Queen Sugar (2016)
A sweeping family drama set in the Louisiana bayou, following the Bordelon siblings as they fight to preserve their inheritance and identity.
Queen Sugar - Series Information
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Ava DuVernay
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 88
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 6, 2016 (United States - TV-14), September 6, 2016 (Canada - 14+), September 6, 2016 (Germany - 12), September 6, 2016 (France - 12), September 6, 2016 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: OWN
- Production Companies: Warner Horizon Television, Harpo Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Queen Sugar - Plot
Two sisters, Nova Bordelon and Charley Bordelon, with her teenage son Micah moves to the heart of Louisiana to claim an inheritance from her recently departed father - an 800-acre sugarcane farm.
Queen Sugar - Trailer
See the Bordelon family's journey unfold in the official Queen Sugar trailer.
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Queen Sugar - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ava DuVernay
Main Cast
- Rutina Wesley
- Dawn-Lyen Gardner
- Kofi Siriboe
- Nicholas L. Ashe
- Dondré Whitfield
- Omar J. Dorsey
- Greg Vaughan
- Tina Lifford
- Bianca Lawson
- Ethan Hutchison
Writers
- Monica Macer
- Mike Flynn
- Anthony Sparks
- Erika Johnson
- Kat Candler
Executive Producers
- Monica Macer
Queen Sugar - FAQs
Is Queen Sugar based on a book or true story?
Queen Sugar is based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Natalie Baszile. The book follows a Black woman navigating the challenges of running a sugarcane farm in Louisiana, and Ava DuVernay adapted it into the OWN series, expanding the story across seven seasons.
Why is Queen Sugar considered groundbreaking television?
Creator Ava DuVernay made history by hiring an all-female directing team for the first two seasons — a landmark decision in Hollywood. The series was widely praised for centering Black Southern life with nuance and dignity, offering a perspective rarely seen in mainstream American drama.
Where can you stream Queen Sugar?
Queen Sugar is available to stream on Hulu and Spectrum On Demand. If you prefer to own episodes, they can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Who are the lead actors in Queen Sugar?
The series stars Rutina Wesley as Nova Bordelon, Dawn-Lyen Gardner as Charley Bordelon West, and Kofi Siriboe as Ralph Angel Bordelon — three siblings navigating family, legacy, and identity. The ensemble also includes Tina Lifford, Bianca Lawson, Dondré Whitfield, and Omar J. Dorsey.
How many seasons does Queen Sugar have?
Queen Sugar ran for seven seasons and 88 episodes on OWN, from September 2016 to 2022. The show built its story gradually across those seasons, deepening character arcs and tackling evolving social issues — from racial injustice to the COVID-19 pandemic — before reaching its conclusion.
Did Queen Sugar win any awards?
Queen Sugar earned multiple NAACP Image Award nominations and wins throughout its run, recognizing its outstanding drama and performances. The series was also celebrated by critics for its social relevance, with particular praise for Rutina Wesley and the show's unflinching portrayal of Black Southern life.
Is Queen Sugar worth watching for drama fans?
Absolutely. Queen Sugar is a deeply human, beautifully crafted drama that stands apart from typical network fare. Its slow-burn storytelling, richly drawn characters, and willingness to engage with real-world issues — from systemic racism to family grief — make it essential viewing for fans of prestige television.
What shows are similar to Queen Sugar?
If you enjoy Queen Sugar, you might also love Friday Night Lights for its heartfelt community storytelling, Sweet Magnolias for its Southern family drama, or Underground, another Ava DuVernay-connected series with powerful Black narratives. Your Honor and Brothers and Sisters also share its emotional ensemble depth.
More About Queen Sugar
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