Queen Sugar

Queen Sugar is an American drama television series created and executive produced by Ava DuVernay, with Oprah Winfrey serving as an executive producer. DuVernay also directs many episodes. The series is based on the 2014 novel of the same name by American writer Natalie Baszile.[1] Queen Sugar centers on the lives of three siblings in rural Louisiana (Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Kofi Siriboe) who must deal with the aftermath of their father's sudden death and decide the fate of his 800-acre sugarcane farm. The mainstream themes in the series often accompany episodes centered on racial profiling, the long reach of chattel slavery in American history and the inequities in the criminal justice system, and other issues related to African Americans. [2]

This article is about the television series. For the novel from which it is adapted, see Queen Sugar (novel).

Queen Sugar
Genre	Drama
Created by	Ava DuVernay
Based on	Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile
Starring	Rutina Wesley Dawn-Lyen Gardner Kofi Siriboe Tina Lifford Omar Dorsey Dondre Whitfield Bianca Lawson Timon Kyle Durrett Nicholas L. Ashe Ethan Hutchison
Theme music composer	Meshell Ndegeocello
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	4
No. of episodes	55 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Ava DuVernay Melissa Carter Oprah Winfrey
Running time	37–65 minutes
Production company(s)	Warner Horizon Television Harpo Films Forward Movement Array Filmworks (Season 4)
Distributor	Warner Bros. Television Distribution
Release
Original network	Oprah Winfrey Network
Picture format	480i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV)
Original release	September 6, 2016 (2016-09-06) – present (present)
External links
Website

The show holds a 93% approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes and has won two NAACP Image Awards and 12 total nominations.[3][4] Critics have praised the racially progressive show for storylines that tackle universal issues such as culture, class, and gender, while highlighting elements that address specific concerns of African-American society as expressed by the show's predominantly black cast.[5]

Queen Sugar airs on Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and premiered on September 6, 2016.[1][6][7] In August 2018, OWN renewed the series for a fourth season,[8] which premiered on June 12, 2019.[9] In September 2019, OWN renewed the series for a fifth season.[10]

Plot

The series follows the lives of three siblings in rural Louisiana: Nova Bordelon (played by Rutina Wesley), a formidable journalist and activist from New Orleans; Charley Bordelon (Dawn-Lyen Gardner), a working wife and mother in Los Angeles; and their brother, Ralph Angel Bordelon (Kofi Siriboe), a single parent struggling with unemployment and raising his son alone. Their father has recently died and unexpectedly bequeathed to Charley an 800-acre sugarcane farm in Louisiana. Recently divorced, she takes her teen-aged son Micah and moves to the heart of rural Louisiana to operate the farm.

Cast and characters

Main

• Rutina Wesley as Nova Bordelon, the eldest Bordelon child. She is a journalist, activist and Louisiana Voodoo/Yoruba herbal healer in New Orleans.
• Dawn-Lyen Gardner as Charlotte "Charley" Bordelon West, the second Bordelon child. She was conceived when their father Ernest moved west and married a white woman. She is the biracial half sibling to Nova and Ralph Angel, sports manager, mother of Micah and ex-wife of Davis West.
• Kofi Siriboe as Ralph Angel Bordelon, the youngest Bordelon sibling. He is looking to better himself after recently being released from prison. Tied strongly to his family land.

• Nicholas L. Ashe as Micah West, Charley's and Davis' teenage son.

• Omar Dorsey as Hollingsworth "Hollywood" Desonier, a much younger oil rig worker, husband to Violet, and friend of the Bordelon family.

• Dondre Whitfield as Remy Newell, an irrigation specialist who was a friend and confidante to Ernest. He soon tries to help Ernest's grown children and soon becomes Charley's love interest (seasons 1–3; guest season 4).

• Timon Kyle Durrett as Davis West, a charismatic star basketball player, ex-husband of Charley, and father of Micah. His involvement in a sex scandal resulted in the end of their marriage (seasons 1–2; recurring season 3-4).

