Starz made a significant splash at the Television Critics Association press tour, unveiling a new tagline, “We’re All Adults Here,” and announcing several exciting developments. Among the highlights was the greenlighting of “Fat Joe Talks,” a new talk show hosted by the renowned hip-hop artist Fat Joe. Additionally, Starz has acquired the U.S. and Canada broadcast rights to “Sweetpea,” a gripping new drama starring and executive produced by Ella Purnell.
“Fat Joe Talks” promises to be a dynamic 30-minute series where Fat Joe will lead engaging conversations on a variety of newsworthy topics. The show will see him traveling across the United States to meet cultural icons in their environments. Produced by Embassy Row, the series will have Fat Joe as an executive producer alongside LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Philip Byron, and Jamal Henderson from SpringHill, and Michael Davies from Embassy Row.
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for Starz, expressed her excitement about the new show, 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.” She emphasized the unique backstage access the show will offer to cultural icons.
Fat Joe, a Grammy-nominated artist, has had a storied career spanning four decades. Known for hits like “Lean Back,” “What’s Luv,” and “All The Way Up,” he has also made significant contributions to bridging hip-hop and Latin music. Beyond music, Joe has ventured into media, hosting the BET Hip-Hop Awards and launching “The Fat Joe Show” on Instagram Live, where he interviewed a wide array of guests. His memoir, “The Book of Jose,” is being adapted into a television series for Showtime.
In addition to “Fat Joe Talks,” Starz has acquired “Sweetpea,” a six-part drama series set to premiere in 2024. The show stars Ella Purnell as Rhiannon Lewis, a young woman whose life takes a dark turn, leading her to embrace a new, intoxicating power. The series, based on the novel by C.J. Skuse, is produced by See-Saw Films and Fanboy in association with Sky Studios. Kirstie Swain, Krissie Ducker, Laura Jayne Tunbridge, and Selina Lim adapted the series, with Swain and director Ella Jones serving as executive producers.
Alison Hoffman, President of Domestic Networks at Starz, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We’re excited to partner again with Ella Purnell and Sky Studios on such a fresh, boundary-breaking story. This darkly-comedic tale of revenge is sure to thrill viewers, as is Ella’s performance as a woman who finds her voice and claims her agency in ways that are devious and shocking.”
Starz also announced new cast members for “Spartacus: House of Ashur,” the latest spinoff in the “Spartacus” universe. Graham McTavish joins the cast as Ashur’s Doctore, a trainer of gladiators. Tenika Davis will play the first female gladiator in the series, described as a fierce warrior driven to surpass her male counterparts and earn her freedom.
Other new cast members include Jamaica Vaughan as Hilara, a house slave in love with Ashur; Ivana Baquero as Messia, another house slave in love with Hilara; Jordi Webber as Tarchon, a brash gladiator; Claudia Black as Cossutia, a politician plotting Ashur’s downfall; India Shaw-Smith as Viridia, Cossutia’s daughter; and Leigh Gill as Satyrus, the leader of a rival group of gladiators. Production for the series is currently underway in New Zealand.
In “Sweetpea,” Purnell’s character, Rhiannon, lives an anonymous life until a series of events push her over the edge, transforming her into a young woman capable of anything. The series explores themes of power, control, and revenge, promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The creative team behind “Sweetpea” includes Manpreet Dosanjh from Sky Studios, Patrick Walters from Fanboy, and Helen Gregory, Iain Canning, and Emile Sherman from See-Saw Films, all serving as executive producers alongside Purnell.
Starz also released the trailer for its limited event series “Three Women,” based on the book by Lisa Taddeo. The series, which premieres on September 13, stars Betty Gilpin, DeWanda Wise, Shailene Woodley, Blair Underwood, Gabrielle Creevy, and Jason Ralph. It offers a nuanced portrait of female desire through the raw and honest stories of three women.
With these new announcements, Starz continues to expand its diverse and compelling lineup, offering viewers a range of fresh and engaging content. From the thought-provoking conversations in “Fat Joe Talks” to the darkly comedic and boundary-pushing narrative of “Sweetpea,” and the intense drama of “Spartacus: House of Ashur,” there is much to look forward to on the network.
Source: Variety, Starz
