Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, has long been a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning music, film, television, and business, she has become one of the most recognizable and influential figures of her generation. However, it is perhaps in the realm of television where her impact has been most profound, particularly as a producer. Latifah’s journey from rapper to actress to mogul is a testament to her multifaceted talent and her determination to break barriers, both for herself and for the communities she represents.
In this article, we explore Queen Latifah’s significant contributions to television, focusing on her work as both an actress and a producer. Her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, has become a key player in the entertainment industry, and her TV projects have consistently provided a platform for diverse voices, empowering characters, and groundbreaking stories. From dramas to musical series to action-packed thrillers, Latifah’s television productions have not only entertained but also reshaped the landscape of what it means to create inclusive, socially aware content for a broad range of viewers.
The Rise of Queen Latifah’s Production Company
Queen Latifah’s foray into television production began in the early 1990s with the founding of Flavor Unit Entertainment, a company that has since become synonymous with creating bold, innovative content that prioritizes diversity, empowerment, and authenticity. As a producer, Latifah has long understood the power of storytelling to influence culture and bring about change, and she has used her platform to ensure that underrepresented voices have a seat at the table.
Founded with her longtime business partner Shakim Compere, Flavor Unit Entertainment has produced a wide array of projects for both television and film. The company’s mission has always been clear: to create content that speaks to a broad, diverse audience and to produce stories that empower marginalized communities. Through Flavor Unit, Latifah has been able to ensure that stories centering on the lives and experiences of Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underserved groups are brought to the forefront of mainstream entertainment.
One of the key reasons for the success of Flavor Unit is Latifah’s ability to blend her natural star power with a keen sense of what resonates with viewers. She has an unparalleled understanding of what it takes to create not only popular entertainment but also socially conscious, relevant content. By navigating the worlds of film, music, and television, she has become a versatile force in Hollywood, helping to create work that reflects the world as it truly is—complex, diverse, and ever-evolving.
The Equalizer: A New Chapter in Action Television
In 2021, Queen Latifah took on one of the most iconic roles in television history when she starred in The Equalizer, a reimagining of the classic 1980s series that starred Edward Woodward. In this version, Latifah plays Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who uses her unique skills to help people in need. As both the star and executive producer of the series, Latifah’s role in shaping the narrative was pivotal. The Equalizer is not just a run-of-the-mill action show—it’s a platform for Latifah to showcase her passion for telling stories of empowerment, resilience, and justice.
Latifah’s portrayal of Robyn McCall marked a major moment in television history, as she became the first Black woman to lead a major network action series. In doing so, she broke stereotypes about what a leading lady could be—strong, intelligent, and compassionate—while also challenging conventional notions of who gets to be a hero. This groundbreaking role allowed Latifah to bring a fresh perspective to the genre, blending traditional action with social commentary about justice, inequality, and the complexities of modern life.
Under Latifah’s guidance, The Equalizer has resonated with audiences in a way few action shows have. The series not only delivers intense, high-stakes drama but also explores issues of systemic inequality, gender, and race, all while showcasing a strong, independent Black woman at the center of the action. This show stands as a testament to Latifah’s skill at creating television that is both entertaining and socially conscious, a hallmark of her work.
Star: A Musical Drama That Celebrates Ambition
Another notable television project under Latifah’s belt is Star, the musical drama series that aired from 2016 to 2019. Created by Lee Daniels, Star follows the lives of three young women trying to make it in the competitive world of the music industry. Latifah starred as Carlotta Brown, a former singer turned talent manager who becomes the guardian and protector of the show’s three protagonists as they navigate the treacherous waters of fame and success.
In her role as Carlotta, Latifah is both a maternal figure and a fierce advocate for her girls, balancing the often chaotic nature of the music industry with a grounded sense of compassion and wisdom. As a producer on the series, Latifah was also involved in shaping the show’s storylines and themes. Star is a drama that doesn’t shy away from exploring heavy subjects such as abuse, exploitation, and systemic racism in the music industry. It also presents nuanced portrayals of Black women, emphasizing their strength, resilience, and ambition. Through her involvement in Star, Latifah demonstrated once again that she was dedicated to telling stories that resonate with real people and real struggles.
One of the standout features of Star was its unapologetic exploration of the music business, especially as it pertains to the intersection of race, gender, and power. Through the experiences of the characters, the show delves into the ways in which women—particularly women of color—are often forced to navigate an industry that is both exploitative and patriarchal. With Latifah in the lead, Star became a bold and daring drama that resonated with audiences, particularly those from marginalized communities who had rarely seen their experiences reflected so authentically on screen.
Single Ladies: Celebrating Friendship and Love
Another successful television series that Latifah was deeply involved in was Single Ladies, which aired from 2011 to 2014. The series, which centered around the lives of three single women living in Atlanta, was a groundbreaking show in its portrayal of female friendship and empowerment. In addition to serving as a producer on the series, Latifah also helped to create a show that focused on the lives of women navigating the complexities of relationships, love, and career.
Through Single Ladies, Latifah provided a platform for the exploration of female friendship in a way that was both empowering and relatable. The show was notable for its focus on the diverse experiences of Black women, something that had often been overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream television. The women on Single Ladies were ambitious, confident, and unapologetically themselves, offering viewers a refreshing take on the lives of modern women who were balancing careers, romance, and personal growth.
Single Ladies also reflected Latifah’s broader vision of using television to address issues of race and gender in a meaningful way. By creating a space for Black women to be seen in a variety of roles—whether as successful businesswomen, aspiring artists, or simply as individuals navigating the complexities of modern life—Latifah helped to broaden the representation of Black women on screen, challenging stereotypes and offering a more nuanced perspective on their experiences.
Queen Latifah’s Unique Approach to Content Creation
One of the defining characteristics of Queen Latifah’s work as a producer is her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Her productions often focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented voices, whether it be women, people of color, or LGBTQ+ characters. In doing so, she has become a leader in the movement for more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood.
Latifah’s approach to content creation is deeply rooted in her belief that entertainment can and should be a force for positive change. She has used her platform to highlight social issues such as racial inequality, gender discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights, and has done so in a way that doesn’t feel preachy or forced. Instead, her projects blend entertainment with social commentary, creating a space for meaningful storytelling that speaks to the heart of contemporary issues.
Moreover, Latifah has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that diverse voices are not just present but are given the space to thrive. Whether it’s providing opportunities for young Black actresses, telling the stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, or creating nuanced characters who defy traditional stereotypes, Latifah’s television projects continue to challenge the status quo.
The Future of Queen Latifah’s Television Projects
As Latifah continues to build her legacy, she shows no signs of slowing down. With several upcoming projects in the works, she remains an influential figure in the television industry. From The Equalizer to new ventures in film and television, Latifah is committed to developing content that is not only entertaining but also empowering and inclusive.
Latifah’s future projects will likely continue to reflect her dedication to social justice and her passion for telling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether she is exploring new genres or delving deeper into the worlds of drama, action, or comedy, it is clear that Queen Latifah will remain a powerful force in the entertainment industry for years to come.
Conclusion
Queen Latifah’s contributions to television are not just as a performer but also as a producer, with a legacy of diverse, impactful, and empowering stories. From The Equalizer to Star to Single Ladies, Latifah has demonstrated that she is not only a talent to be reckoned with but also a visionary whose productions have shaped the landscape of modern television. As she continues to evolve as a content creator, her influence on the entertainment industry will only continue to grow, inspiring future generations of storytellers and paving the way for more inclusive, socially conscious content. In short, Queen Latifah’s impact on television is not just significant—it’s transformative.