• Greg Vaughan as Calvin, a married police officer and Nova Bordelon's longtime secret lover (season 1; guest season 2; recurring season 4)

• Ethan Hutchison as Blue Bordelon, Ralph Angel's and Darla's six-year-old son.

• Marycarmen Lopez as Reyna Velez, Blue's elementary school teacher (season 1)

• Tina Lifford as Violet Bordelon, the younger sister of Ernest Bordelon. She acts as the matriarch of the family and lives with her husband, Hollywood.
• Bianca Lawson as Darla Sutton, Ralph Angel's ex-girlfriend and Blue's mother, seeking to reconnect with them both as she is in recovery from a drug addiction. (seasons 2-4; recurring season 1)
• Henry G. Sanders as Prosper Denton, a lifelong friend to Ernest and fellow farmer (seasons 3-4; recurring seasons 1-2).
• Walter Perez as Romero, a doctor and love interest to Charley (season 4; recurring season 3)

Recurring

• Glynn Turman as Ernest Bordelon, the late patriarch of the Bordelon family and older brother of Violet (season 1)
• True O'Brien as Stella, Micah's girlfriend in Los Angeles (season 1)[11]
• Reagan Gomez-Preston as Chantal Williams, Nova's friend and love interest
• Issac White as Devonte "Too Sweet" Bonclair, a teen who after being falsely imprisoned becomes the main focus of Nova's current crusade on how the parish DA has been railroading African-Americans (season 1; guest, season 3)
• Tanyell Waivers as Keke Raymond, a teenage friend of the family who becomes Micah's girlfriend
• Deja Dee as Sierra, Nova's college roommate
• Sharon Lawrence as Lorna Prescott, Charley's mother
• Michael Michele as Darlene, Darla's mother
• Roger Guenveur Smith as Quincy, Darla's father
• Alimi Ballard as Dr. Robert Dubois, an activist who is briefly Nova's love interest in the second season
• Lea Coco as Jacob Boudreaux, a member of the Landry family who takes a special interest in Charley
• David Jensen as Samuel Landry, the owner of the most popular mill, the Landry mills, in the county who Charley and Ralph-Angel go up against
• Brian Michael Smith as Toine Wilkins, Ralph Angel's childhood friend. He is transgender and influences Ralph's acceptance of his son Blue's differences (guest seasons 2-4)[12]
• Vivien Ngô as Trinh Phan, a young woman who returns to help her parents with their seafood plant who becomes Ralph Angel's love interest (season 3) [13][14]
• Tony Aidan Vo as Khanh Phan, the younger brother to Trinh and son of Mrs. Phan (season 3) [13]
• Elyse Dinh McCrillis as Mrs. Phan, a Vietnamese American refugee and the mother to Khanh and Trinh; also Ralph Angel's boss at the seafood plant (season 3) [13]
• Erica Tazel as Deesha Brown-Sonnier, a public defender and Ralph Angel's love interest (season 4)[15]

Guest

• David Alan Grier as Jimmy Dale, Violet's abusive ex-husband (season 4)[16]
• Cree Summer as Octavia Laurent (season 4)[17]
• Bryan Terrell Clark as Darla's love interest who is also in recovery (season 4)[17]
• Amirah Vann as Parker Campbell, corporate lobbyist and bi-racial daughter of Sam Landry (season 4).

Episodes

Series overview

Season		Episodes		Originally aired
				First aired	Last aired
	1	13		September 6, 2016 (2016-09-06)	November 30, 2016 (2016-11-30)
	2	16		June 20, 2017 (2017-06-20)	November 15, 2017 (2017-11-15)
	3	13		May 29, 2018 (2018-05-29)	August 22, 2018 (2018-08-22)
	4	13		June 12, 2019 (2019-06-12)	September 11, 2019 (2019-09-11)
	5	TBA		Fall 2020 (Fall 2020)	TBA

