Black writer Tomasina "Tommy" Crawford (Parker) has just lost her job on a sitcom so she has nothing to lose by pitching a black issues comedy to George (Washington), a slick exec looking to make a name for himself at a startup network. Tommy also discovers the show's lead--former gangbanger and single dad James (Shannon). The three gain success but come under fire from the black community for being sellouts as they re-evaluate their personal and professional aspirations.