The CW plans to go back to school with a female-led Lean On Me TV series

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

School will soon be back in session for The CW, as the network has announced that they're planning a reboot of LEAN ON ME, the 1989 drama starring Morgan Freeman as the dedicated but tyrannical Principal of Eastside High, Joe Clark. As part of The CW's effort to change things up for the new series, the network has plans to cast a female in the lead role.

Writing the new series will be Wendy Calhoun (JUSTIFIED, REVENGE, NASHVILLE), which is said to tell the story of when a spirited young black teacher Amarie Baldwin scores the principal job at an Akron, Ohio, public high school, she must dig deep to transform a failing campus into an urban oasis. In a time when education and school safety have life-or-death stakes, Amarie will take on a broken system that tests her mettle, and love life and family. But can she keep her moxie in check in order to embody the inspirational educator that motivates and uplifts an entire community?

In addition to her writing duties, Calhoun will also executive produce alongside NBA legend Lebron James and Maverick Carter of SpringHill Entertainment. Also set to join the executive producing team is music icon John Legend, alongside Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius of Get Lifted as part of a partnership with Warner Bros. TV.

The 1989 version starring Morgan Freeman is loosely based on the story of Joe Louis Clark, the real life principal of an inner city school located in Paterson, New Jersey. During his tenure, Clark is said to have changed the lives of several students by teaching them the value of a solid education, and that in this life you have to work hard for what you want, as a matter of pride and of principle.

No casting announcements for The CW's LEAN ON ME reboot have been announced as of yet, though we do know that it will be presented as an hour-long program, once it makes its CW debut.