Season 1 (2016)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
1	1	"First Things First"	Ava DuVernay	Ava DuVernay	September 6, 2016 (2016-09-06)	2.69[18]
The estranged Bordelon siblings Nova (Rutina Wesley), Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner), and Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) come together to save their family's ailing sugarcane farm in Louisiana; Charley leaves her upscale L.A. lifestyle to return to her family home in Louisiana after her dad suffers a stroke and she receives unwelcome news about her husband.
2	2	"Evergreen"	Ava DuVernay	Tina Mabry	September 7, 2016 (2016-09-07)	2.14[19]
The siblings plan the funeral, but Charley and Nova disagree about how best to honor their father; and Ralph Angel and Aunt Violet are at odds over whether it's okay for Blue to attend the funeral service. In other events, Charley faces the fallout from the news about her husband and also learns there are things they don't know about their father's farm.
3	3	"Thy Will Be Done"	Neema Barnette	Jason Wilborn	September 14, 2016 (2016-09-14)	2.00[20]
Charley, Nova and Ralph Angel learn the contents of their father's will and contemplate running the farm together; someone attempts to repossess one of the father's possessions; and the family considers a low offer for the land from a local buyer.
4	4	"The Darker Sooner"	So Yong Kim	Kay Oyegun	September 21, 2016 (2016-09-21)	1.52[21]
The Bordelon siblings return to their everyday lives: Ralph Angel struggles to run the family farm; Charley resumes managing her husband's basketball career; and Nova seeks justice for a friend's son who she believes was wrongfully imprisoned.
5	5	"By Any Chance"	Victoria Mahoney	Anthony Sparks	September 28, 2016 (2016-09-28)	1.59[22]
Nova's relationship suffers because of her pursuit of justice; Charley confronts her husband's accuser; Ralph Angel faces a moral quandary; and Hollywood resumes contact with someone from his past.
6	6	"As Promised"	Tanya Hamilton	Melissa Carter	October 5, 2016 (2016-10-05)	1.44[23]
Nova and Charley clash over Nova's comments regarding Charley's marriage; Ralph Angel wants out of an illegal arrangement; and Charley discovers what Davis did on the night in question.
7	7	"In No Uncertain Terms"	Neema Barnette	Denise Harkavy	October 12, 2016 (2016-10-12)	1.68[24]
Charley faces up to the state of her marriage; Ralph Angel wants to farm full time; and Aunt Violet uncovers information about Hollywood that jeopardizes their relationship.
8	8	"Where With All"	Kat Candler	Tina Mabry	October 26, 2016 (2016-10-26)	1.71[25]
The family prepares for a hurricane; Remy questions Charley's treatment of her staff; Violet worries about Nova's safety; Nova and Charley come to blows over different lifestyles; and Ralph Angel quarrels with Darla.
9	9	"Next to Nothing"	Kat Candler	Jason Wilborn	November 2, 2016 (2016-11-02)	1.69[26]
The siblings find two dead bodies on the property while repairing damage caused by the storm. In other events, Ralph Angel continues to push for custody of Blue.
10	10	"So Far"	Salli Richardson-Whitfield	Anthony Sparks	November 9, 2016 (2016-11-09)	1.50[27]
Charley searches for a new mill; and realizes that there's more to the story of the land than originally thought. In other events, Hollywood again tries to mend his relationship with Violet.
11	11	"All Good"	Salli Richardson-Whitfield	Kay Oyegun	November 16, 2016 (2016-11-16)	1.64[28]
The siblings search for a new mill; Charley is prepared to put her past with Davis behind her; Ralph Angel and Darla help Blue with issues at school; and Violet makes changes to the diner.
12	12	"Far Too Long"	Tina Mabry	Melissa Carter & Ali Gordon-Goldstein	November 23, 2016 (2016-11-23)	1.50[29]
Charley makes a cunning decision as a result of the siblings' quest for a new mill; Ralph Angel locks heads with Charley; Hollywood and Violet's relationship hits a roadblock; and Nova's ex, Calvin, returns.
13	13	"Give Us This Day"	Tina Mabry	Ava DuVernay	November 30, 2016 (2016-11-30)	1.91[30]
In the Season 1 finale, Charley goes all out to secure an investor; Nova and Calvin reunite, but not everyone is pleased; Violet tries to make amends with Hollywood; and Ralph Angel makes a shocking discovery.

