Danielle Brooks Takes Center Stage in Apple TV’s New Comedy Inspired by Melba Wilson, Brought to Life by Kenya Barris and Oprah Winfrey
New Series Highlights Harlem’s Melba’s Restaurant
Written and executive produced by Kenya Barris, American Comfort shines a light on the heart, humor, and hospitality that have made Melba’s, a Harlem restaurant owned by Melba Wilson, a soul food institution for over two decades.
In the upcoming series, actress Brooks takes on the lead role of Melba, embodying the essence of the legendary eatery where the show is set.
Barris, along with Leyah Barris, will executive produce through Khalabo Ink Society, in collaboration with Winfrey and Carla Gardini for Harpo Entertainment, and Neema Barnette for BET Studios. The project also features contributions from Jaiden Kaplan and Dylan Hammalian for Kapital Entertainment, along with Jill McGrath at Door 24 and Lauren Tuck at Harpo. Kapital Entertainment and Apple are the studios behind the series.
This venture marks a reunion for Barris and Kaplan, who previously worked together on a project set up at CBS last year that involved Barris and Mike Epps. The two also collaborated on the 2023 Hulu series Black Cake.
Brooks, an Oscar nominee for The Color Purple, has recently appeared alongside John Cena in Season 2 of HBO Max’s Peacemaker, garnering a nomination for the 2026 Critics Choice Award. She has also starred in the indie film If I Go, Will They Miss Me, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, and voiced the character Kitty Kat in The Bad Guys 2.
Melba Wilson, a James Beard Award-nominated chef and entrepreneur, is known for her flagship restaurant, which has expanded to several locations, including Central Park and Grand Central Terminal. Wilson is also a media personality, author, and philanthropist.
Barris, the creator of ABC’s Emmy-nominated comedy black-ish and its spin-offs, is currently working on Diarra From Detroit, which is slated for a second season on Paramount+. Additional executive producing roles include The Vince Staples Show for Netflix and the Amazon film The Underdoggs. His production company, Khalabo Ink Society, has a diverse slate, including projects featuring Storm Reid and a documentary on rapper Chief Keef.
This new series promises to explore the rich narrative surrounding Melba’s restaurant and its significant role in the community, bridging food, culture, and heartfelt storytelling.
