Life & Arts

In Black America

In Black America is a long-running, nationally-syndicated program dedicated to all facets of the African-American experience. Host John L. Hanson profiles a diverse selection of current and historically significant figures whose stories help illuminate life in Black America.

Tony-nominated playwright Jordan E. Cooper

KUT 90.5 | By John L. Hanson Jr.

Published October 28, 2025 at 1:05 PM CDT

In 2021, at 24-years-old, Jordan Cooper became the youngest show-runner in the history of television with the groundbreaking critically acclaimed multi-cam BET+ comedy The Ms. Pat Show. — In 2021 Jordan Cooper became the youngest show-runner in the history of television with the critically acclaimedThe Ms. Pat Show.

On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with Jordan E. Cooper, Tony Award-nominated Actor, Playwright, Producer, and Director, and founder of Cookout Entertainment.

Cooper has accomplished what typically takes decades to achieve. At 24 he opened his first off-Broadway play at NYC’s Public Theatre earning him an Obie Award win and a Drama League Award nomination. Also at 24, he became the youngest showrunner in television history as well as the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of the groundbreaking sitcom The Ms. Pat Show which has gone on to receive multiple Emmy nominations.

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