Barris left ABC in 2018 over creative clashes with the network. ABC’s decision to ban an episode of
Black-ish that centered around the NFL and police brutality was said to have been at the root of his exit,
“I’m very grateful to
Patrick Moran and his team at ABC Studios, who have supported me every step of the way as I created the worlds of
Black-ish,
Grown-ish and now
Besties. It has been an incredible ride including a Peabody and Golden Globe win, Emmy nominations, and many other accolades,” Barris said in a statement at the time.
But most importantly, they’ve allowed me to realize my dream of creating my own shows and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together. No matter what, the studio has never wavered in their support of my creative vision.”