Oprah Winfrey Helps Turn Harlem's Chicken-and-Waffles Institution Into Apple+ Comedy

"“There's a story here,” she says, “a story about people who come together through food. Food is a common denominator - it doesn't care how you look, who you love, how many degrees you have or you don't have. The only thing it cares about is that you sit down and enjoy.” She told a friend, director Neema Barnette, who told producer Aaron Kaplan, who told Oprah. “And the rest,” Wilson says, “is herstory.”"

"Wilson also serves as an executive producer on the series and is involved in the storylines. “It's not just about me, it's about we,” she says. “Harlem is a character.” The series, she says, is “a love letter to Harlem” - about economic empowerment, community investment, and small businesses."

"Wilson opened Melba's nearly 20 years ago, drawing on what she'd learned working at her aunt Sylvia Woods's legendary Sylvia's, also in Harlem, as well as at Rosa Mexicano and Windows on the World. She brought along Southern dishes from her grandmother - fried catfish, fried shrimp, rice and peas, Lowcountry collards - but it was her chicken and waffles that made her famous."

"Made year-round with eggnog and served with strawberry butter and maple syrup, they earned national attention when Bobby Flay challenged her to a Throwdown on Food Network. She won. No premiere date or episode count has been announced. “That information,” Wilson says, “is still in formation.”"

American Comfort is an Apple TV+ comedy series based on the life of restaurateur Melba Wilson. Kenya Barris writes and executive produces, with Danielle Brooks starring as Melba. Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Entertainment also serve as executive producers. The concept originated during COVID, centered on how food brings people together regardless of appearance, love, or education. Wilson frames the story as “herstory” and emphasizes shared community over individual focus, describing Harlem as a character. The series is positioned as a love letter to Harlem, focusing on economic empowerment, community investment, and small businesses. No premiere date or episode count has been announced.

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