = Peter O'Fallon

|WrittenBy = Nathan Alan Davis

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|02|26}}

|Viewers = 0.44{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-26-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228070106/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-26-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 28, 2019|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.26.2019|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=February 27, 2019|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=February 27, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 6

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = What Are You Looking At?

|DirectedBy = Peter O'Fallon

|WrittenBy = Zach Ayers

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|03|05}}

|Viewers = 0.57{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-5-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307025537/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-5-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 7, 2019|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.5.2019|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=March 6, 2019|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=March 6, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 7

|EpisodeNumber2 = 7

|Title = Nothing To Fear

|DirectedBy = Chris Robinson

|WrittenBy = Sara Finney-Johnson

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|03|12}}

|Viewers = 0.45{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-12-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316165537/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-12-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 16, 2019|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.12.2019|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=March 13, 2019|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=March 13, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 8

|EpisodeNumber2 = 8

|Title = Nothing Ventured…Nothing Gained

|DirectedBy = Angela Barnes Gomes

|WrittenBy = Annmarie Morais

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|03|19}}

|Viewers = 0.37{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-19-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320202328/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-19-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 20, 2019|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.19.2019|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=March 20, 2019|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=March 20, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 9

|EpisodeNumber2 = 9

|Title = 68 B.C.

|DirectedBy = Angela Barnes Gomes

|WrittenBy = Zach Ayers & Devon Greggory

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|03|26}}

|Viewers = 0.41{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-26-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327202223/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-26-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 27, 2019|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.26.2019|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=March 27, 2019|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=March 27, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 10

|EpisodeNumber2 = 10

|Title = Proceed With Caution

|DirectedBy = Chris Robinson

|WrittenBy = Annmarie Morais

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|04|02}}

|Viewers = 0.50{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-2-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403202320/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-tuesday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-2-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 3, 2019|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.2.2019|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=April 3, 2019|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=April 3, 2019}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FD8102

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}}

=Season 2 (2020)=

{{Episode table|background=#000000|overall=|season=|title=|titleR={{cite web|title=American Soul - Listings|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/american-soul/listings/|work=The Futon Critic|date=May 5, 2020}}|director=|writer=|airdate=|airdateR=|viewers=|country=U.S.|episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 11

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = 1975

|DirectedBy = Thomas Carter

|WrittenBy = Judy McCreary

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|05|27}}

|Viewers = 0.74{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-27-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528201727/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-27-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-05-28|website=Showbuzzdaily.com |title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.27.2020 | Showbuzz Daily }}

|ShortSummary =

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 12

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Fame

|DirectedBy = Thomas Carter

|WrittenBy = Zach Ayers

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|06|03}}

|Viewers = 0.56{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-3-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604201921/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-3-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-06-04|website=Showbuzzdaily.com |title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.3.2020 | Showbuzz Daily }}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = #000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 13

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Satisfaction

|WrittenBy = Yvette Foy

|DirectedBy = John Scott

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|06|10}}

|Viewers = 0.64{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-10-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611201731/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-10-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-06-11|website=Showbuzzdaily.com |title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.10.2020 | Showbuzz Daily }}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = #000000

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 14

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Lovely Day

|WrittenBy = Norman Vance Jr.

|DirectedBy = John Scott

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|06|17}}

|Viewers = 0.67{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-17-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619145259/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-17-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-06-19|website=Showbuzzdaily.com |title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.17.2020 | Showbuzz Daily }}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = #000000

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 15

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Say You Love Me

|DirectedBy = Crystle Roberson

|WrittenBy = Norman Vance Jr.

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|06|24}}

|Viewers = 0.61{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-24-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626203535/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-24-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-06-26|website=Showbuzzdaily.com |title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.24.2020 | Showbuzz Daily }}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = #000000

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 16

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Low Rider

|WrittenBy = Yvette Foy

|DirectedBy = Crystle Roberson

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|07|01}}

|Viewers = 0.53{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-1-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703052618/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-1-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-03|website=Showbuzzdaily.com |title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.1.2020 | Showbuzz Daily }}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = #000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 17

|EpisodeNumber2 = 7

|Title = Love Will Keep Us Together

|WrittenBy = Zach Ayers

|DirectedBy = Jono Oliver

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|07|08}}

|Viewers = 0.60{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-8-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710004611/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-8-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-10|website=Showbuzzdaily.com |title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.8.2020 | Showbuzz Daily }}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = #000000

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 18

|EpisodeNumber2 = 8

|Title = So Long, Sucker

|WrittenBy = Judy McCreary

|DirectedBy = Jono Oliver

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|07|15}}

|Viewers = 0.62{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-15-2020.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716204659/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-wednesday-cable-originals-network-finals-7-15-2020.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-16|website=Showbuzzdaily.com |title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 7.15.2020 | Showbuzz Daily }}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = #000000

