Kenya Barris Has a New Six-Minute Multi-Generational Saga That’s Also a Coca-Cola Commercial

variety.com:

Brian Steinberg Senior TV Editor Kenya Barris is telling an American story, one can of soda after another. In a new six-minute short film, the writer, director and showrunner, known for his work behind the ABC series “Black-ish,” helps Coca-Cola show the resonance its broader portfolio of beverages have had on Americans for more than half a century.

The new commercial, called “Westside’s Finest,” features Barris, Omari Hardwick, Lionel Boyce, Lauren London and Nelson Franklin as the family that runs a local convenience store changes with the times and eras.

There are also appearances by Coke, Sprite, Mr. Pibb, Honest Kids — and even New Coke and Tab. By the time the piece ends, viewers may feel like they sat through a mini-series — one that is made for modern attention spans. “It’s counterintuitive, but I think people do like to watch longer-form commercials when they’re done in an interesting way,” says Barris, during a recent interview.

The Westside saga is Coca-Cola’s latest effort to remind consumers of the broader range of drinks it makes. Last year, the company rolled out an ad early in 2024 from “The Bear” creator Christopher Storer that depicted a very large family making use of different Coca-Cola products as they welcome one woman’s new significant other to the fold.