*“G.R.I.T.S.” arrived on ALLBLK on October 30, introducing viewers to a coming-of-age story grounded in friendship, ambition and the realities of growing up in Memphis.
The eight-episode series follows three young women—Keisha, Ty, and Francis—as they juggle loss, love, and the grit required to reinvent themselves. Described as heartfelt, funny, and authentic, the show serves as a love letter to womanhood and the bonds that help people push through the weight of their circumstances.
For Aja “Slimeroni” Canyon, stepping into the role of Frances felt deeply familiar. “My character is Frances. She’s the funny troublemaker, but don’t play about her friends and family type of vibe,” she said, noting that the character’s experiences mirror her own upbringing. “Frances is like a younger version of me.”
Ashanti Harris also found an instant connection with Ty, explaining, “I relate to Ty because I also am a young mother of a six-year-old, and I’m still chasing the dream. So, we are one in the same.” Jasmine Sargent said Keisha’s drive and sensitivity reflect who she is in real life: “I have big dreams and I’m very sensitive.”
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Across the season, the trio faces emotional upheaval while trying to stay rooted in their bond. Harris described the tension of that balancing act: “We’re struggling trying to keep our friendship tight… keep it alive, but all three of us are just kind of going in our own separate direction a little bit.” Canyon added that those pressures reflect the reality of adulthood: “I feel like all of that is, like, the growing pains of adulthood.”
Building an on-screen sisterhood came naturally for the cast. Sargent said their chemistry was immediate: “From the first moment we met at our skate rehearsal, we had chemistry right away.” Harris recalled an equally vibrant creative energy on set, describing it as “electric” and collaborative from top to bottom. “It felt freeing,” she said.
Roller skating, a major anchor in the series, represents something deeply personal for each character. For Frances, Canyon said, “the roller rink… is like a safe space where she can go and forget about the woes of life.” Ty uses it to escape the pressure of motherhood and school, with Harris saying, “The skating rink is the place where I need to go to just be rid of all of that.” Keisha’s relationship with the rink is more complicated; Sargent shared, “It’s Keisha’s comfort place, but at the same time, it’s now become her trigger as well.”
A high-stakes skating competition pushes those emotional stakes even higher. Sargent teased what it means for her character: “Oh baby, this competition, my life kind of depends on it.” She added, “If she doesn’t win this competition, then her life is over.”
While the show explores heavy themes, it also celebrates Southern culture and identity. Canyon said viewers unfamiliar with Memphis will see hallmarks of the region reflected throughout the series. “Just real Southern hospitality,” she said, along with the city’s food, friendliness, and pride. “People are really friendly, but it’s also like, don’t mess with us now, you know?”
The cast hopes viewers—especially young Black women—walk away feeling encouraged. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Harris said, emphasizing determination over shortcuts. Sargent added that every woman can see a piece of herself in the story: “We all have that opportunity to dream and to not let your downfalls interfere with that.”
Most of all, the actors want audiences to feel represented. Sargent is excited for viewers to recognize their own families and communities in the show, calling it “a comfort show for so many.” Harris echoed that sentiment: “You don’t really get to see a lot of shows where it’s kind of based in the hood… but it’s in the best light.” Canyon hopes fans simply enjoy the emotional ride. “I really hope that people get connected,” she said.
Created by Deji LaRay and executive-produced by LaRay, Thomas Q. Jones, and Martha Sanchez—with Brett Dismuke, Nikki Love and Ashley McFarlin also serving as executive producers for ALLBLK—“G.R.I.T.S.” blends heart, humor and grit into a vivid portrait of Southern womanhood. And as the cast makes clear, sisterhood remains the engine driving everything forward.
Watch our full conversation with Aja, Ashanti, and Jasmine below.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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