A scripted comedy series starring legendary rapper Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and his wife, Justine Simmons has landed a 10-episode season order at Netflix.
The series was originally set at ABC from ABC TV Studios and Amblin TV, created by Speechless co-exec producer and The Mayor creator, Jeremy Bronson, who is under an overall deal at ABC TV studios.
ABC landed it in a competitive bid with a put pilot commitment, but did not order it to series.
However, because the initial pitch was received so well by other networks, and ABC TV Studios and Amblin financed a pilot presentation, which was filmed on the set of black-ish. This presentation aired with the rest of ABC’s full-length pilots and was said to be well-received, but because of the new American Idol and Roseanne landing at ABC at the last minute, they passed on it, only picking up 3 new comedies (including Bronson’s The Mayor).
After this, ABC Studios and Amblin put it back on the market, where it has now landed at Netflix. Negotiations are said to have gone on for several months.
The currently untitled comedy, which is fictional and not based on or even inspired by the Simmons’ real life, centers on a legendary rapper whose plans for slowing down are thwarted when his wife decides to pursue her own dreams and ambitions of stardom.
While they have been on multiple reality shows, including the popular Run’s House, this is their first scripted project.
Andrew Reich will be showrunner, exec producing with Justin Falvey & Darryl Frank from Amblin Television. Rev Run Simmons, Justine Simmons and Michael Lehman of Simmons Lehman Productions are also exec producing.
H/T: Deadline