Queen Sugar [OWN]

True Blood alumna Rutina Wesley has been tapped for a starring role on OWN’s new original drama series Queen Sugar, from Ava Duvernay and Warner Horizon Television.

Written, directed and executive produced by Duvernay, the contemporary series is adapted from the first-time novel by Natalie Baszile. It centers on Nova Bordelon (Wesley), a formidable journalist and activist based in New Orleans. Her life, and that of her brother and their extended family, undergoes significant change when her sister, Charley, returns to Louisiana from Los Angeles to help run the family sugarcane farm. Oprah Winfrey will have a recurring role on the show.

Deadline