Last spring, everyone was glued to their respective tablets, TVs, and laptops watching the new Netflix series Dear White People. Based on the 2014 indie hit film of the same name, the show picked up where the movie left off and gave viewers everything they were hoping for and more.
The first season was such a runaway hit that a second season was quickly picked up. Now, after waiting for over a year, on May 4, it all comes to an end because the complete second season drops in all its highly-anticipated glory. If you're like us and can't wait to catch up with the gang at Winchester University, led by Sam, Reggie, Troy, Coco, Joelle and Lionel, you're in luck because the new season promises to be even better than the first.
To get you hyped up for the season premiere, we compiled a list of reasons why you should cancel your plans the weekend of May 4 and make Dear White People season two mandatory viewing. So, if you need to renew your Netflix membership or borrow someone else's password…you better hurry up!
Joelle + Reggie = Jeggie?
One of the most simmering, unrequited relationships on the first season of Dear White People was the "will they or won't they" dynamic between Joelle (Ashley Blaine Featherson) and Reggie (Marque Richardson). While Reggie was longing to be #CoupleGoals with Sam (Logan Browning), Joelle was secretly wishing to be his boo and he didn't even realize it. Since we have been promised with much more Joelle screen time this season, we are crossing our fingers that these two finally get together and become the couple to root for—especially after Reggie's season finale confession that he was totally over Sam.
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Troy's Wokeness
Arguably, the character who had the most transformation throughout the course of season one of Dear White People was the Dean's son and super privileged and popular Troy. But as the season went on, he really began to shed that image. If you remember the gripping season finale, the last images are of Troy (Brandon P. Bell) facing the police with guns drawn and being arrested. Surely, this incident will set the stage for him to not only look at life totally differently, but perhaps push him to become more of a campus radical.
Sam, Sam, Sam
As the series' central character, Sam (Logan Browning) is in the middle of practically every storyline on the show—and she has also created her fair share of mess. From her messy love triangle with boyfriend Gabe and friend Reggie, to her tangling with BFF Coco and being totally self-centered to others, Sam has a lot of growing to do. However, her heart is generally in the right place, but it will be interesting to see how she handles all of the drama that is no doubt coming her way this season.
Actress Logan Browning Gets Real On Privilege, Stereotypes & Navigating Her Darkest Moments
Lena Waithe's On Campus
It was recently revealed that the amazing Lena Waithe will be appearing this season as a fictional character that sounds too good to be true. She will have a recurring role as P. Ninny, an MC who stars on an outrageous Love and Hip Hop-esque reality show called Trap-House Tricks. We can't wait!
Alt-Right Call-Out
While much of season two has been kept tightly under wraps, there are a few details that have been made available, such as the show's discussion of the alt-right movement. When season one was filming, Trump has just been elected, so that means that there is a lot to discuss in terms of white supremacy and the alt-right movement that has unfortunately dominated the country since #45's been in office. In true Dear White People fashion, expect the critique to be biting and enlightening with a dash of humor.
Lionel's Rise
While everyone was looking elsewhere, Lionel (DeRon Horton) quickly became the MVP at Winchester. He exposed and broke major stories on campus, kept some of the biggest secrets of the major characters, and went from a shy nerd to the guy you want on your team when stuff goes down. He's in a prime position to become one of the most popular students on campus, but will he see it through? Also, what about his lingering crush on Troy?
Coco Finds Coco
Caught between embracing her blackness and fitting in with the white students on campus, Coco (Antoinette Robertson) was a ball of confusion in season one as she tried to find where she truly belonged and who she really wanted to be. At the end of the season, one of the first signs that we will see a new Coco in season two, is that she finally shed her wig and wore her natural hair loud and proud. This could set the stage for her abandoning much of the superficial rhetoric she spewed last season and make her a notable voice on campus.
Pop Culture References & Parodies
Dear White People did a lot of things right in its freshman season, and one of the best were the use of references from pop culture and their accompanying parodies. The most popular of course, was the fictional show Defamation, which was a parody of the recently ended ABC hit series Scandal. There was also the spoof of the OWN network hit Iyanla, Fix My Life called Dereca: Set Me Straight. Both of these were brilliantly funny, so what's in store for season two? Well based on the teaser trailer, look for pop culture references on salty vs. sugar grits, the Sunken Place, cultural appropriation, and fake news. Oh boy, it's gonna be quite a season!
What are you most excited about for season two of DWP?
If you haven't already, watch the teaser below.
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What made it even more special? We were back in the place where we first fell in love, now creating new memories in the same sun-drenched paradise. From booze cruises, pickleball matches, and wellness shots, to alluring late-night jacuzzi rendezvous, soul karaoke, and far too much champagne mixed with tequila, to really good jerk chicken and repeat-visit-worthy Asian cuisine, bae and I had a time.
