EXCLUSIVE: AspireTV, the Black culture and urban lifestyle network, is launching its first-ever original scripted series.
The network, which was founded by Magic Johnson and is now owned by Up Entertainment, has ordered multi-camera sitcom Savannah State of Mind from Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show showrunner Bentley Kyle Evans.
Savannah State of Mind follows the lives of seven first-year students navigating the joys, challenges and complexities of college life at a historically Black college. Set at Oakwood Heights, a picturesque campus surrounded by Spanish moss and steeped in tradition, the school is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to a mysterious love offering from an anonymous donor, and students and faculty alike are determined to protect its legacy.
The series, which is now in pre-production and will premiere later this year, is exec produced by Kyle Evans through his Harvest Studios production banner.
“Savannah State of Mind marks an exciting new chapter for AspireTV as we expand into original scripted storytelling,” said Angela Cannon, general manager of AspireTV. “Working with the incomparable Bentley Kyle Evans allows us to bring this world to life with humor, heart and authenticity through relatable comedy that reminds us why these communities matter so deeply.”
“I’m incredibly excited to bring Savannah State of Mind to life because there simply aren’t enough shows that authentically capture this experience,” added Kyle Evans. “HBCUs are spaces filled with brilliance, ambition, humor, vulnerability and transformation, and they deserve to be seen in all of that fullness. This series isn’t just about college — it’s about identity, growth, community, and what happens when young Black men and women are given room to evolve, make mistakes and discover who they truly are. It’s important for audiences to see Black students in spaces of leadership, intellect, love, conflict and excellence — not as stereotypes, but as layered, complicated human beings. That’s what this show delivers, and I’m proud to help bring that story to the screen.”