Amazon Studios’ new docuseries about the dedication and sacrifice made by individuals to support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Regular Heroes, will feature New Orleans luminary Burnell Cotlon. Burnell’s story will be presented in the first episode, which will premiere on Friday, May 8. 

Burnell Cotlon continues to be a shining beacon of hope in his community. After Hurricane Katrina devastated local businesses, Burnell invested his life savings into constructing “Burnell’s 9th Ward Grocery Store” to provide food and necessities to the people in his immediate community. Burnell’s goal in life is to support the Lower 9th Ward until it stands equitable with the rest of New Orleans. As Burnell and his neighborhood have been faced with unprecedented adversity in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, he has continued to support his customers who have experienced widespread layoffs by donating food and offering his service to those in need. Being the only grocery store within a five-mile radius, Burnell provides a major supportive role and service to his community. 

Head of Amazon Studios, Jennifer Salke, speaks on the importance of sharing the stories of Burnell Cotlon and others: “We are so proud to celebrate people who are doing so much to transform the lives of people in their communities. This show is inspired by the individuals who give so much to others every day of the year but even more so during this challenging time.”

Regular Heroes premieres on Friday, May 8, on Amazon Prime in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, with new episodes coming out every Friday. Episodes will feature heartwarming stories and special celebrity guests, including 15-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, who highlights the dedication of Burnell Cotlon along with the stories of essential worker Trevor Henry and homeless advocate Athena Hayley.