One month ahead of its premiere, HBO has dropped the first full-length trailer for Issa Rae’s upcoming show Insecure.
In this latest release, we learn a bit more about Rae’s character, Issa Dee, and her struggles with her love life and her career as she faces turning 30. Dee constantly compares herself to her highly successful corporate lawyer best friend, played by Yvonne Orji, and questions a stagnant relationship with her boyfriend, played by Jay Ellis. Dee works at a non-profit and frequently experiences racial microaggressions from her boss and coworkers. We see Rae’s comedic chops shine as she perfectly acts out several extremely awkward, but relatable moments.
The first episode of the series is titled “Insecure as Fuck,” with subsequent episodes being titled in a similar matter — “Racist as Fuck,” “Messy as Fuck,” etc.
When asked why she chose to call the series “Insecure,” Rae had this to say.
Why did I call our show #InsecureHBO? Because sometimes I'm a weak black woman. Official trailer drops tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/uas1tnMIMi
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) September 7, 2016
“There’s this narrative that’s going around that’s awesome — that black women are fierce, they’re strong, they’re flawless,” she says. “And I don’t know that life. I wanted to center a show around weak black women, and the uncertainty they feel on that journey to get to greatness. It’s like the prequel to ‘black girl magic.'”
Rae created Insecure, which premieres on October 9th, alongside comedian and former Comedy Central host Larry Wilmore. The show’s pilot was shot by filmmaker and Beyoncé collaborator Melina Matsoukas.
Watch the full-length trailer below.