Season 2 (2017)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
14	1	"After the Winter"	Kat Candler	Monica Macer	June 20, 2017 (2017-06-20)	2.31[31]
Charley and Davis remain entangled; Ralph Angel tries to find his footing on the family farm; Violet confronts her feelings for Hollywood; and Micah has a dangerous encounter with a police officer. In other events, Nova deals with the loss of her relationship with Calvin.
15	2	"To Usward"	Cheryl Dunye	Jason Wilborn	June 21, 2017 (2017-06-21)	1.69[32]
Ralph Angel has an idea for the farm; Charley is blindsided during her final divorce mediation with Davis; Nova holds a community fundraiser; Violet learns that Hollywood might have been involved in a life-threatening accident.
16	3	"What Do I Care For Morning"	Aurora Guerrero	Anthony Sparks	June 28, 2017 (2017-06-28)	1.55[33]
Micah finds solace at Nova's place; Charley confronts Davis about their custody arrangement; Violet realizes her time with Hollywood might be short-lived; Nova meets someone at a symposium; Ralph Angel confronts Jacob Boudreaux about spying on his property.
17	4	"My Soul's High Song"	Maryam Keshavarz	Ava DuVernay	July 5, 2017 (2017-07-05)	1.46[34]
Charley searches for a more permanent home for Micah; a whitefly infestation threatens the farm; Nova adjusts to a new editor who wants her to change her approach; Darla makes a decision that has serious consequences.
18	5	"Caroling Dusk"	Amanda Marsalis	Davita Scarlett	July 12, 2017 (2017-07-12)	1.52[35]
Charley's therapy session brings to light childhood issues; Nova reunites with Dr. Robert Dubois; Davis meets an intriguing singer; Ralph Angel meets an old friend during a high-pressured situation; Darla finds an unexpected job.
19	6	"Line of Our Elders"	DeMane Davis	Mimi Won Techentin	July 19, 2017 (2017-07-19)	1.56[36]
Charley's opening celebration of the Queen Sugar mill suffers a setback; Nova learns something surprising about her late father; Ralph Angel has a run-in with someone he previously robbed, which inspires a huge confession to his family.
20	7	"I Know My Soul"	Kat Candler	Maria Elena Rodriguez	July 26, 2017 (2017-07-26)	1.57[37]
Ralph Angel's confession continues to cause unrest among his sisters, and his appeal to Darla for emotional support conflicts with Charley's wishes; Nova learns something surprising about Violet.
21	8	"Freedom's Plow"	Amanda Marsalis	Anthony Sparks	August 2, 2017 (2017-08-02)	1.59[38]
Nova and Dr. Robert Dubois' reunion hits a roadblock; Charley's magazine interview raises concerns with the farmers; Charley confesses her feelings for Remy; Violet has a health issue; Ralph Angel and Darla take a big step in their relationship.
