Kenya Barris Bets on Black With Latest Revolt Reality Series

Known for his hit comedy series Black-ish and Grown-ish, Kenya Barris is making his way back into unscripted programming, joining Revolt to executive produce the sixth season of the Bet on Black reality series.

With Barris’ arrival, Bet on Black introduced a refreshed format when it premiered on Oct. 19, in which student founders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) receive hands-on mentorship and share in a $500,000 growth fund, with the opportunity to grow their businesses while retaining 100% equity in their ventures.

High-level execution

This is Barris’ first project with Revolt since he was recently named vice chair of its creative studio, Revolt Labs. In addition, joining Bet on Black has given him the chance to reunite, for the first time since the conclusion of Black-ish, with actor Marsai Martin, who hosts the reality series.

Speaking to ADWEEK, Barris said he was attracted to the series because of the name, adding that the idea of promoting the next generation of entrepreneurs was amazing and that he was impressed by Revolt’s execution of the series, saying it was done “at a higher level than I even thought that it could be done.” 

He said it was important to invest in the next generation of Black founders, especially those coming out of predominantly Black universities, so that they can be presented in a better light and not caught up in the sometimes negative and perverted assertions of Black culture.

Barris, who gained his reality TV experience working on America’s Next Top Model, was impressed by the founders’ ideas on Bet on Black, saying he believes their ingenuity and brilliance will better the world and make their big ideas sellable.

Purpose-driven brands

Backing all of this is Target, which has been part of Bet on Black’s success for all six seasons, since 2021. Target’s partnership with Revolt has directed about $2.69 million to Black founders and their businesses by providing access to capital, resources, and growth opportunities.

This season, the retail chain has invested $500,000 in the show’s growth fund. Beyond that, Target is supporting the show’s marketing through TV, digital, CTV, YouTube, social, on-site, and influencer channels. 

Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels said that Target’s continued investment in Bet on Black signifies “the importance of building mission-driven and purpose-driven brands.”

He went on to say it’s not enough to build a great company that makes great products and generates profits: “You also have to help create the world that your audience wants to live in.”

Samuels says Revolt has been committed to uplifting the Black community and trying to solve some of its biggest problems, and Target’s partnership reflects an advertiser committed to doing that work with them.

‘Spark of energy‘

Samuels regards Barris as exemplary among Black creators: “Beyond just a Black space, I would very easily say [Barris] is one of the most prolific minds out right now, creating.” 

Making his time at Revolt even more rewarding for Barris is the chance to team up with Martin, who played Diane Johnson, the youngest daughter, on the hit ABC show.

Proud of how all the kids on Black-ish turned out, Barris singled out Martin, saying she was just “a spark of energy and a spark of light.” He said she has known how to handle herself, from the first day she stepped on the Black-ish set to now, when they reunited on Bet on Black.

“It was really special to me,” Barris said.