Issa Rae’s micro-drama debut draws over 17 million views on TikTok

Issa Rae’s first micro-drama series has generated more than 17 million views on TikTok since its release, offering an early indication of how short-form scripted content is performing on the platform.

The series, “Screen Time”, follows two couples on a double-date movie night disrupted by a mysterious figure who hijacks their TV, forcing them to confess their secrets or risk exposure.

Rae launched the series through her media company Hoorae as part of a broader partnership with TikTok to develop and distribute short-form scripted content. The series is also available on PineDrama, a standalone app focused on the format. A second instalment is scheduled for May.

“I’ve been really excited about the microdramas space for a while,” Rae said at TheWrap’s Creators x Hollywood Summit earlier this month. “As a company, when I think about our survival and our relevance, I want people to feel like Hoorae is a part of their daily routines.”

The performance comes as platforms and media companies step up investment in micro-dramas, a format that has scaled rapidly in China and is now being tested more aggressively in Western markets.

Earlier this year, Fox Entertainment partnered with YouTuber Dhar Mann to produce a slate of short-form dramas, signalling growing interest from traditional media groups.