22	9	"Yet Do I Marvel"	Julie Dash	Jason Wilborn	October 3, 2017 (2017-10-03)	1.74[39]
Darla reaches out to her family to share her engagement news; Violet's condition worsens; Nova's Zika story causes concern in the community; Micah finally comes to terms with his emotions; Charley receives an unexpected visit from her mother and the two have a honest conversation about Charley's upbringing.
23	10	"Drums at Dusk"	Julie Dash	Valerie Chu	October 4, 2017 (2017-10-04)	1.20[40]
An unexpected encounter creates issues between Ralph Angel and Darla; the presence of Charley's mother Lorna gives rise to old tensions in the family; Violet finally sees a doctor about her recurring symptoms.
24	11	"Fruit of the Flower"	Cheryl Dunye	Dana Greenblatt	October 11, 2017 (2017-10-11)	1.31[41]
Nova and Robert's relationship begins to shift; Ralph Angel feels humiliated by Remy; Hollywood and Violet clash over Hollywood's new friend; Lorna finally reveals the true history of her relationship with Earnest.
25	12	"Live in the All Along"	Garrett Bradley	Mimi Won Techentin	October 18, 2017 (2017-10-18)	1.14[42]
Nova and Robert's relationship hits a major setback; Darla and Ralph Angel plan their upcoming wedding; Davis offers Charley help with her harvest festival; Davis and Charley realize they've both moved on in new relationships; Davis makes amends.
26	13	"Heritage"	Liesl Tommy	Monica Macer & Davita Scarlett	October 25, 2017 (2017-10-25)	1.34[43]
Remy and Charley discuss their future; Violet receives a life changing diagnosis; Nova and Calvin come face-to-face for the first time in months; Darla reunites with her parents, and reveals a devastating secret to Ralph Angel.
27	14	"On These I Stand"	Christina Voros	Jason Wilborn & Anthony Sparks	November 1, 2017 (2017-11-01)	1.28[44]
Ralph Angel is left devastated by Darla's news; Charley's business is threatened; Micah has an issue with his school; Nova receives a new opportunity; Violet reveals her diagnosis to Hollywood.
28	15	"Copper Sun"	DeMane Davis	Monica Macer & Dana Greenblatt	November 8, 2017 (2017-11-08)	1.22[45]
Charley fires Darla after learning that she's lied to her family; Micah gets suspended from school; Hollywood promises to fulfill Violet's wish list; Jacob Boudreaux suggests he and Charley form a partnership.
29	16	"Dream Variations"	Kat Candler	Ava DuVernay	November 15, 2017 (2017-11-15)	1.33[46]
In the Season 2 finale, Charley's shocking plan to save her business puts her relationship with Remy in jeopardy; Hollywood proposes to Violet; Nova and Remy share an unexpected moment; Ralph Angel weighs his decision on whether he can forgive Darla. Note: This episode is 90 minutes.

