Channel 4’s Unapologetic returns for six-part series
David Farnor | On 11, Nov 2021
Channel 4’s Unapologetic has been commissioned for a six-part series, which will kick off tonight.
The late-night topical discussion programme, presented by DJ Yinka Bokinni and social media star Zeze Millz, was initially commissioned to pilot as part of the broadcaster’s Black to Front Project. Unapologetic is a show where guests will be encouraged to say what they want to say without apologising for it. It isn’t a show about Black people: this is the show where Black people talk freely about everything. It aims to offer new views on existing subjects as well as bringing new subjects and voices to the table.
The highly successful pilot tackled issues such as Black Lives Matter, football, racism, colourism and featured guests including Terry Crews, Troy Deeney and Gary Younge.
“The boldly frank Unapologetic is a late night talk show that actually lets people talk,” we wrote in our review. “It allows for nuance and subtlety, with hosts Yinka Bokinni and Zeze Millz skilfully managing to stoke heated, constructive arguments while also ensuring everyone gets a chance to speak. In an age of social media abuse and antagonism, it’s a talk show that treats its guests and audience with intelligence – in short, the kind of TV that modern media could with more of.”
The new series will build on the pilot’s success to feature guests from the worlds of politics and popular culture as well as the people who’ve been at the heart of controversies themselves. The programme will continue to challenge ideas of what Black people are allowed to say and what is off-limits.
Unapologetic was commissioned by Channel 4 Specialist Factual commissioning editor Shaminder Nahal and will be made by SBTV and Cardiff Productions with executive producers Isaac Densu, Duncan Eaton, Pat Younge and Maxine Watson.
Shaminder Nahal Commissioning Editor, said: “The Black to Front project is about amplifying Black voices and talent in front of and behind the screen – and above all about making this part of an ongoing conversation. So I couldn’t be more delighted to commission a 6-part series of Unapologetic for Channel 4. This thoughtful, energetic – and truly unapologetic – late-night debate and conversation show is an incredible showcase for two of the most exciting talents around – Yinka Bokinni and Zeze Millz. I’m so thrilled to be working with them, and with SBTV and Cardiff. “
Jamal Edwards, SBTV, added: “We are thrilled that the pilot was so successful and excited to be producing more episodes with the extremely talented Yinka Bokinni and Zeze Millz. Bringing through new talent is at the core of what we do at SBTV and as we increasingly move into the television production space we are grateful to Channel 4 for commissioning 6 new episodes of Unapologetic thereby giving us the opportunity to showcase more new talent.”
Episode 1 will air on Channel 4 at 11.05pm on Thursday 11th November.
