Unapologeticly Black digital web series, ‘GIANTS’ goes beyond entertainment

If you don't know about the hot new digital series, "Giants", then take a few minutes to get in the know.

Apr 25, 2018

(L-R) James Black plays Malachi, Vanessa Baden Kelly plays Journee and Sean Samuels plays Ade. This season, the cast will take real life issues like sexual assault and drug abuse. (Courtesy of Credit to Shot by Serrandon)

If you don’t know about the hot new digital series, “Giants”, then take a few minutes to get in the know.

The independently produced, originally-scripted, digital series made waves its first season tackling hot-button, Black culture issues like abortion, Christianity and the stigmas surrounding mental health.

Now in its second season, “Giants” has earned two Daytime Emmy Award nods for Outstanding Lead Actor (James Bland) and Lead Actress (Vanessa Baden Kelly) in a Digital Daytime Drama.

That’s a big deal given that “Giants” is the only independently produced digital series and distributed contender in the category. With over 2 million views already, you can stream the series via ColorCreative.TV on Issa Rae’s (HBO’s “Insecure”) YouTube Channel.

The second season is bigger and bolder than ever with six, half-hour episodes and an hour-long finale. Three Black millennial friends find themselves sharing a tiny, one-bedroom apartment in L.A. and are forced to face their inner fears to one another. This season dives deeper into each character’s past and exposes their insecurities to allow them to discover the root of their issues.

Bland is the star, creator and show-runner of the web series which is a collaboration with “Insecure’s” Issa Rae and “Empire” star Jussie Smollett. He promises that season two will sizzle even more.

“Season two really raises the stakes for these characters and their problems rise to a level of hurt that leaves us wondering if they can ever come back from this,” said Bland. “By season’s end, we learn that not all giants can be slain. Some we tame and learn to live with.”

He adds: “I created “Giants” with the intent of addressing taboo topics that weren’t often seen on mainstream television, but are universal and relatable. I think the success of our first season signifies a desire to not only see these challenges played out on screen but to also start conversations about them off-screen.”

Check out one of the most recent episodes below:

The scripted digital series returns with characters for Malachi (Bland), Journee (Baden Kelly) and Ade (Sean Samuels from SyFy channel’s “Toxic Shark”). This season, the cast of characters will take real life issues like sexual assault and drug abuse. While all of these issues are universal, the issues run deep in the Black community and many are left to feel sidelined and stigmatized when seeking help.

Other issues such as abortion and Black masculinity are explored as well.

Season two also includes a talented lineup of guest stars including Emmy-nominated Kelsey Scott (ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder”), Will Catlett(CW’s “Black Lightning,”), KJ Smith (OWN’s “Queen Sugar,”) Woody McClain (BET’s “The New Edition Story”), and J. August Richards (ABC’s “Kevin Probably Saves the World.”)

Check out the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards on April 29 to see if “Giants” makes big win.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE