CBS sitcom The Neighborhood has tapped Netflix’s Family Reunion creator Meg DeLoatch as the new showrunner for the series’ fourth season, according to Variety. DeLoatch also executive produced and acted as showrunner for her Netflix series.
DeLoatch replaces Jim Reynolds, who left the The Neighborhood in April. According to Deadline, Reynolds was the source of various racial complaints, leading to two Black writers to leave the show after work on the third season ended. CBS reportedly tried to amend the issues crew members had with Reynolds for years, but to no avail. Reynolds decided to leave the series of his own accord at the same time CBS was ready to replace him.
“I am very proud of The Neighborhood and have given everything of myself over the last three years to make this the best show possible,” Reynolds said in a statement to the outlet. “I am so happy that the show has found such an enthusiastic audience and that it will live on.”
“At this moment, in light of everything going on in the world, I had concluded that I am not the right person to continue to tell these stories,” he continued. “I am excited to see the show thrive and wish everyone involved the very best.”
The series stars Cedric The Entertainer and Tichina Arnold as a Black couple living in a Black neighborhood who must find common ground with the young white couple (Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs) next door.
The series has tackled various issues within race relations, including Black Lives Matter and police shootings of Black people. The series has been one of CBS’ top performers and was renewed earlier this year along with Bob Hearts Abishola. Both series are part of CBS’ initiative to increase diversity on its network both on and off-screen.
