If you're not already watching HBO Max's Sweet Life: Los Angeles, which premiered on Aug. 19, then you're missing out. The unscripted series, which is produced by Insecure's Issa Rae [1], follows a group of friends in their mid-20s as they navigate the joys and struggles of adulthood. What makes it so great is that not only are the relationships refreshingly relatable [2], the show centres on an entirely Black cast, which has been a rarity in reality TV. "We're so proud to present a grounded and fun slice of young Black LA life [3]," Rae told Deadline when the show was first announced back in May. In honour of the show's premiere, and to give you a taste of the "sweet life," we've broken down the cast ahead.
Tylynn Burns
Burns, whose nickname is "Tytytoofly [5]," is a 26-year-old Los Angeles native. The founder and director of operations of events agency House Party Creative [6], her mission is to "curate spaces for Black and Brown creatives, entrepreneurs, and influencers to connect, ideate, network, and have fun." Burns decompresses by partying and is inspired and motivated by Black people and her friends. A Scorpio rising, a Pisces sun, and a Libra moon, her comfort food includes hot dogs, apples with almond butter, and french fries.
Amanda Scott
An Aquarius [7] that sometimes goes by the nicknames "Panda" or "Scottie," Scott is a 25-year-old, public relations professional and social media maven. Born and raised in Inglewood, CA, she decompresses through yoga and personal days. Scott considers Michelle Obama [8] an inspiration and is motivated by financial freedom. As for where she sees herself in five years, she hopes to start a family. Right now, however, she is a new real estate investor and entrepreneur that is dedicated to buying properties in Black communities.
P’Jae Compton
The 27-year-old entrepreneur grew up in LA and has a habit of trying to please everyone [9]. He's is currently working on expanding his career in music, artist management, fashion, modelling, and as an influencer. The co-owner of the recently launched record label, Lost Sound, Compton is inspired most by his immediate family and close friends.
Jerrold Smith II
Smith is a 25-year-old LA native who previously played basketball for UCLA. Always looking for the opportunity to be better [10], he's currently an entertainment marketing specialist and the host/creator of Basketball Adjacent [11] on the BLEAV Podcast Network.
Cheryl Des Vignes
Des Vignes is a 26-year-old fashion designer and artist from Watts, California that just wants to make herself and her mom proud [12]. After working for brands like Guess and Revolve [13], she created her own clothing brand called Des Vignes [14]. She considers her worst habit to be "impulsive buying" and hopes that in five years she'll be living her best life.
Jordan Bentley
As the 24-year-old founder and CEO of LA-based streetwear brand Hypland [15], Bentley takes each day at a time. Part of what inspires him most is his family, specifically his brother and mother [16]. What gives him the drive to succeed is seeing his friends win and the best way for him to decompress is by taking some time for himself.
Briana Jones
Originally born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI, the 26-year-old moved to Los Angeles in 2018. Although she currently works in the healthcare field, she is also working on building her own brand like her inspiration, Rihanna [17]. The newest member of the friend group, she hopes that in five years she will be aligned with her purpose and at peace.