Starz's Black Rodeo Drama Is Building a Powerhouse Cast, and It's Filming in Atlanta
Black cowboys and cowgirls have been part of American rodeo culture from the start, even when Hollywood left them out of the picture. Starz is working to change that with its untitled family drama set in the world of Black rodeo in Southeast Texas, and its ensemble keeps getting stronger.
The one-hour, eight-episode series comes from showrunner Kirk A. Moore and is currently in production in Atlanta. Starz describes it as blending hip-hop swagger with country soul. It follows three siblings dealing with their late mother's legacy and their father's unfinished business, amid shifting alliances, family secrets, and high stakes. The show is also part of a new chapter for the network. It's only Starz's second wholly owned original series since separating from Lionsgate, following the British boxing drama Fightland.
Meet the Clarke family
DeWanda Wise (She's Gotta Have It, Three Women) leads as Anaya Clarke-Reagan, the eldest sibling and mayor of the fictional Trinity City. She's polished, highly educated, and married to a powerful judge, and her conservative public image hides much darker desires. For Anaya, family comes first, even if that means protecting them from their own father.
Shannon Wallace (Diarra From Detroit, Beauty in Black) plays Sebastian Clarke, a former bull-riding champion whose career ended after a near-fatal accident in the arena. Tian Richards (Tom Swift) plays Rodney Clarke, the family's openly gay, sharp-tongued younger brother. He runs Big Rod's Likka Lounge and seems to have finally left his troubled past behind.
Curtiss Cook (The Chi, House of Cards) plays their estranged father, Elias Clarke, co-founder of the family rodeo, who returns from prison hoping to win back his children's trust.
The rodeo circuit
Marcus Emanuel Mitchell (Doctor Odyssey, Chicago Fire) plays Julius Calhoun, Sebastian's best friend and one of Trinity City's biggest rodeo stars. Liv Symone (Power Book III: Raising Kanan) plays Julius's younger sister, Jojo, who feels shut out by the more traditional women riders. Lauren E. Banks (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) and Jason Dirden (Bosch: Legacy) complete the series regular cast.
Starz has also added recurring players. They include John Gabriel Rodriquez, SteVonté Hart, Gabrielle Byndloss as Crystal, a radio personality who also works as the rodeo's DJ and announcer, Samuel-Taylor, and Aaron Smalls. The newest group of eight includes Patrick Cage (One of Them Days), Mpho Osei-Tutu, Keith Arthur Bolden, and Tracey Bonner.
Why it matters
Starz has become one of the most reliable homes for Black Southern stories, with P-Valley as its standout example. A family drama rooted in Black rodeo culture continues that tradition and draws on a real history that most mainstream Westerns have ignored. It's also good news for Georgia, where production brings work to local crews and talent.
The series doesn't have a title or premiere date yet. Cup of Soul will keep you updated.