Season 3 (2018)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
30	1	"A Rock, a River, a Tree"	DeMane Davis	Kat Candler	May 29, 2018 (2018-05-29)	1.48[47]
The biological connection between Ralph Angel and Blue is revealed; Charley reveals her hidden plan to Sam Landry and signs with his business; Nova gets a book deal offer and is propositioned by publishers; Violet and Hollywood announce their engagement.
31	2	"Of Their Sojourn Here"	Patricia Cardoso	Anthony Sparks	May 30, 2018 (2018-05-30)	1.04[48]
Violet gains a life-changing business offer; Nova's career decision hits a roadblock; Micah persuades his parents to let him transfer schools; Charley discovers shocking intel about Sam Landry.
32	3	"Your Distant Destiny"	Lauren Wolkstein	Erika L. Johnson	June 6, 2018 (2018-06-06)	0.92[49]
Micah begins his new school with excitement; Blue encounters Ralph Angel in a guilt-ridden situation; Nova finds new material for her book; Charley exposes her plan for Sam Landry to Nova; and Darla returns back home.
33	4	"No Haven in My Shadow"	Maria Govan	Mike Flynn	June 13, 2018 (2018-06-13)	1.13[50]
Fate brings Ralph Angel and Darla back together for the first time in months; Hollywood helps Violet with ideas for her business; Charley learns more information about the Landry and Boudreaux families; Davis reveals a life-changing hidden secret to Micah; Nova reveals something personal to Remy.
34	5	"A Little Lower Than Angels"	Shaz Bennett	Chloé Hung	June 20, 2018 (2018-06-20)	1.14[51]
Davis reveals his secret to Charley; Nova and Remy act on their feelings for each other; Ralph Angel bonds with his boss' daughter, Trinh; Micah and his new friends come across a disturbing moment; Darla and Ralph Angel finally reveal their status of their relationship to Blue, leaving him heartbroken.
35	6	"Delicate and Strangely Made"	Christina Choe	Channing Godfrey Peoples	June 27, 2018 (2018-06-27)	1.17[52]
During a fishing date, Nova and Remy decide to address their feelings; Violet receives a business proposal; Blue is ready to talk about what happened at school; Charley learns something that raises suspicions; Ralph Angel goes on a date with Trinh.
36	7	"Study War No More"	DeMane Davis	Anthony Sparks	July 11, 2018 (2018-07-11)	1.20[53]
Nova and Remy grow closer, causing Nova to discuss her relationship with Remy to Charley; Darla and Ralph Angel go over custody arrangements; Violet learns more intel about her new business arrangement; the Landrys' new plan for the land leaves the Bordelon family on devastating terms.
37	8	"Come, Clad in Peace"	DeMane Davis	Erika L. Johnson	July 18, 2018 (2018-07-18)	1.01[54]
Just as she's ready to celebrate her 60th birthday, Violet learns something has gone wrong with her pie business; Micah gets involved in a new protest with his friends; Charley threatens the Landry Enterprises board and is not ready to give up on what appears to a downfall.
38	9	"The Tree and Stone Were One"	Nijla Mumin	Anthony Sparks	July 25, 2018 (2018-07-25)	1.05[55]
Charley gains an unexpected ally in her fight against Sam Landry; Nova receives a non-refusal offer for her book and comes clean to Charley about Remy; Violet discovers the fate of her pie business; Micah and his friends execute their plan for the plantation.
39	10	"Here Beside the River"	Ayoka Chenzira	Chloé Hung	August 1, 2018 (2018-08-01)	1.02[56]
Information about Nova's article has Violet searching for answers; Ralph Angel receives an unsettling visit from the Department of Children & Family Services; Charley makes another move against Landry Enterprises, when Mr. Prosper is being foreclosed out of his home; Micah confesses to Keke about plans for the correctional facility; Nova and Remy learn the status of their future.
40	11	"Your Passages Have Been Paid"	Rachel Raimist	Channing Godfrey Peoples	August 8, 2018 (2018-08-08)	1.05[57]
A custody mediation between Ralph Angel and Darla turns sour; Nova makes a confession; Charley confronts Micah about the fire and hits a major roadblock.
41	12	"The Horizon Leans Forward"	Kat Candler	Mike Flynn	August 15, 2018 (2018-08-15)	1.05[58]
Ralph Angel and Darla go to court but they both realize that they must resolve their issues for the count of Blue; With Hollywood's help, Violet finally reveals her lupus diagnosis to the family; and the City Council makes a decision about the prison.
42	13	"From on the Pulse of Morning"	Kat Candler	Anthony Sparks	August 22, 2018 (2018-08-22)	1.01[59]
In the Season 3 finale, Ralph Angel receives some unexpected news, regarding his probation; the fate of the prison is revealed and Micah must fight the power to make this right; Charley makes a proposition on behalf of the farmers; Violet and Hollywood celebrate their wedding. Note: This episode is 90 minutes.

