EXCLUSIVE: On the heels of its May 7 separation from Lionsgate, Starz is quickly starting to build its own library of IP with four series in priority development, all fully owned by the premium network.
Starz has opened writers rooms for Kingmaker, set in the world of the DC Black political elite, from Al Letson and Theo Travers; Masquerade, a female-driven thriller set in Venice, from Dave Holstein; and British boxing drama Fightland, from Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit Film & Television, which had been in development at the network since 2022.
Additionally, Plan B has come on board to produce All Fours, a series in development based on Miranda July’s buzzy novel about a woman’s journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening, which Starz acquired earlier this year.
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Starz CEO Jeff Hirsch had signaled to Wall Street that standalone Starz plans to own a lot of its programming, outright or through co-productions with other studios. It is a strategy other networks, like Fox Entertainment, have employed after splitting from their vertically integrated studio.
For Starz, this is not new. The network used to produce and own its original series pre-Lionsgate merger, including hits like Spartacus and Power. Lionsgate Television took over production of the Power franchise post-acquisition and will continue to serve as studio on the existing series after the companies became separate again.
“This new chapter positions Starz to take greater control of our future – creatively and financially,” said Alison Hoffman, President of Starz Networks. “By owning our IP, we’re building long-term value for the business while delivering even more boundary breaking, premium content for our audience.”
Going forward, Starz is keeping its longtime focus on adult programming for women and underrepresented audiences as exemplified by the network’s tentpoles, the Outlander and Power franchises. On the network’s priority development slate, the two target demos are represented by Masquerade/All Fours and Kingmaker/Fightland, respectively.
“As Starz moves into this next chapter, I’m energized by the opportunity to deepen our investment in bold, character-driven storytelling that reflects our audience,” said Kathryn Busby, Starz’s President of Original Programming. “We’re growing a robust development pipeline with creators who bring fresh, authentic perspectives and doubling down on programming that defines Starz: provocative, premium and inclusive.”
Hirsch in December laid out Starz’s programming strategy for putting out eight to ten original series a year, “four of them for each of the demos we have today.”
The network will also continue to build universes, using characters from hit shows to spawn new ones which have better economics since older series get more expensive, something Hirsch has been leaning heavily into.
Referencing Fightland, from Power franchise executive producer 50 Cent, Hirsch said in December that the drama “has the same feel of the Power universe,” adding, “We probably will take some characters from the original Power and put them in it so that we know we can bring the fan base over.”
Here are more details on Kingmaker, Masquerade as well as previously announced All Fours and Fightland.
KINGMAKER (writers room)
Set against the glittering backdrop of Washington D.C., “Kingmaker” explores the ruthless, high-stakes world of the Black political elite as they struggle for power, position, and prestige at the highest levels of American government. The series follows the cunning machinations of a legendary power broker as he works in the shadows to reclaim his throne as the undisputed “Kingmaker” on the national political scene. Secrets, betrayals, illicit affairs, and shocking scandals collide as he stops at nothing to outmaneuver his rivals and seize supreme control.
Al Letson (Monarch) will executive produce and co-showrun, alongside executive producer and co-showrunner Theo Travers (Billions). Beau Willimon (House of Cards) and Jordan Tappis (Severance) will executive produce for Westward. Former top HBO and eOne executive Michael Lombardo also serves as EP.
MASQURADE (writers room)
Set in Venice, Masquerade is the story of an American woman who takes on a new identity at a European wedding, using the art of seduction in a murderous con to escape her past and regain her fortune.
Dave Holstein (Inside Out 2, Kidding) is executive producer, showrunner and writer and Stacey Sher (Heretic, Mrs. America) will also executive produce.
ALL FOURS
Starz has acquired the rights to Miranda July’s propulsive, sexy and irreverent novel about a woman at a turning point in her life who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening. Featured prominently on many critics’ best-of-year lists, the book has captivated readers around the world, sparking a cultural dialogue around female desire, aging and unconventional relationships.
Plan B will produce.
FIGHTLAND (writers room)
The drama series is set within the high stakes, cash rich, dangerous world of British boxing and follows a disgraced, formerly incarcerated boxing champion who returns to London to seek vengeance against the crime family he thinks betrayed him. With edge-of-seat action both in and out of the boxing ring and populated by dangerous characters, this is a world of money and power never seen before.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will executive produce through his G-Unit Film & Television along with Francis Hopkinson (Wallander, Bancroft) and Kate Leadbetter (Woman in White, Catherine the Great) of Expanded Media who will also produce. Damione Macedon (Power, BMF) and Raphael Jackson Jr. (Power, BMF) will serve as showrunners, executive producers and writers. Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith will serve as executive producers and writers.