Introduction
BET+ is shaking up the crime-comedy genre with Diarra: From Detroit, a smart and culturally rich series that mixes personal reinvention, suspense, and razor-sharp wit. Created by and starring Diarra Kilpatrick, the show follows a recently divorced schoolteacher turned amateur sleuth, uncovering danger and secrets across the city she calls home.
With critical acclaim, an all-star cast, and Season 2 on the way, this breakout hit is a must-watch—and a must-follow for actors looking to join its momentum.
What Is Diarra: From Detroit About?
In Season 1, we meet Diarra Brickland, a public school teacher in the midst of a divorce who gets ghosted after a Tinder date. But Diarra isn’t letting it go. What starts as a quest to track down a missing man quickly spirals into a decades-old conspiracy in Detroit’s criminal underworld.
Determined to solve the mystery, Diarra teams up with friends, coworkers, and even exes—building an unlikely but loyal crew. Along the way, the show delivers everything from laugh-out-loud moments to emotionally resonant truths about identity, trust, and moving forward.
Main Cast and Characters
- Diarra Kilpatrick as Diarra Brickland
- Morris Chestnut as François “Swa” Brickland
- DomiNque Perry as Aja
- Bryan Terrell Clark as Mr. Tea
- Claudia Logan as Moni
- Shannon Wallace as Chris
- Jon Chaffin as Danger
- Guest appearances from Phylicia Rashad, Harry Lennix, David Zayas, and Kash Doll
This dynamic cast brings to life the show’s unique mix of sharp comedy, suspense, and grounded character arcs.
Production, Release, and Filming
- Platform: BET+
- Production Companies: BET Studios and Khalabo Ink Society
- Executive Producers: Diarra Kilpatrick, Kenya Barris
- Season 1 Premiere: March 21, 2024
- Filming Locations: Primarily shot in New Jersey (Secaucus and Moonachie), while thematically rooted in Detroit
Critical Reception and Season 2 News
Diarra: From Detroit earned near-universal praise for its originality, humor, and strong female lead:
- 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes
- Named one of the best new series of 2024 by outlets like Variety, Deadline, and Rolling Stone
Following its breakout success, the show was officially renewed for Season 2 in April 2025, with returning cast members including Diarra Kilpatrick, DomiNque Perry, Jon Chaffin, and Bryan Terrell Clark.
Meet the Creator: Diarra Kilpatrick
Actress, writer, and producer Diarra Kilpatrick is the creative powerhouse behind the series. A Detroit native with an eye for authentic storytelling, Kilpatrick has previously appeared in HBO’s Perry Mason and helmed digital series like American Koko. With Diarra: From Detroit, she’s carved out a singular voice blending social commentary, character-driven humor, and gripping mystery.
Meet the Casting Directors: Alexis Frank Koczara and Christine Smith Shevchenko
The incredible cast is thanks to the expert work of casting directors Alexis Frank Koczara and Christine Smith Shevchenko, both known for their excellence in casting talent-rich, character-centric stories.
Alexis Frank Koczara
Originally from Michigan, Koczara is known for:
- Black-ish (2014)
- Cobra Kai (2018)
- Grown-ish (2018)
She specializes in curating casts that reflect both comedic depth and emotional realism—perfectly aligned with Diarra: From Detroit’s tone.
Christine Smith Shevchenko
Also recognized for her work on:
- Black-ish
- Cobra Kai
- Grown-ish
Shevchenko brings decades of experience and a sharp instinct for identifying fresh, compelling talent. Together, this duo’s chemistry and precision have helped Diarra: From Detroit deliver standout performances across the board.
Casting Opportunities – Stay Tuned
As production gears up for Season 2, Diarra: From Detroit may soon be expanding its universe—bringing with it opportunities for new characters, day players, and extras.
To audition for a role, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as casting calls become available.
This is a project that celebrates bold storytelling, diverse talent, and cultural authenticity—an ideal match for performers looking to make an impact.
