Weeds revival in the works at Starz; Mary-Louise Parker returning
According to a new report from Variety, Lionsgate is working on a follow-up to their original series alongside star Mary-Louise Parker. The new series would be set ten years after the original show, and in a world now where Parker’s Nancy would be living within a world of legalization. Victoria Morrow, who worked as a writer and later co-executive producer on the original Weeds, will write and executive-produce the new version. (Jenji Kohan, who was the main force behind the original, is reportedly not involved.) What’s also interesting is that it would air on Starz, as opposed to the original network in Showtime. Why the shift? A lot of it has to do with studios, as Lionsgate now owns Starz and they are looking to bring in more content from within their own studios.
Today, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer confirmed this news with the following message — one that also references him working to syndicate the original Mad Men internationally:
“As excited as we are about our new series, I want to remind everyone that ‘the old is also new,’ and we’re pleased to be bringing two of the most acclaimed shows in television history, ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Weeds,’ to the global syndication marketplace next year … We will be launching the marketing campaign for ‘Mad Men,’ winner of 16 Emmys and five Golden Globes during its eight-year run, later this month. And we’re thrilled to be back in business with series star and producer Mary Louise Parker on what we’re calling ‘Weeds 4.20,’ already in active development at Starz, as we prepare a comprehensive and integrated rollout for one of television’s most beloved properties.”
Is a new Weeds going to really work? The original series had its moments, but there were criticisms way back when that it actually ran for too long when it was on the air. That’s without even considering the idea of a revival! Also, there is the question of whether or not the edginess of the series will be somewhat gone now, considering the changes that have went on in the pot business over the past several years. The taboo nature of the business was a part of the original appeal.
Yet, quality will be the judge of the new Weeds, both in terms of if “development” leads to the series happening and then also if viewers like it.
Do you think that a Weeds revival on Starz could work?
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