The proposed HBO show set in a modern world where the South successfully seceded from the Union. The hashtag "NoConfederate" was trending number one in the U.S. and number two worldwide on Twitter during last night's broadcast of "Game of Thrones." The showrunners behind that fantasy hit are hoping to get their new idea "Confederate" on the air by 2019.
It takes place in a timeline leading up to another American Civil War where slavery is still legal in the South. People opposed to the show argue that they don't want to see a show profit from exploiting the role of slavery in America's history. The "No Confederate" campaign was organized by April Reign, the woman who started the "#OscarsSoWhite" protest against a lack of diversity in motion picture awards.
HBO has responded to the outcry in a statement saying "We have great respect for the dialogue and concern being expressed around Confederate. We have faith that [writers] Nichelle, Dan, David and Malcolm will approach the subject with care and sensitivity. The project is currently in its infancy so we hope that people will reserve judgment until there is something to see.”
Source: Hollywood Reporter