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}}

Production

=Development=

On April 10, 2018, it was announced that BET had given a series order to the production for a first season consisting of ten episodes. Executive producers are set to include Jesse Collins, Jonathan Prince and Devon Greggory. Tony Cornelius will co-executive produce alongside Andy Horne. Greggory will write the pilot episode and Jesse Collins Entertainment will produce.{{cite web|last=Augustin|first=Camille|title=Don Cornelius Inspires 'American Soul' Drama On BET|url=https://www.vibe.com/2018/04/don-cornelius-american-soul-bet-drama/|work=Vibe|date=April 10, 2018|access-date=April 12, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Bennett|first=Jessica|title=Don Cornelius Inspires New BET Drama, 'American Soul'|url=http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/don-cornelius-bet-drama-american-soul|work=Ebony|date=April 11, 2018|access-date=April 12, 2018}} On September 4, 2018, it was confirmed that Greggory and Prince had created the series and that Prince would also co-write the pilot episode.{{cite web|last=Petski|first=Denise|title='American Soul': Sinqua Walls To Star In BET Drama Series|url=https://deadline.com/2018/09/american-soul-sinqua-walls-star-bet-drama-series-1202455579/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=September 4, 2018}} On November 25, 2018, it was announced that the series would premiere on February 5, 2019.{{cite web|last=Mangum|first=Trey|title='American Soul' Teaser Trailer: BET Takes It Back To The '70s In 'Soul Train'-Inspired Drama Series|url=https://shadowandact.com/american-soul-bet-trailer|work=Shadow and Act|date=November 26, 2018|access-date=December 26, 2018}} On April 2, 2019, it was announced that the series was renewed for a second season which will premiere on May 27, 2020.{{cite web|title=BET Networks Announces Second Season Pick Up for Series "Boomerang" and "American Soul"|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/04/02/bet-networks-announces-second-season-pick-up-for-series-boomerang-and-american-soul-412113/20190402bet01/|work=The Futon Critic|date=April 2, 2019}}{{cite web|title=BET's Critically Acclaimed Scripted Series "American Soul" Returns for Season Two Wednesday, May 27 at 10 PM ET/PT|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/05/05/bets-critically-acclaimed-scripted-series-american-soul-returns-for-season-two-wednesday-may-27-at-10-pm-et-pt-207014/20200505bet01/|work=The Futon Critic|date=May 5, 2020}}

=Casting=

In September 2018, it was announced that Sinqua Walls, Jason Dirden, Iantha Richardson, Christopher Jefferson, Katlyn Nichol, Jelani Winston, and Kelly Price had been cast in series regular roles and that Kelly Rowland would appear in a recurring capacity.{{cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |title='American Soul': Jason Dirden, Iantha Richardson Among Five Series Regulars Cast In BET Drama |url=https://deadline.com/2018/09/american-soul-jason-dirden-iantha-richardson-series-regulars-cast-bet-drama-1202461836/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=September 24, 2018 |date=September 11, 2018}}{{cite magazine |last1=Mitchell |first1=Gail |title=Kelly Price and Kelly Rowland Join BET's 'American Soul' Cast: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8477161/kelly-price-and-kelly-rowland-join-bets-american-soul-cast |magazine=Billboard |access-date=September 28, 2018 |date=September 27, 2018}} On October 12, 2018, it was reported that Shannon Kane and Perri Camper had been cast in recurring roles.{{cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |title='American Soul': Shannon Kane & Perri Camper To Recur In BET Drama Series |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/american-soul-shannon-kane-perri-camper-recur-bet-drama-series-1202481669/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 12, 2018 |date=October 12, 2018}} On December 21, 2018, it was announced that Michelle Williams, Bobby Brown, Gabrielle Dennis, McKinley Freeman, and K. Michelle would make guest appearances.{{cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |title='American Soul': BET Drama Casts Its Diana Ross, Ike & Tina Turner & More |url=https://deadline.com/2018/12/american-soul-michelle-williams-cast-diana-ross-bet-drama-bobby-brown-gabrielle-dennis-mckinley-freeman-k-michelle-1202524268/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=December 21, 2018 |date=December 21, 2018}}

