HBO's Insecure is an equal parts hilarious and dramatic look into the lives of 20 and 30-something black women living in Los Angeles. Now in its fourth season, Insecure comes from the mind of comedian Issa Rae.
Insecure tracks Rae's character, also named Issa, as she deals with career woes, romantic complications, and growing pains. Honest, crude, and genuine, Insecure doesn't hold back when it comes to getting real. Here are 10 behind-the-scenes fact about this HBO gem.
Issa Rae Co-Created The Series With Larry Wilmore
When the time came to develop Insecure, Issa Rae worked with comedian Larry Wilmore, who is credited as co-creator. Wilmore is best-known for his role as a correspondent on The Daily Show.
Wilmore remains a consultant for the series, bringing his comedy experience into the writing and development process.
Insecure Is Based On Rae's Web Series Awkward Black Girl
Before Insecure, Issa Rae brought her unique perspective to the worlds of modern dating and work-life with her YouTube series Awkward Black Girl. The series launched in 2011, and it garnered a lot of due attention for Rae as a rising voice in comedy.
Awkward Black Girl won a Shorty Award for Best Web Series in 2012. The series is hinged on the uncomfortable encounters a woman named J has with people in her life.
It's The First Comedy Series Both Created By And Starring A Black Woman
Believe it or not, Insecure is a milestone for television. It's the first comedic series of its kind to cast a black woman in the main role.
In fact, most of the main characters in the series are black women. There's Issa's best friend Molly, a lawyer. There's Kelli, an accountant. There's also Tiffany, a married mama-to-be. These women form a powerful and entertaining girl gang.
Rae Received Two Golden Globe Nominations And One Emmy Nomination For Her Performance
Since it debuted in 2016, Insecure has received multiple awards and nominations. Issa Rae received two Best Actress nominations at the Golden Globes. Rae also landed a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress.
Insecure can be found on multiple "Best Of" lists, including the prestigious American Film Institute Top 10 Television Programs of the year.
Solange Knowles Is The Show's Music Consultant
Insecure is known for its amazing musical accompaniment, so it's no wonder Solange Knowles is the series's music consultant. Insecure often showcases music from up-and-coming black artists.
Issa Rae connected with Solange through Matsoukas, the director of the pop star's music video from "Losing You." On top of all this, producer Raphael Saadiq is credited with making original jams for Insecure.
Natasha Rothwell, Who Plays Kelli, Wrote For Saturday Night Live In 2014 And 2015
Kelli is Issa's hilarious plus-sized friend who says what she thinks and does what she wants. Kelli is the definition of female empowerment, and she doesn't care what anyone has to say about it.
Comedian and writer Natasha Rothwell plays Kelli. Rothwell is a seasoned performer. Rothwell's served as a staff writer on Saturday Night Live between 2014 and 2015. She is also developing her own series for HBO.
Jay Ellis Won An NAACP Image Award For His Portrayal As Lawrence
Jay Ellis plays Lawrence, Issa's long-term boyfriend. Lawrence begins this series as a directionless man in his late-20s. His character evolves as his relationship with Issa strains. Eventually, they break up, and Lawrence moves on with his life, becoming an IT professional.
At the 2018 NAACP Image Awards, Ellis won the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series award. Ellis also received a nomination at the 2017 Black Reel Awards for Television.
Oscar Winner Regina King Directed The Season 3 Finale "Ghost-Like"
That's right. Regina King went behind the camera to direct the emotional finale of Insecure's third season. The episode showcases some big moves for Issa. Issa Rae wrote the episode with Natasha Rothwell.
This isn't Regina King's first time as director. She has directed episodes of shows like Southland, Animal Kingdom, and Shameless.
Molly's Asian Bae, Andrew, Is Played By Australian Actor Alexander Hodge
In seasons three and four of Insecure, Australian actor Alexander Hodge makes waves as Molly's new love interest, Andrew. Molly, played by Yvonne Orji, grapples with trust issues when it comes to love. She resists Andrew's advances for quite some time before finally giving in.
The relationship between Molly and Andrew also tackles racial and ethnic stereotypes head-on. Molly is open in the show about her reservations related to dating an Asian man.
Worldwide Tacos, Featured In Season 3, Is A Real Beloved Spot In Leimert Park
Insecure is a love letter to Los Angeles. Filmed on location, the series celebrates the diverse and eclectic restaurants, neighborhoods, and public places that define the greater Los Angeles area.
In season three, Issa reconnects with the easy-on-the-eyes Nathan, played by Kendrick Sampson, while grabbing tacos from her favorite place: Worldwide Tacos. For those who love tacos and Insecure, Worldwide Tacos is a real establishment in Leimert Park.