Season 4 (2019)

No. overall	No. in season	Title [60]	Directed by	Written by	Original air date [60]	U.S. viewers (millions)
43	1	"Pleasure Is Black"	Cheryl Dunye	Anthony Sparks	June 12, 2019 (2019-06-12)	1.02[61]
Ralph Angel learns that his parole has concluded; Charley and Romero enjoy each other's company; the Bordelon family celebrates the opening of Vi's Prized Pies and Diner; Nova's "Blessings and Blood" book is completely published but revelations from dark longtime Bordelon secrets brings old wounds to light.
44	2	"I No Longer Imagine"	Carmen Marrón	Chloé Hung	June 19, 2019 (2019-06-19)	0.97[62]
Nova's memoir sparks up a lot of controversy with the family and faces possible backlash from everyone; Charley awaits Micah's return home from Europe.
45	3	"Where My Body Stops or Begins"	Lacey Duke	Mike Flynn	June 26, 2019 (2019-06-26)	1.08[63]
Violet's ex-husband returns and surprises her at her diner; Prosper offers comfort to Ralph Angel and Charley when they discover something unsettling about Landry Enterprises; Violet demands that Nova leave for good.
46	4	"Skin Transparent"	Numa Perrier	Valerie Woods	July 3, 2019 (2019-07-03)	1.03[64]
Nova remains estranged from her family; Charley learns more about the Landrys' plans; Ralph Angel launches a reentry program; Charley and Romero start their makeshift clinic; Nova reveals a disturbing family secret at her book launch.
47	5	"Face Speckled"	Heidi Saman	Lisa Morales	July 10, 2019 (2019-07-10)	1.18[65]
Remy returns and reveals he's leaving town; Davis turns to Charley for advice when Nova's book impacts his job; Charley and Romero's clinic is raided by ICE agents; Ralph Angel explains to Blue that they are connected by their souls, not by their blood.
48	6	"By The Spit"	Bola Ogun	Felicia Pride	July 24, 2019 (2019-07-24)	0.95[66]
Ralph Angel and Darla grow concerned for Blue; Nova and Octavia's relationship hits a setback; a concerning attack raises doubts about Charley's campaign; Hollywood grows more concerned for Violet.
49	7	"Of Several Centuries"	Tchaiko Omawale	Anthony Sparks	July 31, 2019 (2019-07-31)	0.95[67]
Nova's press tour continues, and she reconnects with Calvin; Violet's diner is vandalized, and Charley discovers the perpetrator; Darla continues to struggle; Ralph Angel's reentry program is in jeopardy; Charley receives devastating news.
50	8	"All The Borders"	Deborah Kampmeier	Chloé Hung & Valerie Woods	August 7, 2019 (2019-08-07)	1.07[68]
Charley learns some devastating news about her mill; Violet calls in a favor from Sam Landry; Nova has an emotional conversation with Calvin; Ralph Angel and Darla comfort one another; Romero and Charley's relationship hits a roadblock.
51	9	"Stare at the Same Fires"	C. Fitz	Lisa Morales	August 14, 2019 (2019-08-14)	1.15[69]
Violet confesses a hard truth to Hollywood; Micah turns to Ralph Angel for advice about his relationship; Nova helps Charley when she hits a low point; Darla also hits a low point when she learns a painful truth from her past; the community comes together at the Queen Sugar Mill to say enough is enough.
52	10	"Oh Mamere"	Cheryl Dunye	Chloé Hung & Felicia Pride	August 21, 2019 (2019-08-21)	1.02[70]
Micah takes Blue to the park triggering trauma from his past; Darla learns a painful truth about the night Blue was conceived, and Violet stands by her side for comfort.
53	11	"I'm Sorry"	Stacey Muhammad	Mike Flynn & Valerie Woods	August 28, 2019 (2019-08-28)	1.02[71]
Micah and Keke's plans for prom are derailed; Charley tells Jacob Boudreaux a shocking secret; Darla pleads for Ralph Angel's forgiveness; Violet tells Hollywood there's something she needs to do to release her past.
54	12	"Here"	Pratibha Parmar	Anthony Sparks & Alison McKenzie	September 4, 2019 (2019-09-04)	1.05[72]
Nova tries to mend fences with Ralph Angel; Violet attempts to put her past behind her by confronting Jimmy Dale and helping a young woman in need; Micah and Charley discuss college; Romero and Charley attempt to reunite.
55	13	"I Am"	Ayoka Chenzira	Anthony Sparks	September 11, 2019 (2019-09-11)	1.10[73]
In the Season 4 finale, Sam Landry and Violet's shared past is revealed; Charley realizes she's been used by Sam Landry for his own personal agenda; the Bordelon family unites, determined to face an uncertain future together.

Production

Development

On February 2, 2015, it was announced that Oprah Winfrey Network had ordered a straight-to-series TV drama based on Queen Sugar, the 2014 novel by Natalie Baszile.[1][6][74][75] Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey, who worked on the 2014 film Selma, co-created the series, with DuVernay was set to write and direct the initial episodes.

