"Rap Sh!t" Just Got Added To The List Of Black-Led TV Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon, And People Online Are Fed Up

The recent cancelation of Max's hit series Rap Sh!t has led to a bigger discussion about the treatment of Black-led TV shows.

Promo poster for Rap Sh!t featuring a woman standing next to a woman squatting
Courtesy of Max

On Thursday, it was announced that Issa Rae's scripted comedy series, starring Aida Osman, KaMillion, and Jonica Booth, would not be returning for a third season.

the three on the show
Erin Simkin/Max

The series, which was loosely based on the rise of the female rap duo City Girls, focuses on two former high school friends from Miami who reunite years later to form a rap group.

  Erin Simpkin/Max
Erin Simpkin/Max

Rap Sh!t was so refreshing. I loved that the show shined a spotlight on women from the South, while also highlighting the complicated realities of entrepreneurship, the highs and lows of friendships, and the intimate moments of both familial and romantic relationships.

A woman cooking with a young girl
Courtesy of Max

Despite releasing a statement to Hollywood Reporter, Max did not provide an explanation for the cancelation. “We are extremely grateful to Issa Rae for creating Rap Sh!t, a one-of-a-kind comedy with compelling social commentary that reached viewers in a way only Issa’s talents can accomplish.”

  Erin Simkin/Max
Erin Simkin/Max

“A huge thank you to Issa, showrunner Syreeta Singleton, and the teams at Hoorae and 3 Arts Entertainment for introducing us to Shawna and Mia, a duo whose journey fans have been invested in and who they have continued to root for through everything. We’ll never get 'Seduce and Scheme' out of our heads and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” the statement read.

  Alicia Vera/HBO Max
Alicia Vera/HBO Max

Fans, including myself, were devastated by the news, especially because the main characters were finally getting their footing in the music industry in Season 2, which aired its finale last month. And on top of that, Season 2 left off on a major cliffhanger that would change the dynamic of the group forever.

Twitter: @kevintsolomon

This week, X, formerly known as Twitter, was in an uproar as people voiced their shock, confusion, and sadness about the cancelation:

VH1 / Twitter: @SweetBrownSugar

Fox / Twitter: @TheGreatIsNate

ALL BLK / Twitter: @imjaelyncolee

Twitter: @MarquiseDavon

Twitter: @taylorcrumpton

Twitter: @TristenJWinger

Twitter: @blkgrlpoet

Fox / Twitter: @TheOtherMariah

Unfortunately, several Black-led shows have experienced the same demise — forced to end prematurely before storylines and characters are fully fleshed out, despite passionate fan bases.

someone saying, what's going on
Facebook Watch

The anthology series Love Life was canceled after its second season (which was led in Season 2 by William Harper Jackson and Jessica Williams), and the entire series was taken off of Max; the highly talked about series Lovecraft Country received the axe after just one season; and non-traditional talk show Ziwe got canceled after two seasons.

  HBO Max
HBO Max

I grew up during a time when shows with a predominantly Black cast would last for four or more seasons, but as the years pass, the more it turns into a distant memory. Girlfriends ran for eight seasons; One on One ran for five seasons; Martin ran for five seasons; Living Single ran for five seasons; That's So Raven ran for four seasons with multiple spin-offs; Sister, Sister ran for six seasons; The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran for six seasons; Moesha ran for six seasons; The Game ran for nine seasons; Family Matters ran for nine seasons; and the list goes on.

raven with large cheeks
Disney Channel / Everett Collection

Many people online also expressed their frustration with the current trend that seems to be plaguing these projects:

Twitter: @IAMNJERA

Twitter: @shanellegenai

Twitter: @MalikThaElite

Walt Disney Pictures / Twitter: @PSawyerSchu

Peacock / Twitter: @kingbealestreet

Twitter: @spiderswarz

There's no telling what the future holds for series with diverse leads, but all we can do is support the ones we have, while we have them.

Be sure to check out Season 1 and 2 of Rap Sh!t, which is currently streaming on Nax.