Whoopi Goldberg, the renowned EGOT winner and business tycoon, is expanding her portfolio by entering the world of streaming. She has invested in Blkfam, a pioneering Black-owned and Black-centric family streaming service set to launch on February 26. The platform will be free and supported by ads, offering a diverse range of content.
Blkfam's initial content library boasts over 20 syndicated series, 1,000 hours of animation titles featuring characters of color and diverse gender experiences, and a substantial collection of original music-driven content. Additionally, the platform has 10 original live-action and animated series in the pipeline for release throughout 2024.
Goldberg, along with Tom Leonardis, the president of her production company Whoop Inc., has joined Blkfam as an equity partner. She will play a pivotal role in shaping the creative direction of exclusive programming for the platform.
Blkfam was founded by Larry Adams, a seasoned digital media professional, who was inspired to create a platform that offers authentic and inclusive content for Black families. The service aims to address the lack of representation and misrepresentation of Black culture in mainstream media.
At launch, Blkfam will be accessible on various platforms including iOS, Android, Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube TV, and select smart TVs. The platform's content partners, such as PlayWatch Kids and Candle Media's ATTN:, are developing educational and empowering shows that feature ethnically and culturally diverse characters.
Blkfam's mission is to curate a collection of stories that entertain, educate, and celebrate Black American family-friendly content. By focusing on authentic storytelling and true diversity, the platform aims to provide a space where Black parents and children can feel genuinely represented.
Through strategic brand partnerships, Blkfam plans to finance original series, offering viewers a unique and engaging viewing experience. The platform's curated approach sets it apart from traditional streamers, ensuring a selection of fresh and diverse content.
With Goldberg's involvement and the dedication of the Blkfam team, the platform is poised to make a significant impact in the streaming landscape, catering to an underserved market and championing authentic representation.
