Showrunner Tracy Oliver reveals when she knew how Harlem would end

Determined to give such a beloved series like Harlem the ending it deserved, Oliver shifted gears almost entirely.

"If this is the final season, then I have to go out in a way that totally satisfies the arcs of the characters," she explains. "I wanted the audience to feel like, okay, I'm glad I was on the journey with these women. I feel like it wrapped up in a way that makes sense, stayed true to where they started, and was also satisfying."

Oliver's commitment to telling authentic stories didn't stop in the writing process. For instance, she reflects on how the casting of Shoniqua Shandai brought Angie to life as a bold, comedic, and unapologetically sexual member of the group.

"Shoniqua is a darker-skinned actress. I remember, early on in the casting process, there was this worry — both from me and others — about what kind of statement we might be making," Oliver explains. "I struggled with it for a second because I didn't want to be accused of typecasting or making some grand statement about skin tone."

Ultimately, Shandai's undeniable talent triumphed over any questions or concerns.

"She was by far the best person for the role," Oliver says. "I decided that, if I got heat for it, I'll take it… because I want Shoniqua on my screen."

In hindsight, Oliver remembers never regretting that casting choice even when the first season of the show faced some initial skepticism. "It was important to me to focus on getting the best person for the role, period. Shoniqua was just that good."

The third and final season of Harlem went even further in its exploration of love and relationships. Namely, Quinn (played by Grace Byers) had a new suitor, Seth (played by Kofi Siriboe), who challenged her views on monogamy. As that storyline unfolded, Oliver admits that even her own real-life perspectives seemed to be slightly shifting.

"I was very pro-monogamy before this," Oliver says. "One person, that's it. Anything else was off the table for me. But the more I learned about ethical non-monogamy, the more I started to see its value. It's the ethical part that I gravitated towards."

She adds, "You can be in relationships with people who aren't upfront about their intentions, and that kind of dishonesty can be devastating. What I liked about ethical non-monogamy is how self-aware and honest the people in those relationships can be. They communicate openly, so you're never left in the dark about where you stand. That level of honesty is something I respect."

As Oliver looks back on Harlem and its legacy, she considers working on a different project that could blend a sense of nostalgia with her contemporary voice.

"I was approached about producing a reboot of Clueless several years ago," Oliver recalls. "It's one of my favorite movies, which is why they approached me. I don't know if they'll end up making it, but that part is true: I was working on a modern-day Clueless."

Whatever the future may hold, Oliver remains committed to telling stories that reflect authentic and intricate lives — whether through the women of Harlem or the iconic cast of characters in Clueless.

Harlem is streaming on Prime Video.