Dewayne Perkins' New YouTube Series Explores Black Gay Friendships

Dewayne Perkins, known for "The Blackening," is debuting a new six-episode digital series titled "I Swear We're Friends" on YouTube this fall. This independently released "skitcom" serves as a tribute to television, with each episode drawing inspiration from iconic shows such as "Girlfriends," "Succession," and "My Wife & Kids." The series aims to explore the dynamics of Black gay male friendships, a subject rarely centered in comedy.

Perkins leads a cast featuring Devere Rogers and Brian Jordan Jr., among others, with notable guest stars including Daryl Stephens and Tracie Thoms. Grammy winner Durand Bernarr performs the show's theme song. The first two episodes are set to premiere on October 14, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly until the season finale on October 28.

Directed by Perkins and filmed by Sade Ndya, the "skitcom" is written by Perkins alongside James Rogers III and Mark Wright. "I Swear We're Friends" is produced by Nance Messineo, Cole Santiago, and Natasha Forouzannia. This project arrives as Perkins is also set to return for "The Blackening 2" and is developing a comedy series for Hulu, highlighting his prolific career in comedy and television.