Spotlighting Black Canadian brilliance shouldn’t be rare — it should be the standard. But in a media landscape built on silence or side-eye, true representation takes fearless creators. Cue actors (and real-life brothers) Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, flipping the script and dropping The Legacy Lounge — a whole new platform for Black Canadian excellence, and accessible to the world.

From Awards Night to Intimate Conversations

Here’s the shift. The Legacy Lounge is a four-part, 30‑minute “In Conversation” series created by The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios.

• Four episodes, 30 minutes each
• A lounge-style set: warm, reflective, human
• From applause to process: the work, the why, the legacy
• Honourees from across culture, sport, film, music, and more

This isn’t an awards night recap. It’s the deeper conversation we’ve been asking for.

Talk shows are everywhere — but this one centres Black Canadian narratives. No spectacle. No gimmicks. Real talk.

“This is not just a talk show; it is an immersive experience where laughter, insights, and music create memorable moments,” says Shamier Anderson, Executive Producer and series co-creator. “Our goal is to provide a platform for powerful Black narratives in an intimate atmosphere that allows audiences to look behind the curtain into the trials and tribulations that made our honourees legends.”

Expect vulnerability over viral soundbites. Honesty over performance. Reflection that lingers.

Representation That Feels Real

Stephan James puts it plainly: “Shamier and I believe in the importance of representation and storytelling. Through The Legacy Lounge, we aim to connect our audience with the incredible individuals who inspire change and progress in our communities. We want viewers at home to feel the warmth and authenticity of these conversations.”

Why now? Because mainstream media still flattens Black success into neat headlines. The Legacy Lounge restores dimension — the grind, the joy, the receipts.

At Black Canadian Creators (BCC), this is the assignment: ownership, storytelling, legacy-building. We build platforms that connect creators, brands, and audiences so our stories travel farther — and stay ours.

Backed by Heavy Hitters

• Produced by Bay Mills Studios, The Black Academy, and Project10
• Executive Producers: Shamier Anderson, Stephan James, Jesse Murphy (Laugh It Forward), Andrew Barnsley (Schitt’s Creek)
• Series Producers: Tse Daniel and Shelby Bronstine
• CBC as partner = national reach; the heart stays community-first

Translation: the calibre is high, the culture is intact.

When & Where to Watch

• Premieres during Black History Month (February)
• Streaming on CBC Gem and airing on CBC TV, with timing to be announced.
• Honourees to be announced

Legacy Is Now

Legacy isn’t just about the past — it’s about who we choose to listen to now.

So tune in this February. Follow The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. And keep supporting Black‑led storytelling beyond February.

For creators, here’s your move:

• Watch with your crew and pull one lesson you’ll apply this quarter.
• Share your takeaway using #LegacyLounge and tag @blackisnowcanada and @legacyawards.