=Filming=

Principal photography for the series commenced in Atlanta, Georgia on September 17, 2018 and was scheduled to last until December 2018.{{cite web |last1=Steves |first1=Ashley |title=Atlanta Now Casting: Background Roles Available on BET Series 'American Soul' Starring Sinqua Walls |url=https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/atlanta-casting-background-roles-available-on-bet-series-america-65605/ |website=Backstage |access-date=September 24, 2018 |date=September 24, 2018}} In September 2018, filming for the series transpired at Pullman Yard on September 17, in Downtown Atlanta on September 18, at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 19, and at Armour Yard on September 20.{{cite web |last1=Walljasper |first1=Matt |title=What's filming in Atlanta now? Sextuplets, Doom Patrol, Avengers 4 (again), and more |url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/whats-filming-in-atlanta-now-sextuplets-doom-patrol-avengers-4-again-and-more/ |website=Atlanta |access-date=December 2, 2018 |date=September 27, 2018}} In October 2018, filming continued in Atlanta with shooting taking place at Pullman Yard on October 7 and at the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center in Buckhead on October 27.{{cite web |last1=Walljasper |first1=Matt |title=What's filming in Atlanta now? Doctor Sleep, The Banker, Stranger Things, Avengers, Watchmen, and more |url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/whats-filming-in-atlanta-now-doctor-sleep-the-banker-stranger-things-avengers-watchmen-and-more/ |website=Atlanta |access-date=November 1, 2018 |date=October 29, 2018}} In November 2018, filming occurred in Sandy Springs, Georgia, on November 9 with shooting place at a Robert Green designed private home and in Downtown Atlanta on November 27.{{cite web |last1=Walljasper |first1=Matt |title=What's filming in Atlanta now? Limited Partners, Watchmen, Stranger Things, plus unpacking the #BoycottGeorgia movement |url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/whats-filming-in-atlanta-now-limited-partners-watchmen-stranger-things-plus-unpacking-the-boycottgeorgia-movement/ |website=Atlanta |access-date=December 2, 2018 |date=November 29, 2018}} In December 2018, the production was working out of Palmetto on December 10 and 11.{{cite web |last1=Walljasper |first1=Matt |title=What's filming in Atlanta now? Undercover Brother 2, Limited Partners, Watchmen, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, and more |url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/whats-filming-in-atlanta-now-undercover-brother-2-limited-partners-watchmen-dolly-partons-heartstrings-and-more/ |website=Atlanta |access-date=December 26, 2018 |date=December 20, 2018}}

Release

=Marketing=

On November 25, 2018, a teaser trailer for the series premiered during the 31st Soul Train Awards.

=Premiere=

On January 29, 2019, the series held its New York premiere at the New World Stage in New York City. Those in attendance included BET Networks President Scott Mills, executive producer Tony Cornelius, and actors Sinqua Walls, Kelly Price, Jason Dirden, Naturi Naughton, Jelani Winston, Katlyn Nichol, Shannon Wallace, Christopher Jefferson, and Iantha Richardson.{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Judith |title=The American Soul NYC Premiere Held at New World Stage on January 29, 2019 |url=https://medium.com/@writerjudy7/the-american-soul-nyc-premiere-held-at-new-world-stage-on-january-29-2019-3cc6e552b4e0 |website=Medium |access-date=February 6, 2019 |date=February 3, 2019}}

On February 4, 2019, the series held its Los Angeles premiere at the Wolf Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Those in attendance included Sinqua Walls, Jason Dirden, Tami Roman, McKinley Freeman, Tank, Robert Townsend, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Tommy Davidson, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Tony Cornelius, Christina Cornelius, Scott Mills, Leon Robinson, Kenny Burns, Jesse Collins, Christopher Jefferson, Candace West, Katlyn Nichol, Iantha Richardson and India McGee.{{cite web |last1=Willis |first1=Kiersten |title=Tami Roman Wows in Fitted Dress and Big Hair as She Walks 'American Soul' Red Carpet |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2019/02/05/tami-roman-wows-in-fitted-dress-and-big-hair-as-she-walks-american-soul-red-carpet/ |website=Atlanta Black Star |access-date=February 5, 2019 |date=February 5, 2019}}{{cite web |title=Taraji P. Henson & Tracy Morgan Snap It Up At 'What Men Want' NYC Premiere + Kelly Price Cuts A Rug On The Dance Floor At 'American Soul' LA Premiere |url=http://theybf.com/2019/02/05/taraji-p-henson-tracy-morgan-snap-it-up-at-what-men-want-nyc-premiere-kelly-price-cuts-a- |website=The YBF |access-date=February 5, 2019 |date=February 5, 2019}}

Reception

The series has been met with a positive response from critics upon its premiere. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the series a score of 70 out of 100 based on 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web |title=American Soul: Season 1 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/american-soul |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=February 5, 2019}}

The series was submitted by BET for fourteen categories at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards, but none were selected.{{Cite web|url=https://awardswatch.com/2019-emmys-category-placements-for-bet-shows-american-soul-and-boomerang/|title=2019 Emmys: Category placements for BET shows 'American Soul' and 'Boomerang'|date=2019-05-02|website=AwardsWatch|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-09}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/06/2019-emmy-predictions-71-primetime-emmys-nominations-winners-1202048893/|title=2019 Emmy Predictions: The 71st Annual Primetime Emmys Are Gonna Be Wild|last=Travers|first=Ben|date=2019-06-17|website=IndieWire|language=en|access-date=2020-01-09}} Kelly Rowland won the NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series for her role.{{Cite web|url=https://www.naacp.org/articles/nominees-announced-51st-naacp-image-awards/|title=NAACP {{!}} NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR 51st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS|date=2020-01-09|website=NAACP|language=en|access-date=2021-07-17}}

References

{{reflist}}