Spike Lee Reboots “She’s Gotta Have It” As A TV Show

“She’s Gotta Have It” was Lee’s debut film which was released in 1986.

The film and show explore a woman named Nola Darling and her three men(Greer, Mars, and Jamie) that she’s seeing.

While there are many similarities in the show and film, the reboot makes it known that it takes place within the last year whereas the movie took place in the late 80s. Although there is a large gap in years, the theme of sexuality is still present in the show.

In the beginning of the film and movie, Nola speaks to the audience. As she says in the beginning of the pilot episode, ” I would like you to know the only reason I’m doing this is ’cause folks think they know me. They think they know what I’m about, and the truth is, they don’t know me.” As we later find out, she’s been judged for her sexual choices as she has three male partners and even a woman.

The show is also one of the few that examine black women that are exploring their own sexuality.

Other shows with black female protagonists such as “Scandal”, “Insecure”, and “Being Mary Jane,” have helped pave the way for other shows like “She’s Gotta Have It” to discuss sexual freedom.

The show, while showcasing Darling’s sexuality, also shows how black women’s bodies are exploited, threatened, watched and even assaulted.

If you’re interested in watching this show and learning more, it’s available on Netflix with a subscription.