Dennis Reed turns "South West High" into a Detroit masterpiece.

Dennis Reed turns “South West High” into a Detroit masterpiece.

Praise Swint February 24, 2026 3 minutes read

Dennis Reed is no stranger to building worlds from scratch. With more than 50 films under his belt and over 15 years in the game, the writer, director and executive producer has carved out a reputation for relentless productivity and Detroit-rooted storytelling. Now, he is stepping into a new chapter with South West High, a series backed by former NBA champion Jalen Rose and Ty Mopkins. For Reed, the project is more than another credit. It represents growth, collaboration and a creative elevation years in the making.

With South West High, Reed continues to prove that consistency and community connections can turn long-standing relationships into powerful collaborations. For a filmmaker who has already delivered dozens of projects, this latest chapter feels less like a debut and more like a strategic next step in an already expansive career.

Courtesy:dennis reed

How did South West High come about?

Ty Mopkins called me and told me he wanted me to meet his brother. That brother was Jalen Rose. I had known Jalen since ninth grade, not closely, but we were familiar. They came to several of my sets and observed how I worked. After seeing the process, Jalen told me he wanted me to write the series and deliver something special. That opportunity felt like a dream because I was able to collaborate with Jalen and Ty, and they brought in people who helped make it magical.

This is not your first project. Tell us about your background.

I started by writing books, then transitioned into plays before moving into film. I have been in the play and film space for 15 years. I created a series called Street Legal. Depending on the audience, some people recognize Street Legal nationally, while locally others may know First Lady. Altogether, I have completed 53 films.

What can viewers expect from South West High?

You can tune in right now. Not tomorrow, not next week, but right now. Viewers can expect high energy and strong performances. Jalen delivered in a major way. Brooklyn Oates did an incredible job. Towanda Braxton showed another level. Everyone brought intensity to their roles. The performances build like a championship run. The first episode sets the tone, the second raises the stakes and by the later episodes everything is firing on all cylinders.