Sherise is more than a character; she’s a vibrant celebration of the multidimensionality of Black women, brought to life with depth and nuance through Chanel Mack’s thoughtful portrayal. From the moment Sherise steps on screen, she embodies a blend of enchantment and resilience, captivating viewers with her complexity.

As Mack explains, Sherise is a woman who “initially uses her sexuality and her magic”—two tools that many women have learned to wield in a world that often overlooks their deeper strengths. But Sherise’s story is far more than a tale of survival or charm; it’s about evolution and empowerment, a journey toward self-realization that reflects the real-life dynamics of many women.

Now in its third season, Wicked City continues to explore Sherise’s layered narrative, offering fans an even deeper connection to her journey. With each season, Sherise’s character grows, resonating more deeply with audiences and solidifying her place as a standout in the series.

The Growth of Sherise: Balancing Power and Vulnerability

Thanks to the rich writing by Kristen and Serena, Mack was able to explore Sherise’s evolution into what she calls her “bossness.” This transformation required Sherise to embrace what Mack describes as “masculine energy”—an assertive, take-charge spirit that resonates with the lived experiences of many Black women navigating leadership roles or challenging environments.

Season three amplifies this evolution, showing Sherise’s continued rise as a powerful yet vulnerable force in the world of Wicked City. Her journey is as much about personal growth as it is about leadership and self-discovery.

Behind the camera, the creative team—led by women—infuses Sherise’s narrative with authenticity, crafting a love letter to Black Girl Magic. Sherise’s story becomes a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unapologetic beauty of Black womanhood.

Chanel Mack: Guided by Faith and Purpose

For Chanel Mack, Sherise is more than a role—it’s a reflection of her own journey, one rooted in faith and a deep sense of purpose. She views her success not as a personal triumph but as a divine blessing.

“I’m not spoiled. I am blessed,” Mack shares. “God surrounded me with people that love me, that guide me, that give me support…God did this.”

Mack’s understanding of her talent extends beyond personal accomplishment. She sees her gift as a tool for uplifting others.

“The gift is not for me. The gift is for everybody else,” she emphasizes.

Mack recounts moments when sharing her knowledge with teenagers empowered them and created opportunities they might not have otherwise had. “I saw literally the blessing coming out of me and going into them,” she reflects, underscoring the transformative power of her work.

For Mack, this sense of purpose is both humbling and inspiring:

“You see how your journey is not even about you. You see, you’re affecting others. That’s how big my God is.”

The Relatability and Depth of Sherise

Sherise’s relatability is another key aspect of her impact. Mack describes her portrayal of Sherise in Wicked City as “life-changing,” a pivotal moment in her career:

“This series was and is the catalyst to everything that’s happening in my life right now.”

Fans often tell Mack how Sherise feels like someone they know—or even themselves. “Apparently, Sherise is a relatable character. It’s always somebody saying, ‘Yo, my cousin is just like that,’ or, ‘I’m Sherise,’” Mack shares.

At her core, Sherise is unapologetically authentic. “One thing about Sherise is that she’s going to choose herself,” Mack says, highlighting her independence and individuality.

Season three continues to showcase Sherise’s bold personality and growth. Balancing strength and vulnerability, Sherise represents the dynamic range of Black women. Mack explains:

“I wanted her to be balanced because I knew she was a character that initially uses her sexuality and her magic.”

The character’s clever dialogue and one-liners are often infused with Mack’s own personality: “Anything clever, any little one-liners that Sherise says, that’s honestly me.”

Representation and Empowerment

For Chanel Mack, Wicked City is more than a show—it’s a platform to inspire confidence in Black women and girls by showcasing their diversity and strength. Through its nuanced characters and compelling storytelling, the series becomes a space where Black audiences can see themselves reflected authentically.

“I want Black girls that watch this show to be confident no matter where they stand on the personality spectrum, on the diaspora spectrum, wherever you stand, whatever type of Black girl you are, because we’re all different.”

Mack credits the brilliance of writers Kristen and Serena for creating relatable characters who reflect the multifaceted nature of Black womanhood. Whether it’s the sexy, the geeky, the boss, or even the occasionally mean, Wicked City offers someone for everyone.

Drawing inspiration from the shows she grew up with—227, The Cosby Show, and Moesha—Mack envisions Wicked City as a modern-day beacon for Black representation:

“The same way I used to watch 227 or Moesha and be confident about being a Black girl, I want Black girls to watch my show, Black women to watch my show, and be confident.”

Through her portrayal of Sherise and the show’s powerful storytelling, Mack celebrates the individuality, beauty, and strength of Black girls, ensuring they feel seen and empowered.

Don’t miss Chanel Mack in her upcoming roles, transitioning from primetime networks to the bright lights of the theather stage. Mack stars in the BET+ original film Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story, which aired February 2025. Plus, she’ll be on trailblazing the stage premiering March 14 in the off-broadway, star-studded production POTUS. Get your tickets now! https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=261588