The first season began filming in February 2016[76] and contained 13 episodes. DuVernay announced on January 27, 2016 that the series would feature an all-women directorial team.[77] On February 15, 2016, Neema Barnette joined the series as director and producer.[78] Award-winning director Tina Mabry is a producer and will also direct two episodes, and Anthony Sparks,[79] an award-winning TV writer and professor, began as a co-executive producer for the series in its first season and is now the head writer, Executive Producer, and Showrunner.[80] It was later announced that singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello would provide the score for the series.[81] Queen Sugar is said to be the first television series in which female directors direct every episode of the series.[82]

Casting

On January 13, 2016, Rutina Wesley was announced to play the role of Nova Bordelon.[83][84][85] Further casting was announced January 27, 2016. Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Kofi Siriboe, and Omar Dorsey, who co-starred in Selma, were all announced in leading roles.[86][87] On February 1, 2016, it was announced that Emmy Award-winner Glynn Turman will guest-star as Ernest Bordelon, the patriarch of the family who dies in the first episode.[88] On February 16, 2016, it was announced that Tina Lifford, Dondre Whitfield, Timon Kyle Durrett and Nicholas L. Ashe were cast as series regulars.[89] On February 23, 2016, Bianca Lawson and Greg Vaughan joined the cast as regulars, while Henry G. Sanders joined in a recurring role. Oprah Winfrey Network said that Winfrey, who earlier was announced as a recurring character, would not have an onscreen role.[90] On March 11, 2016, it was announced that Marycarmen Lopez also was cast as regular.[91]

Release

On August 1, 2016, the series was renewed for a second season ahead of the series' television premiere, which aired in a two-night premiere on June 20 and 21, 2017.[92][93] The second season premiered on OWN in a two episode special on June 20 and 21, 2017.

The show was renewed for a third season on July 26, 2017.[94] The third season premiered in a two-night special on May 29 and 30, 2018.

On August 8, 2018, the series was renewed for a fourth season. Following the renewal, co-executive producer Anthony Sparks was revealed to be the new showrunner, replacing Kat Candler.[8] The fourth season is set to premiere on June 12, 2019.

On September 12, 2019, OWN renewed the series for a fifth season.[10]

Ratings

Critical response

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 93% approval rating for the first season, with an average rating of 7.4/10 based on 41 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "With an authenticity of culture and place and strong performances throughout, Queen Sugar rises above melodrama in this alluring, unhurried and powerful portrait of a fractious black American family."[3] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 75 out of 100 based on 25 critics for the season, indicating what the website considers to be "generally favorable reviews".[95] A 100% approval rating for the second season was reported by Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 8.03/10 based on 7 reviews.[96]

Accolades

Year	Award	Category	Recipient(s)	Result
2017	48th NAACP Image Awards[4]	Outstanding Drama Series	Queen Sugar	Won
		Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series	Kofi Siriboe	Nominated
		Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series	Rutina Wesley	Nominated
		Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series	Ava DuVernay (for "First Things First")	Won
			Anthony Sparks (for "By Any Chance")	Nominated
	2017 Hollywood Music in Media Awards[97]	Original Score – TV Show/Limited Series	Meshell Ndegeocello	Nominated
2018	49th NAACP Image Awards[98]	Outstanding Drama Series	Queen Sugar	Nominated
		Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series	Kofi Siriboe	Nominated
		Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series	Rutina Wesley	Nominated
		Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series	Dondre Whitfield	Nominated
		Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series	Tina Lifford	Nominated
		Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-series)	Ethan Hutchison	Nominated
		Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series	Ava DuVernay (for "Dream Variations")	Nominated
			Anthony Sparks (for "What Do I Care For Morning)"	Nominated

Novel

Main article: Queen Sugar (novel)

UCLA graduate Natalie Baszile started writing Queen Sugar, the novel, in the early 1990s, but the text was only completed ten years later. She first presented the manuscript to publishers in 2009 but without any success. After revising the book for another two years, she resubmitted the text, with one agent agreeing to represent her.

Baszile took part in a women writer's retreat in Hedgebrook. A friend of hers who was also at the retreat, the novelist Sarah Manyika, suggested that she read part of Queen Sugar to fellow residents. Leigh Haber, O, The Oprah Magazine's book editor was attending and loved the novel and passed it to people at Oprah's Harpo Productions. A few months after that, Harpo called to say they wanted to option the book for a project.[99]

The book was published by Penguin in 2014 as Baszile's debut novel and, a few months later, OWN negotiated the deal to turn the book into a television series.

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External links

• Official website
• Queen Sugar on IMDb