Apple TV Sets 'American Comfort' Stars Danielle Brooks
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Apple TV announced development of "American Comfort", a soul‑food restaurant comedy created by Kenya Barris, Oprah Winfrey and Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment.
- Danielle Brooks will star as Melba Wilson and serve as an executive producer on the series.
- Melba Wilson is the real‑life restaurateur whose Harlem Melba’s restaurant, a James Beard Award‑nominated establishment, has expanded to locations such as Central Park and Grand Central Terminal.
- Kenya Barris is writer and executive producer, reuniting with former agent Aaron Kaplan, with whom he previously co‑produced a brothers comedy at CBS.
- Oprah Winfrey is executive producer through Harpo Entertainment, joining the project alongside Carla Gardini and other partners.
- Aaron Kaplan leads Kapital Entertainment as executive producer, collaborating with Harpo, BET Studios, and Door 24 on the series.
Why it matters: Apple TV adds a flagship series to its slate, giving the streaming service a high‑profile Black‑centric comedy that can attract new subscribers; Danielle Brooks secures a starring and executive‑producer role, boosting her profile; and Melba Wilson’s Harlem restaurant story gains national exposure, highlighting Black culinary heritage.
