Image Courtesy of ARRAY
Los Angeles, CA – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the season two renewal of its popular anthology drama “Cherish the Day,” from Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated creator/executive producer Ava DuVernay, ARRAY Filmworks and Warner Bros. Television. The announcement marks DuVernay’s second series renewed at OWN after the acclaimed filmmaker’s long-running hit drama “Queen Sugar” was previously picked up for a fifth season and is currently in production.
“Cherish the Day” chronicles the stirring relationship of one couple, with each episode spanning a single day. Season two will feature a brand-new couple’s love story, with an all-new cast. The narrative will unfold to reveal significant moments in a relationship that compel us to hold true to the ones we love, from the extraordinary to the everyday. Season one co-executive producers Raynelle Swilling and Teri Schaffer have been named executive producers and co-showrunners for season two. Production will take place in 2021.
“Ava and her immensely talented team of creators are telling dynamic and moving love stories depicting the many facets of marriage and relationships that resonate deeply with our audience,” said Tina Perry, president, OWN. “We are so excited for season two and a new beautiful Black love story.”
“Our ‘Cherish the Day’ audience embraced and applauded the evolution of a Black couple building a life together in our first season, and we can’t wait to bring another story of love and connection to the small screen,” shared DuVernay. “Everyone here at ARRAY Filmworks is so pleased to continue our exploration of romance day by day alongside our partners at Warner Bros. and OWN.”
The first season of “Cherish the Day,” which starred Xosha Roquemore, Alano Miller and legendary actress Cicely Tyson, debuted in February 2020 and on average during its seven-week first season ranked #1 in its time period across all of cable with African American women, households and total viewers.
The DuVernay-led series achieved full gender parity with a production crew of more than 50% women, including 18 female department heads, an initiative DuVernay will continue on in season two.
“Cherish the Day” is produced for OWN by ARRAY Filmworks and Harpo Films in association with Warner Bros. Television. Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes, Raynelle Swilling, Teri Schaffer and Oprah Winfrey serve as executive producers.
About Raynelle Swilling and Teri Schaffer
Raynelle Swilling and Teri Schaffer have been a sought-after writing/producing duo working on such hits as “Marlon,” starring Marlon Wayans; “The Soul Man,” starring Cedric the Entertainer; “K.C. Undercover,” starring Zendaya; “I Feel Bad,” from Amy Poehler; “In the House,” where they first met; and the animated comedy “The Cleveland Show,” when they became writing partners.
Prior to partnering with Schaffer, Swilling began her career creating and selling a television pilot to Quincy Jones’s QDE. From there, she went on to join the writing staff of hit shows including “In the House,” with LL Cool J, and “Moesha,” starring Brandy. Swilling has also been a writer for several award shows, including the VH1 Honors, MTV Awards and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Schaffer began her career in marketing and advertising, working on print ad campaigns for shows such as “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!,” before enrolling in the Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop. She went on to write for series such as “Thea,” “Martin” and “In the House,” among many others, before teaming up with Swilling. Schaffer received acclaim for her work on “The Bernie Mac Show,” where she was honored with a Peabody, Humanitas and NAACP Image Award.