A Legacy Reclaimed: Regina King

Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, August 19th 2025 at 16:56 GMT by Food & Wine
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s “The Little Things” and Her Return to Television with "Life & Orange"

Regina King is a force. From her early days in sitcoms like 227 to her Oscar-winning performance in If Beale Street Could Talk, she's consistently delivered nuanced, powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences. After a period largely focused on film, King has returned to television with “Life & Orange,” a semi-autobiographical series for Amazon MGM+ that promises a raw and honest look at her life and career. But the journey back wasn’t straightforward, and understanding "Life & Orange" requires acknowledging its roots in a previous project: the short-lived Fox procedural, The Little Things.

For years, King's involvement with The Little Things, a police drama starring Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck, lingered as an asterisk on her impressive resume. She had signed on to direct several episodes of the series, marking what would have been a significant step into directing for television. However, Fox ultimately shelved the project after airing only one episode in 2014. The experience was reportedly disheartening for King, who felt her creative vision wasn’t aligned with the network's expectations. She publicly expressed frustration, stating that she didn’t feel the show reflected what she had intended and that it was “not a good representation” of her work.

The fallout from The Little Things left a mark on King. It led to a period where she hesitated about returning to television directing, fearing similar creative compromises. As she explained in an interview with Variety, "I just didn't want to do something that I wasn’t fully invested in." The experience served as a valuable lesson: authenticity and artistic control were paramount.

Now, years later, King is reclaiming her narrative with “Life & Orange.” This new series isn’t simply a return to television; it’s a deliberate act of self-expression and a testament to the lessons learned from The Little Things. The title itself is a clever play on words, referencing both the vibrancy of life ("life") and the iconic orange jumpsuits associated with prison – a nod to her father's experience as an inmate.

"Life & Orange" offers a deeply personal exploration of King’s journey as an actress and director, interwoven with the story of her father, Dana “Dale” King Sr., who spent years incarcerated. The series aims to unpack the complexities of family, legacy, and the impact of systemic issues on individuals and communities. It's described as a blend of scripted drama and documentary elements, allowing for a layered and intimate portrayal of King’s life and her father’s experiences.

The show isn't just about recounting events; it's about understanding them. King intends to use the platform to shed light on the realities faced by families impacted by incarceration, challenging societal perceptions and fostering empathy. She hopes to create a space for honest conversations about race, class, and justice in America. The series will feature appearances from her family members, including her father, adding another layer of authenticity and emotional depth.

While details about "Life & Orange" are still emerging, the underlying themes and King’s stated intentions paint a picture of a project driven by purpose and personal conviction. It's a far cry from the perceived creative constraints she faced with The Little Things. This time, she is firmly in control, shaping the narrative to reflect her vision and using her platform to amplify voices often unheard.

King’s return to television isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about healing, understanding, and reclaiming a piece of her story. The shadow of The Little Things looms large, but “Life & Orange” represents a powerful act of resilience and artistic liberation – a chance for Regina King to finally tell the stories she wants to tell, on her own terms. It promises to be a compelling and deeply moving exploration of family, legacy, and the enduring power of hope. The series is expected to premiere in 2024, and anticipation is high for what King will bring to the screen this time around – a testament to her continued evolution as an artist and storyteller.

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A Legacy Reclaimed: Regina King