Run the World Story:-
As I hit play on the first episode of “Run the World,” I hadn’t planned on binge-watching the entire eight-episode season in one go. However, as a rare warm breeze wafted through my open window in New York City, Leigh Davenport’s captivating new series about four friends experiencing a vibrant, life-altering summer in Harlem proved too irresistible to resist.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 22 July 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Drama |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Creator | Leigh Davenport |
| Cast | Amber Stevens West, Andrea Bordeaux, Bresha Webb, Corbin Reid, Tosin Morohunfola, Stephen Bishop |
| Director | Millicent Shelton, Justin Tipping, Jenée LaMarque, Nastaran Dibai |
| Writer | Leigh Davenport, Njeri Brown, Nastaran Dibai, Niya Palmer, Jess Pineda |
| Producer | Leigh Davenport, Yvette Lee Bowser |
| Production | SisterLee Productions, Lionsgate Television |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Premiering on Starz on May 16, “Run the World” immediately acknowledges its place in the TV landscape, particularly as a sharp dramedy centered on four thirty-something women navigating love and lust in New York City. In the pilot, frustrated writer Ella affectionately refers to her on-again, off-again boyfriend Anderson as her “Big,” reminiscent of the iconic character from “Sex and the City” who captivated Carrie Bradshaw. However, Ella’s comparison elicits nothing but eye-rolls from her pragmatic friend Sondi. “Big was tall, rich, and had a driver,” Sondi retorts. “If you’re going to repeatedly humiliate yourself for a man, he better be tall, rich, and have a driver. There’s a clear pop culture roadmap for this!”
This marks the show’s last overt nod to “Sex and the City,” which is perhaps for the best. However, “Run the World” establishes its own distinct atmosphere and vibe, set in a predominantly Black neighborhood that Carrie and her friends would never have ventured into. The series’ setting, costumes, and overall mood diverge significantly from its predecessor.
Joining Ella and Sondi in the central quartet are spirited advertising executive Renee, on the brink of divorcing her husband Jason, and the composed Whitney, grappling with the mounting pressures of her impending marriage to Nigerian doctor Ola.
Each woman possesses her own narrative, motivations, and unique strengths, brought to life by their respective actors. As the season progresses, the distinctions and overlaps between them become more pronounced, particularly in an ambitious sequence where they all find themselves in therapy with the same candid therapist, portrayed by Rosie O’Donnell.
“Run the World” excels in portraying Harlem with a meticulous eye for detail, shedding light on a neighborhood that television has often overlooked despite its rich cultural tapestry. The series’ production design infuses each apartment with its own distinct personality, highlighting the contrast between the vibrant essence of Harlem and the sterile uniformity of gentrified spaces.
If there’s any area where “Run the World” may fall short, it’s perhaps its temporal setting, which could easily belong to the past decade rather than the present. Yet, this doesn’t detract from the show’s relevance. By delving into timeless themes of relationships and female empowerment, “Run the World” offers a fresh perspective on familiar narratives, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.
“Run the World” premieres May 16 on Starz.
