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Katori Hall’s Starz drama series P-Valley chronicles the life of Uncle Clifford (Nicco Annan), the non-gender confirming owner of the highly popular strip club, The Pynk. Set in the fictional town of Chucalissa, Mississippi, the first season followed Uncle Clifford’s quest to keep his doors opened. The series also followed the lives of his dancers. Headliner, Mercedes (Brandee Evans), was on the verge of retirement, Miss Mississippi (Shannon Thornton) was learning to stand on her own, and newcomer Autumn (Elarica Johnson), was hiding a dark secret.

Now, director Karena Evans is opening up about her experience bringing the series to life.

Brandee Evans as Mercedes wearing beaded and pearl covered floss and holding a wad of cashin 'P-Valley'
Brandee Evans as Mercedes in ‘P-Valley’ | Starz

‘P-Valley’ Season 2 will premiere in June 2022

After a two-year delay due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the second season of P-Valley will debut in June 2022. While Starz has not announced an exact date just yet, the stars of P-Valley all came together to let fans know that new episodes of the acclaimed series would be underway shortly.

Moreover, we also know that there will be a time jump between the first and second seasons. “It occurs five months after Autumn Night saves The Pynk,” Hall said in a Starz YouTube video.

Karena Evans explained why she refused to shy away from nudity when directing the show

When it comes to the series, not only have the storylines and characters been praised, the visuals, are also stunning. Karena Evans filmed the pilot for the show. Though strip clubs and sex workers are usually seen from the male gaze it was important for her to do something completely different.

However, she didn’t want to shy away from nudity. “[For me] it wasn’t about shying away from the nudity,” Evans told Teen Vogue. “Despite dealing with the complexity of the hypersexualization of Black women, it was about empowering them in the process of showing this honestly. And it was so damn challenging, but I learned so much about myself, about storytelling, about filmmaking, about these characters, about Mississippi, about this world, about … I don’t even have the words, all of the words, to describe that experience. There were so many growing pains. I’m so grateful for Katori and so grateful for that experience.”

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‘P-Valley’ Was Rejected by Tons of Networks Before It Landed on Starz

‘P-Valley’ Season 2 will address the pandemic

As we know, Autumn saved The Pynk from being auctioned off, which means she now co-owns the place with Uncle Clifford. Since Clifford is used to being the only person in charge, we’re certain this is going to cause quite a bit of tension.

“She came in getting her a** smacked on the dance floor and now, she has some ownership in the club,” Hall explained to ELLE. “The power dynamics at the club have completely changed and to see Uncle Clifford and Hailey fight over the throne will be stuff of legends.”

Moreover, the second season of P-Valley is set to address COVID-19. “Unfortunately, the pandemic has really come in and turned everything topsy turvy,” Hall said in a Starz YouTube video. “It is a business based on gathering, it is a business based on intimacy. And, the writer’s room was totally inspired by the fact that there were some very inherent struggles in that. And so, it will be very interesting to see how Uncle Clifford and new boss b**** Autumn Night deal with this huge obstacle that’s been put in their way. So, between the casino and corona, they’ve got a lot of s*** to deal with.”

Additionally, there are also hints that Megan Thee Stallion might make an appearance at The Pynk.

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