Dewayne Perkins Brings Black Queer Friendship to YouTube in I Swear We're Friends

Dewayne Perkins is putting Black queer male friendships at the centre of a new six-part YouTube comedy, I Swear We're Friends. The actor and writer, known for The Blackening and The Studio, created an independently released series that plays with the conventions of television while giving its characters room to be funny, flawed and complicated.

The episodes were scheduled in three pairs, beginning on 14 October 2026, continuing on 21 October and concluding on 28 October. That makes the project an accessible option for viewers looking for a short queer comedy series rather than a traditional full-length television season.

What is I Swear We're Friends about?

Perkins calls the project a skitcom, combining elements of sketch comedy and sitcom storytelling. Rather than following a single familiar television format, each instalment takes inspiration from a different series, including Girlfriends, Succession, 24, My Wife & Kids, Charmed and Touched By an Angel.

The creative aim is to explore friendships between Black queer men without making their identities something that needs to be constantly explained to an outside audience. The characters' relationships and disagreements provide the comedy's foundation.

Who is in the cast?

Perkins leads an ensemble that includes Devere Rogers, Brian Jordan Jr., Philemon Chambers and Cameron J. Ross. Guest performers announced for the series include Daryl Stephens, Tracie Thoms, Steven G. Norfleet and Courtney Taylor.

The creative team also includes writers James Rogers III and Mark Wright, while Grammy-winning artist Durand Bernarr provides the theme music. Perkins directed the six episodes, keeping the project closely associated with his own comic style.

Watch the trailer:

Why release it independently?

The series is available through YouTube rather than a subscription television network. That choice allows the production to reach viewers directly and gives its team more control over how the work is presented.

The project also arrives more than two decades after Noah's Arc brought Black gay friendship to scripted television. I Swear We're Friends takes a different comedic approach but addresses a continuing interest in seeing queer people portrayed with the variety familiar from other ensemble comedies.

Is another season confirmed?

No second season has been confirmed in the reporting reviewed for this article. The six-episode release schedule is established, but fans should not interpret enthusiasm for the project as an announcement that additional episodes are already in production.

For now, viewers can find the series through Dewayne Perkins' official YouTube releases and follow his social media channels for updates.