Couples Negril And Couples Swept Away: Twins On The West Coast Of Jamaica
And it’s fitting that we visited in June (which is considered low season—a time when there are less travelers and better deals) because these sister resorts are like Gemini twins that embody two distinct sides of the same spirit.
Set between Negril and Hanover, Couples Negril is the social butterfly, full of energy and artistic flair; Couples Swept Away is the introspective dreamer, grounded in nature, wellness, and tranquility.
While they’re quite opposite in vibe, they’re united by a shared history and reflect the classic Gemini duality: light and shadow, play and peace, expression and reflection.
Bae’s Favorite: Chic, Modern, And Cozy At Couples Negril
Couples Negril Suite
Courtesy, Couples Negril
Bae’s favorite was Couples Negril—which has more than 230 rooms and spans 18 acres—for its mix of entertainment, modern minimalist vibes, and a diverse crowd of couples. He especially loved Otaheite Restaurant with its low-lit red velvet love seats and dishes meshing luxury with traditional island flavors (like the merlot stewed rabbit served with coconut polenta and the filet mignon with the jerk glaze.) And he lives for hearing me sing, so the piano bar was our jam.
We also spent lots of time at the beach bar, one of five on the property, snacking on fish tacos and sipping margaritas just steps from our suite.
We saved the rum for the included catamaran cruise (book ahead!), which came with endless punch and views of Negril’s West End—a fave spot of ours. Couples Negril made the all-inclusive life feel surprisingly easy and fun.
The property also features a treehouse spa, two pools, four jacuzzis, an au naturale beach (whew, chile!), and sports facilities. Everything was easy to access—the layout felt cozy and well-organized, making it simple to move between activities and amenities. At this resort, you can really have some grown-and-sexy fun without it feeling like a raunchy spring break episode of Couples Gone Wild.
My Favorite: Private, Classic Charm, & Nature Mystique At Couples Swept Away
Couple's Swept Away Suite
Courtesy, Couples Swept Away
While I loved Couples, once we stepped over to Couples Swept Away, the lush nature set on 19 acres won me over. This twin, which has 312 suites, 7 restaurants, 8 bars, 3 pools, 5 jacuzzis, and a spa, leans into intimacy and seclusion, and I felt like we had more privacy and room to explore–just the two of us—at this property. The rooms are rustic-luxurious, dressed in island cedar, with classic shutters and expansive verandahs that have hammocks where you can enjoy bright flora, the sounds of exotic birds, and the sea views.
The absence of TVs—along with its tropical fantasy allure— meant a 10 out of 10 experience for me. This resort invites couples to breathe deeper, slow down, and truly get to the core of intimacy, all within the hum of nature.
There were hidden enclaves with dipping pools, jacuzzis, open-air cafés, and quiet corners where you can sit by ponds filled with fish and bird watch (or have a little sneaky link with bae!)
One of my favorite stand-out amenities at this resort: the 10-acre fitness complex just a short walk across the road from the main property where I’d have my early-morning me-time while bae slept in. It has 10 tennis courts, squash and racquetball courts, a fully equipped gym, and a wide range of wellness and fitness classes are held there. I also enjoyed turmeric and ginger shots at the wellness bar.
Other standouts for food and nightlife included Lemon Grass (where you can enjoy Asian-inspired food and listen to the live music coming from downstairs), the chic Patois Bar (which was the late-night hotspot overlooking one of the pools and serving your usual bar fare like burgers and quesadillas—felt like we were at a Miami nightclub), and the Aura Bar (where bae sang with a quintet of other slightly drunken men and where we did the cliche but super-lit millennial couple thing: danced the night away to Top 40 hip-hop, salsa, and rock classics).
The Patois Bar
Courtesy, Couples Swept Away
Baecation Tip: Just be sure your partner packs a few linen or dress pants, loafers or soft dress shoes, and a few button-down shirts for the restaurants that require reservations. Also book your table and all-inclusive excursions in advance (or on the first day you arrive at the resort).
All in all, this resort-hop wasn’t the stifling, prison-in-paradise all-inclusive experience I remembered from the Jamaica family vacations of my youth. It also wasn’t the stereotypical AI disaster of bland food, lackluster customer service, and senior citizen activities that many complain about on social nowadays.
Both resorts offered a fresh take on luxury, great food, and good vibes—all without losing the intimacy we craved. All-inclusives might not be our every trip vibe, but for this chapter? It was exactly what we needed, and we look forward to making repeat bookings at both Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away in the future.
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