Facebook revealed today that they have given Queen America a 10-episode, straight-to-series order for their new video platform, Facebook Watch. Multi-award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones is set to star in the series.
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Queen America is a dark comedy about Vicki Ellis, the most renowned (and ruthless) pageant coach in the state, and the hapless Samantha Stone who hopes Vicki can mold her into worthwhile contender for the title of Miss America. Vicki is desperately sought after by young women competing to be Miss America for one reason; she can turn any girl into a winner. But when she gets paired with the beautiful but unpolished Samantha, Vicki’s entire reputation might be at stake.
Queen America is created, written, and executive produced by Meaghan Oppenheimer (Fear the Walking Dead). Made Up Stories’ Bruna Papandrea and Casey Haver, and Entertainment 360’s Guymon Casady and Suzan Bymel will also executive produce alongside Janice Williams.
Queen America is the first straight-to-series order for wiip (word.idea.imagination.production). wiip is the new independent studio launched and led by veteran television executive Paul Lee. Made Up Stories will serve as wiip’s co-studio partner.
“wiip is focused on creating extraordinary content that remains true to the authentic vision of artists who want to take creative risks to tell original stories,” said Lee. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Meaghan, Bruna, Entertainment 360 and their remarkable creative team, along with our partners at Facebook Watch, to bring this uniquely dark, female-driven comedy, starring celebrated actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, to audiences around the world.”
“I’m so excited to be making this show, set in my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma — and beyond grateful to be partnered again with Bruna Papandrea, who has championed this project from its earliest stages and proven to be one of the biggest supporters of women in the industry,” said Oppenheimer. “We have been very lucky to have found such great collaborators in wiip, Entertainment 360, and Facebook. To have one of my favorite actresses, Catherine Zeta-Jones, bringing this character to life is a dream come true.”
“Meaghan Oppenheimer is an incredible talent and we knew we had to bring this show to the world the second she first pitched us the idea. We are so excited to be collaborating with her, Facebook, and the incredible Catherine Zeta-Jones on this project,” said Papandrea.
Zeta-Jones won an Oscar for her portrayal of Velma Kelly, in the screen adaptation of Chicago. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe and took home the Critics’ Choice Award, a SAG Award, and the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress for that role. She won the Tony Award for Lead Actress in a Musical for her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. She recently starred in the highly rated Lifetime movie Cocaine Godmother, portraying the true life story of drug kingpin Griselda Blanco.
Facebook Watch is available for free on mobile, desktop and Facebook’s TV apps.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
