Just days after the announcement of her new film Queen & Slim, Lena Waithe continues to nourish us with more fresh narratives. The Emmy-winning writer and actress has secured a first look deal with Showtime, which airs her acclaimed ensemble drama, The Chi. 

Under this deal, Waithe will collaborate with Showtime to write and produce comedy and drama projects under her Hillman Grad Productions banner. Waithe can seamlessly transition from comedy and drama with deft precision and ease going by her work on Master of None and Dear White People.

The Chi, which Waithe created and executive produces, has been renewed for a second season and had the biggest launch for a Showtime drama in two years. Waithe’s latest script, Queen & Slim, will be a Bonnie and Clyde-like love story that centers on a black couple who goes on the run after killing a police officer in self-defense. As if that isn’t enough, Waithe has also written and produced the upcoming comedy series Twenties for TBS.

“We fell in love with Lena’s voice when we ordered her pilot for The Chi three years ago, and we have watched in awe at her powerful impact on our industry and our culture,” said Gary Levine, Showtime Networks president of programming. “Lena is a creative force of nature, and we are delighted that the force will be with us as she makes Showtime her creative home.”