Essence Magazine Series “Time of Essence” Debuts Friday, August 18 @ 9 PM ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network reveals that its anticipated new original documentary series, “Time of Essence,” will debut on Friday, August 18 @ 9 PM ET/PT. The five-part, one-hour series is a celebration of the trailblazing magazine that reaches a global community of over 20 million Black women and has revealed some of the most captivating and influential covers of the past half-century.

OWN also reveals more names of the thought leaders, celebrities and culture defining influencers who will be featured in the series – Golden Globe® winning actress Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union-Wade, singer and actress Vanessa Williams, Sunny Hostin and producer and former president of Motown Productions Suzanne de Passe.

Previously announced trailblazers featured in the series include fashion model and icon Beverly Johnson, Johnson’s daughter Anansa Sims, Oscar® winning actresses Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg, Emmy® winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Regina Hall, and Taye Diggs. Iconic ESSENCE Magazine editor Mikki Taylor, long-time Editor and Chief Susan L. Taylor, and current President and CEO Caroline Wanga are also prominently highlighted in the series.

“Time of Essence” will tell the story of how ESSENCE has informed and reflected Black culture in America for over 50 years. Each episode explores a different decade – from the ’70s to today – and features first-hand commentary on that era’s biggest moments from the icons, trailblazers, staffers, and leaders who lived and defined them. This candid commentary is coupled with never-before-seen footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from the worlds of entertainment, sports, politics, fashion, and beauty.

“Time of Essence ” is produced by 51 Minds and ESSENCE Studios LLC for OWN. Executive producers are Christian Sarabia and Nicole Elliott for 51 Minds, Raymond Garcia for Major TV, and Emmet Dennis, Sidra Smith, Stephanie “NöNe” Dunivan, and Barkue Tubman-Zawolo for ESSENCE Studios LLC.