Kim Kardashian Expands Her Television Empire with New Disney Deal
Kim Kardashian, known globally as a reality TV star, entrepreneur, and cultural icon, is taking her relationship with the television world to new heights. Recently, Kardashian formalized a significant partnership with Disney's 20th Television, marking a new chapter in her evolving career. This deal, a first-look agreement, allows Kardashian to develop scripted series projects, solidifying her influence in the entertainment industry.
This exciting news comes on the heels of Kardashian's involvement in the most recent season of FX's American Horror Story and her upcoming role in Hulu's legal drama All's Fair. Both shows are produced by 20th Television, a subsidiary of Disney, and are closely associated with famed producer Ryan Murphy. These collaborations have set the stage for Kardashian to take on more significant roles behind the camera, shaping the stories she wants to tell.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
As part of her new deal, Kardashian isn't working alone. She's teaming up with long-time friend La La Anthony and Kenya Barris, the creator of Black-ish, a highly successful and critically acclaimed TV series. Together, they're working on a show called Group Chat, which is based on Anthony's best-selling book, The Love Playbook: Rules for Love, Sex and Happiness. This book, which combines Anthony's insights into relationships and her own life experiences, serves as the inspiration for the series.
Group Chat is currently in development and has a lot of promise. Kenya Barris, known for his knack for creating culturally resonant content, is set to create the series, while Anthony will take on a starring role. The collaboration is a true powerhouse of talent, blending Kardashian's media savvy, Anthony's acting and real-life experiences, and Barris' creative genius.
Kardashian's Vision and Influence
In a statement about the deal, Kardashian expressed her excitement and vision for her future projects. “I'm incredibly interested in telling stories that are personal, complicated, relevant, from my own experiences and those familiar to me,” she said. This statement reflects Kardashian's deepening commitment to storytelling that resonates on a personal level, something she has been increasingly involved in over the years.
Kardashian's experience on American Horror Story: Delicate provided her with a unique opportunity to work closely with the team at 20th Television. It's clear that this experience was formative, as she now looks forward to developing her own television projects with the same team. This first-look deal isn't just a business agreement; it's a chance for Kardashian to explore new creative avenues and bring fresh, relevant content to audiences.
The Industry's Response
Kim Kardashian's move into scripted television has not gone unnoticed by industry leaders. Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich and 20th Television head Karey Burke had high praise for Kardashian. They highlighted her unique position in the entertainment industry, noting her ability to both reflect and shape cultural trends. “Kim is a multi-hyphenate in every sense of the word, who has her finger on the pulse of the zeitgeist while simultaneously helping to define it,” they said. This recognition from industry veterans underscores Kardashian's growing influence and her potential to create content that resonates with a broad audience.
What's Next for Kim Kardashian?
The announcement of Group Chat marks just the beginning of Kardashian's journey in scripted television. The show will be a co-production between 20th Television and BET Studios, where Kenya Barris holds an ownership stake. Along with Kardashian, Anthony, and Barris, the show will also be executive produced by Adam Kassan of Barris' Khalabo Ink Society.
For La La Anthony, Group Chat is another exciting project to add to her already impressive resume. Anthony currently stars in BMF on Starz and has a recurring role on Showtime's The Chi. Her acting credits also include notable shows like Power, Unforgettable, and a guest role on Grown-ish, another Barris creation.
As for Kenya Barris, Group Chat is one of many projects he has in the works. His recent projects include Diarra From Detroit for BET+ and Netflix's The Vince Staples Show, further solidifying his status as one of the most prolific creators in television today.
Conclusion
Kim Kardashian's first-look deal with Disney's 20th Television is a significant step in her ongoing evolution from reality TV star to a powerful force in the entertainment industry. With Group Chat on the horizon and more projects likely in development, Kardashian is poised to make a lasting impact on scripted television. Her ability to collaborate with other talented individuals like La La Anthony and Kenya Barris only enhances her potential to bring compelling, culturally relevant stories to the screen. As Kardashian continues to expand her empire, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see what she creates next.
