ALLBLK, the new subscription streaming service targeting African Americans, is gambling in an arena that even Netflix has struggled with: the weekly talk show.
The Atlanta-based show “Social Society,” hosted by Los Angeles transplant Kendal Kyndall, debuted this spring with 15 episodes and has returned this fall for more. Kyndall, a comic and actor, has 1.9 million Instagram followers and 725,000 more on TikTok. It comes out every Monday and 18 are now available. Three more are coming up.
“The show is supposed to be not only entertaining but also educational and inspiring,” said executive producer Latisha Fortune. “We’ve curated it that way. We’re going on this journey with Kendall. He isn’t necessarily an expert on everything. We bring in experts to speak on different issues. He’s coming in as your best friend.”
Kyndall arrived in Atlanta earlier this year to host and co-produce the new show after breaking it big on Instagram with comedic commentary about the “Love & Hip Hop” franchise and other reality shows.
“Social Society,” targeting Black men and women in their 20s and 30s, features an opening comedy bit, then interviews and panel discussions. His most recent three episodes included gossip with Dani Canada, deputy editor of Bossip. They’ve talked about religion, family and relationships. And he hit the road each time.
He recently taped an episode with NeNe Leakes at her new Linnethia Lounge in Duluth around the time her husband Gregg was dying of cancer. Kyndall agreed to not talk about his health situation at the time.
“She was really strong,” he said. “She had a lot of fun. She was fun as always.” That episode also featured a discussion about “cuffing season,” a phrase about how to develop a relationship in the fall that peaks at Valentine’s Day the following year. And he talked to a new cast member of “The Real Housewives of Potomac.”
He then visited the Legacy Center, a Black-owned co-working space and event venue for creative professionals in East Point.
In the most recent episode, Kyndall spent time at Relentless Church in Powder Springs, which he attends, to address the topic of “church hurt,” and the reasons why Black folks are leaving the church.
“I’m getting into the groove,” Kyndall said. “This is still new to me. I’m really owning my space. My fans believe I am, too. I’m getting DMs. They say I’m looking more comfortable.”
The season finale is set to come out Oct. 11 and will focus on HBCUs. “I regret not going to an HBCU,” he said.
Kyndall is also starting to get more comfortable with Atlanta as a city. “The show is opening my eyes to different things,” he said. “I’m stepping out a little more. I’m starting to build a crew here. We are going to bars and hookah lounges.”
He is also an actor on BET’s scripted show “Games People Play,” a drama set in the world of sports in Los Angeles which returns for a second season next month. He plays Marquis “MJ” Jackson, a sassy assistant and best friend to sports reporter Nia (Karen Obilom). Good news for Kendall: he has been promoted to a regular cast member. In season one, “I was like her shadow,” he said. “He shakes things up but people don’t want to listen. This season, he is stepping out on his own. You get to see his apartment. You get to see what he does in life.”
WHERE TO WATCH
“Social Society” talk show, available for ALLBLK subscribers
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