LOS ANGELES, CA – In celebration of Black History Month, FIRE, a gripping five-part limited television series, will premiere exclusively on In The Black Network (ITBN – https://www.intheblacknetwork.tv/) on February 1, 2025. Created, directed, and executive produced by LaRae Wilson for her MainStage Productions, FIRE is a riveting drama set in the Prohibition era, spotlighting the resilience and determination of a woman entrepreneur who defies societal odds to protect her legacy and her community. The series features a stellar cast, including Vincent M. Ward (The Walking Dead, Atlanta) and Gerald “Slink” Johnson (Black Jesus, Grand Theft Auto V), alongside Crutchfield (The Bold and the Beautiful, Jane the Virgin, Hit the Floor).
Set against the backdrop of a thriving jazz scene in Indiana during the 1930s, FIRE follows Irene Gonzales (played by Crutchfield), a savvy and determined owner of Irene’s Café, a jazz club that secretly operates as a speakeasy. As the café gains fame for its soulful music and glamour, Irene uncovers a dangerous plot to expose her operations, threatening everything she’s built. With betrayal, corruption, and danger lurking, Irene must use her wits and grit to outsmart her adversaries.
“FIRE is a story of survival and strength,” said creator and director LaRae Wilson, who is an award-winning costume designer for The Phantom, Studio City, The Runner, and The King Is Dead. “It’s about finding light in the darkest of times and celebrating the resilience of the Black community. I wanted to create a world where a woman can be beautiful, strong, and flawed—a character that audiences can relate to while experiencing the rich culture and history of the 1930s. I’m honored to share this story on In The Black Network. I’m grateful for my relationship with Omarr A. Salgado of Fast Forward Films, who brought me to ITBN.”
Spotlighting Black Excellence on In The Black Network
FIRE marks the first original scripted series for ITBN, a free streaming service dedicated to amplifying Black voices.
“Our mission is to be a beacon of excellence in Black entertainment, and FIRE is a perfect fit for this vision,” said James DuBose, Founder and CEO of In The Black Network. “We are extremely proud to debut LaRae Wilson’s incredible work as our first scripted series, especially during Black History Month.”
About the Inspiration Behind FIRE
Wilson, who hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, drew inspiration from the city’s rich jazz scene on Indiana Avenue during the 1930s. She also highlights the historical context of events like the 1930 lynching of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith in Marion, Indiana, which inspired the haunting poem-turned-song “Strange Fruit.” The series incorporates a poignant recreation of the song, performed by cast member Siobhan Monique.
“While this story is fictional, it is rooted in historical truths,” Wilson explained. “FIRE navigates the lives of people in that era without eliciting pity but instead celebrates their strength, resilience, and cultural legacy.”
FIRE is executive produced by LaRae Wilson, Earl C. White III, Amber Cook, Tori Lacy, Kenyatta Evans, Wesley Pate Jr., and Sam Rushing.
