Diggstown on BET Plus
Diggstown is a Canadian legal drama series that premiered on BET+ in 2021. The series follows Marcie Diggs, a high-powered lawyer who leaves her corporate job to work at a legal aid clinic after a family tragedy.
What is Diggstown?
Diggstown is a Canadian legal drama television series created by Floyd Kane that premiered on CBC Television in Canada in 2019 and on BET+ in the United States in 2021. The series follows Marcie Diggs, a star corporate lawyer who leaves her high-powered job to work at a legal aid clinic in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, after her aunt commits suicide following a malicious prosecution. The series is notable for being the first Canadian drama series to feature a Black Canadian woman as its lead character.
Diggstown explores the personal and professional life of Marcie Diggs as she navigates the complexities of the legal system and fights for justice for her clients, who are often marginalized and underrepresented members of society. The series tackles important social issues such as racism, poverty, gender bias, and systemic inequality. Alongside Marcie is a diverse and engaging cast of characters, including her colleagues at the legal aid clinic, who each have their own unique perspectives and challenges.
With its compelling storylines, strong characters, and timely themes, Diggstown has garnered critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the Canadian legal system and its exploration of social justice issues. The series has been praised for its diverse cast, sharp writing, and strong performances, particularly from lead actress Vinessa Antoine as Marcie Diggs.
The Plot of Diggstown
Diggstown dives deep into the world of Marcie Diggs, a brilliant lawyer who makes a life-altering decision after a personal tragedy. The series begins with Marcie at the pinnacle of her career, working at a prestigious corporate law firm. However, her life takes a tragic turn when her beloved aunt, a victim of racial profiling and a flawed justice system, commits suicide following a malicious prosecution. This event shakes Marcie to her core and forces her to re-evaluate her priorities.
Driven by a profound sense of guilt and a desire to make a real difference, Marcie leaves her comfortable corporate job and joins a legal aid clinic in the heart of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Here, she finds herself face-to-face with the harsh realities of systemic inequality and the struggles of marginalized communities. The legal aid clinic becomes her battleground as she fights tirelessly for clients who are often overlooked and underserved by the justice system.
Each episode of Diggstown tackles a different case, showcasing the diverse challenges faced by the community. Marcie and her team of dedicated lawyers handle cases involving racial profiling, police brutality, wrongful convictions, immigration disputes, and social injustices. As Marcie delves deeper into these cases, she uncovers systemic corruption, bias, and the human cost of a flawed legal system. Along the way, she confronts her own personal demons and grapples with the emotional toll of her work. The series masterfully intertwines these legal battles with Marcie’s personal journey of healing, self-discovery, and her quest for justice in a system that often seems stacked against the vulnerable.
Cast and Characters
Diggstown features a talented ensemble cast that brings the compelling characters and their stories to life. Leading the charge is Vinessa Antoine, who delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Marcie Diggs. Marcie is a complex and determined lawyer who is deeply passionate about fighting for justice, often putting her own needs aside to help those in need.
Joining Vinessa Antoine are several other notable actors who portray the dedicated legal team at the heart of Diggstown. Brandon Oakes delivers a captivating performance as Doug Paul, a seasoned lawyer with a sharp wit and a deep understanding of the law. Shailene Garnett brings warmth and empathy to her role as Iris Beals, a paralegal who provides unwavering support to Marcie and the team. C. David Johnson rounds out the main cast as Reggie Thompson, a former police officer who brings his unique perspective and experience to the legal aid clinic.
Throughout its run, Diggstown has also featured a recurring cast of talented actors who portray a range of clients, adversaries, and community members. These recurring characters add depth and complexity to the series, highlighting the systemic issues and human stories at the core of each case. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, and their performances create a believable and engaging world that draws viewers into the lives of the characters and the community they serve.
Where to Watch Diggstown
For viewers in the United States, the exclusive streaming home for Diggstown is BET+. BET+ is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a wide variety of content, including original series, movies, and specials, with a focus on Black entertainment.
To access BET+, viewers can sign up for a monthly or annual subscription through the BET+ website or app; The streaming service is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
While BET+ is the primary streaming destination for Diggstown, availability may vary depending on your location and licensing agreements. It’s always a good idea to check with your local streaming providers or consult online streaming databases for the most up-to-date information on where to watch the series.
For viewers in Canada, Diggstown originally aired on CBC Television. Episodes may be available for streaming on the CBC Gem website or app, which is a free streaming service available to Canadian residents.
With its availability on streaming platforms, viewers can easily catch up on past seasons of Diggstown or enjoy the series for the first time. The series’ compelling storylines, diverse characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a rewarding and engaging watch for fans of legal dramas and beyond.
Critical Reception and Popularity
Diggstown has garnered generally positive reviews since its premiere, with critics praising its compelling storylines, diverse cast, and timely themes. The series has been recognized for its realistic portrayal of the Canadian legal system, particularly its focus on social justice issues and the experiences of marginalized communities.
Vinessa Antoine’s performance as Marcie Diggs has been widely lauded, with critics commending her strength, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment to her clients. The supporting cast has also been praised for their nuanced performances and the chemistry between the characters.
While specific viewership figures for Diggstown on BET+ have not been publicly released, the series has resonated with audiences who appreciate its thought-provoking narratives and diverse representation. The show’s popularity is evident in its dedicated fan base and online discussions surrounding each episode.
Diggstown has been recognized with several award nominations, including a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Drama Series. The series has also been lauded for its contribution to increasing the visibility of Black talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Overall, Diggstown‘s critical acclaim and positive reception from viewers solidify its place as an engaging and important legal drama. The series’ exploration of social justice issues, coupled with its compelling characters and strong performances, continues to resonate with audiences and spark conversations about equality and fairness in the legal system.
