Fat Joe is set to host a new interview series for Starz. The show, titled “Fat Joe Talks,” promises to offer viewers unique access into the lives of today’s most influential personalities who shape the cultural zeitgeist. The 30-minute episodes will feature Fat Joe traveling across the U.S. to engage in conversations with cultural icons.
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for Starz, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “Fat Joe Talks is an exciting foray into talk, and who better than Joe—a legend in and of himself—to drive provocative conversations that tap into the zeitgeist and matter to our audience. We are thrilled to be working with Joe and our partners at SpringHill and Embassy Row to launch this incredible show, offering authentic, backstage, rare access to these cultural icons.”
Embassy Row will serve as the production company for the series. LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Philip Byron, and Jamal Henderson will executive produce for SpringHill, while Michael Davies will executive produce for Embassy Row.
Fat Joe, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, author, actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and media personality from the Bronx, New York, has a rich history in the music industry. He has released several multiplatinum and gold studio albums and mixtapes and has played a significant role in the careers of other musicians, including DJ Khaled, Big Pun, and Remy Ma.
Before landing his own series on Starz, Fat Joe had already dipped his toes into hosting. He hosted the 2022 and 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards and appeared on episodes of The Drew Barrymore Show and The Wendy Williams Show. He also led The Fat Joe Show, an Instagram Live talk show where he interviewed notable figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Floyd Mayweather, and Jamie Foxx.
Starz and LeBron James’ SpringHill Company are producing an interview and documentary series pilot that will be hosted by Fat Joe and executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs. The untitled series aims to blend celebrity and high-profile guest interviews with an elevated documentary-style format.
Fat Joe expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We’re about to create the biggest and most culturally-relevant series on television. With Puff, LeBron, the incredible team at Starz, and myself teaming up, you have a dream team that is guaranteed to produce TV gold.”
The series marks Fat Joe’s latest venture as a media personality. In March 2020, he launched “The Fat Joe Show,” a nightly Instagram Live talk show where he interviewed a wide range of guests, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Floyd Mayweather, Jamie Foxx, and Alicia Keys. He has also guest-hosted “The Wendy Williams Show” and served as the host of the web series Verzuz.
“Hosting a show has always been a dream of mine, and I’m thankful for everyone who helped make it a reality,” Fat Joe said. “I promise you that we’re going to push the envelope, deliver compelling interviews, and provide pure entertainment. Do remember—you don’t know who I know!”
Sean Combs also shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “I’m excited to partner with Starz and bring these cultural giants together to create the No. 1 show on television. Fat Joe is a very authentic and respected voice in the culture that deserves a platform to bring these important conversations to a global audience on a major network.”
The pilot will be produced by SpringHill for Starz, with LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron serving as executive producers. Combs will executive produce for his Revolt Studios. Starz senior vice president and head of unscripted programming Alice Dickens-Koblin will oversee the project.
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at Starz, reiterated the network’s excitement, saying, “Time and time again, Fat Joe has delivered outstanding, insightful interviews with legendary personalities who define the zeitgeist, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Starz family. Fat Joe, Sean Combs, and LeBron James are inspirational icons, and we can’t wait to get started on this incredible journey.”
Fat Joe continues to expand his presence in the TV space with various projects on the horizon. A pilot is in development from Starz and BET Studios titled “The Book of Jose,” which will explore the rapper’s life. On the hosting front, he launched “The Fat Joe Show,” where he interviewed a diverse array of influential personalities.
He has also served as a guest host for “The Wendy Williams Show” and the official recap for Triller’s Verzuz platform. “Time and time again, Fat Joe has delivered outstanding, insightful interviews with legendary personalities who define the zeitgeist, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Starz family,” said Kathryn Busby. “Fat Joe, Sean Combs, and LeBron James are inspirational icons, and we can’t wait to get started on this incredible journey.”
Starz has yet to release a date for the Fat Joe-hosted pilot, but fans can look forward to seeing the Terror Squad pioneer host the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards this year.
Source: Deadline, VIBE
