Mr Loverman creator told story was ‘too niche for TV’

As a seasoned cinema enthusiast with over three decades of observing the ever-evolving landscape of film and television, I can confidently say that Bernardine Evaristo’s journey with Mr Loverman is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. It’s heartening to witness the transformation of a novel deemed “triple niche” into a BBC One series, reflecting our society’s growing inclusivity and progressiveness.

Eleven years have passed since Bernardine Evaristo’s book “Mr Loverman” was initially released, and now, the television series adaptation of it will air on BBC One.

Initially, when Evaristo’s novel was initially published, it was suggested that the story, revolving around a 74-year-old Antiguan-born Hackney resident who had been secretly involved in a long-term relationship with his male best friend and soulmate while deceiving his wife, was considered too specialized to attract an audience on screen.

In an interview with BBC News, Evaristo expressed that she had “always felt the story would translate well to the big screen” and added that it was “never a concern” for her.

In her own words, she expressed, “Perhaps others may have overlooked its potential, but I found it uniquely appealing.” Someone else pointed out that it catered to a very specific demographic – being Black, elderly, and part of the LGBTQ+ community. They referred to this as a ‘triple niche’ market.

Evaristo went on to remark, “They wouldn’t express themselves like that today… Times have shifted. Now we are far more open-minded, far more forward-thinking, and I hope this continues.

2024-10-13 13:33

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