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HBO Max’s Adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between The World And Me” Free to Stream This Thanksgiving

HBO Max has given us all something to savor this Thanksgiving that’s not filled with tryptophan (dissing on turkey here) and much, much better for the mind—Kamilah Forbes’ adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between The World and Me” will be free to stream beginning on November 25 through November 20.

This special was originally adapted and staged at the Apollo Theater in 2018 by Forbes (the theater’s executive producer), who adapted the stage performance for the HBO Max special. The list of luminaries involved is huge, including Coates himself, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Jharrel Jerome, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, Courtney B. Vance, and Oprah Winfrey.

Here’s what folks have been saying about Forbes’ adaptation of Coates’ monumental book, both those involved with the project, critics, and more:

Here’s the official synopsis from HBO:

Following its debut this weekend on HBO Max, the HBO special event BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, a gripping adaption of the New York Times #1 bestselling book by Ta-Nehisi Coates and the Apollo stage performance of the same name, will be available to stream for free on HBOMax.com this Thanksgiving weekend, beginning November 25 through November 30.

BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME will also be available to stream on HBO.com, on Free On Demand via participating partners, and will re-air on the HBO linear channel as part of the Thanksgiving free preview weekend.

HBO is proud to offer families the opportunity to stream this breathtaking, heartbreaking, and layered film for free. Coates’ book, which is now recognized as a classic of the Black Lives Matter era, has been reimagined during a global pandemic against the backdrop of the killing of Breonna Taylor and global protests for Black lives. BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME is an urgent story of hope and resilience, exploring Coates’ vision of a race built beneath white supremacy, and a people built despite it.

Additionally, HBO’s Between The World And Me Podcast, co-produced by Spoke Media and Domino Sound, will be available on all major podcast platforms. Across four weekly episodes, the podcast weaves together in-depth discussions with thought leaders, educators and creatives to extend the conversation, unpack the film, and relive key moments from the landmark work. Episode 1 (“The Dream”) is available now, with future episodes “The Mecca,” “The Future,” and “The World” debuting on subsequent Mondays.

In addition to BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, viewers can sample the most popular series from the HBO Max library on the HBOMax.com/watch-free page with no subscription needed. The page currently features more than two dozen episodes and programs available to stream for free including “A West Wing Special: When We All Vote” and series premiere episodes of “Lovecraft Country,” “The Undoing” and “The Flight Attendant.”

BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME is directed by Kamilah Forbes who also serves as executive producer; executive produced by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Susan Kelechi Watson and Roger Ross Williams. Williams’ production company ONE STORY UP produces.

Featured image: “Between The World And Me” key art. Photograph by Courtesy of HBO

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The Credits

The Credits is an online magazine that tells the story behind the story to celebrate our large and diverse creative community. Focusing on profiles of below-the-line filmmakers, The Credits celebrates the often uncelebrated individuals who are indispensable to the films and TV shows we love.

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