Plot Synopsis

Created and executive produced by Tarell Alvin McCraney, DAVID MAKES MAN is a one-hour drama series that centers on David, a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects, who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty. He must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a way out. Set in South Florida, the series is inspired by events in McCraney's own life and explores childhood trauma and the power of imagination to survive.

David is a ferociously observant, instinct-driven, passionate teenager, who toggles between two distinct personas that reflect his surroundings and metabolizes his world like a chameleon, but not without exacting an emotional price. David's hard-working single mother Gloria is a former drug user with a smile that melts and while rarely home, she wants better for her kids than what they've got. David's close friend and occasional mentor in the projects is Sky, who is also an enigmatic and wise dope dealer. Gender queer Mx. Elijah was assigned male at birth, but doesn't consider herself 'trans' because she always thought of herself as both -- and she doesn't disclose pronouns as long as it's with respect. Dr. Woods-Trap is the lithe, alive, quick-witted and intimidating teacher that is motherly yet firm toward David, seeing something very special in him and remaining an advocate for him. David's incredibly vulnerable best friend at the magnet school for academically gifted kids is Seren, who takes a risk by revealing a painful secret to David. Jonathan 'JG' Greg, David's rough-and-tumble younger brother, acts tough in front of his peers but still needs his big brother and mom to be there for him. Rayna is the local drug dealer who runs the movements in The Ville and talks a good game about taking care of the neighborhood and running things for Sky. Shinobi is Raynan's second-in-command who nearly comes to blows with David, whom he resents.

The series opens with David wanting to do well at school, but ending up in a physical altercation with his best friend Seren. At home, David acts as a lookout for his neighborhood at the request of Raynan and his mom Gloria leans on him. Later, the truth about David's friend Sky is revealed. On Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network premieres a half-hour all access special, with the series debut schedule one week later on Wednesday, August 14 at 10pm.


The second season of DAVID MAKES MAN premiered on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Season 2 finds David in his 30s, a rising businessman facing an opportunity that will change him and his community forever. The mounting pressure forces David to choose between the instincts that helped him survive or finding a new way to truly live. In the season opener, "Barrel of Oranges," David pitches a renovation project for Homestead Village to Joe Padilla, a billionaire. Later, tragedy strikes JG.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network premiered "Trouble the Water," the Season 2 finale of DAVID MAKES MAN. David has a new plan for the Ville, which ends his arrangement with Joe Padilla. Plus, Trenise returns home, and JG and Shella share a charged moment. Finally, David has an emotional moment with his younger self.