Fail Better with David Duchovny Fail Again: Failure-ish with Kenya Barris
Jan 6, 2026
Kenya Barris, the creative force behind 'Black-ish', explores the art of storytelling and the impact of fatherhood on his work. He shares his journey through eighteen failed pilots, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. In a candid discussion, Kenya reflects on the responsibilities of writers, the essence of comedic structure, and the transformative power of actors. His insights on navigating divorce and the moral complexities in art resonate deeply, revealing how personal experiences enrich his storytelling.
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From Pandering To Personal Storytelling
- Kenya wrote many pilots and eventually stopped changing his characters to fit networks, choosing to tell his own story honestly.
- He realized casting, directing, and the overall package matter as pilots got closer to working.
Structure Is The Skeleton Of Comedy
- Kenya emphasizes that structure and character are the skeleton of comedy and make jokes land.
- He credits knowing the voice and having the right actors as essential to unlocking the comedy.
Write Your Voice, Honor Each Character
- Keep your voice consistent but make each character distinct so they remain individual people.
- Use weekly TV writing to learn how actors shape and define your show's voice.