Send Help - What We Know So Far

Fans of "Insecure" have a brand-new project to look forward to, courtesy of two key people involved with the production of the HBO comedy-drama series. According to Deadline, actor Jean Elie, who portrays Ahmal Dee on "Insecure," and Mike Gauyo, who served as story editor for the show's fifth season, are teaming up to co-create a new series that is equal parts heartfelt, coming-of-age story and dark comedy. Titled "Send Help," the series is set to premiere on AMC Network's streaming service AllBlk, a platform dedicated to amplifying Black creative voices.

Early details about the series indicate that it will somewhat harken back to the history-making "Insecure" not only in terms of tone, but also in terms of subject matter. Where "Insecure" focuses on facing the realities of being a Black woman in modern America, "Send Help" will similarly center upon the experiences of people of color, specifically those who are the children of immigrants. Though early details on the project are relatively slim, what has already been shared regarding the show's premise, cast and crew, and release window all seem very promising.

"Send Help" doesn't have an exact release date yet, but according to Deadline, the show is set to premiere on AllBlk in Fall of 2022 with full-scale production on the show beginning earlier that year. Considering that the show's first season only consists of a relatively brief seven episodes, it seems likely that the creators will successfully be able to meet their target date of a release in the later months of 2022.

However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has been responsible for delays in production for numerous films and TV shows, should also be taken into consideration. With new uncertainties afforded by the Omicron variant's emergence, viewers anticipating "Send Help" should take any official release date or window with a grain of salt, and understand that there is currently no absolute guarantee that the show will release in a given timeframe.

So far, only one cast member has been announced for "Send Help." In addition to duties afforded by his role as a co-creator of the series, Jean Elie will also be starring in the lead role of Fritz, a young Haitian-American man who embarks on an attempt to break into Hollywood. Though it is currently unknown who will be joining Elie in the main cast of "Send Help," it's worth noting that the show is a reunion of sorts for several people involved with the production of "Insecure," which is currently airing its fifth and final season. Thus, it's a valid possibility that cast members from that series could make an appearance in this new show.

Aside from the cast, several key crew members have been confirmed to be attached to the project. According to Deadline, the first season will be directed by Stewart Yost, who is also slated to be a director on the upcoming Netflix series "Guardians of Justice." The show also has three confirmed producers in the form of Matt Hoklotubbe, Francesca Smith, and Michael J. McGarry, while Nikki Love and Brett Dismuke will work as executive producers.

The premise of "Send Help" is in the same vein of shows like "Entourage" and "BoJack Horseman" that serve as critiques of Hollywood. According to Deadline, "Send Help" will follow Elie's character Fritz, a first generation Haitian-American. Fritz moves to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a Hollywood actor, but must simultaneously contend with his own feelings of self doubt, the needs of his family, his dating life, and an unknown yet ominous family tragedy. Fritz's own flaws will also be laid bare, as he refuses to acknowledge or deal with many of the problems that threaten to topple his entire life, his relationships, and his future.

"'Send Help' is a love letter to my family and others living with tragedy," Elie said to Deadline. "It's also a shoutout to first generation Americans daring to step into creative fields despite being discouraged by their immigrant families. I hope young people will see what's possible when you step out of your own way and defy society's limits."