What you need to know about Quibi, Jeffrey Katzenberg’s bite-size streaming service
With the TV landscape already more crowded than ever, Jeffrey Katzenberg is looking to reinvent the very medium with Quibi, a streaming service that will deliver "quick bites" of content — episodes or installments running 10 minutes or less. Katzenberg and CEO Meg Whitman have pitched the mobile-based service as quick entertainment for viewers on the go.
"You leave the house every morning with a little TV in your pocket. It's called your smartphone," Whitman said in 2018. "During the day, you have these in-between moments. Ten minutes here, 15 minutes there, where you want to see something great."
Quibi (3)
That content will take three forms: Movies in Chapters (exactly what it sounds like); short unscripted series and documentaries; and Daily Essentials, news and lifestyle programming in quick-bite form. Quibi will launch April 6 with a two-tier pricing system: $4.99 with ads, $7.99 without. And lest anyone remain skeptical, the service already has a raft of A-list talent lined up for various projects, with 175 shows expected to launch in Quibi's first year. Check out the April slate below, and read on for a full list of what's on the way.
Movies in Chapters
Most Dangerous Game
Liam Hemsworth stars as Dodge Maynard, a terminally ill man desperate to care for his pregnant wife — enough so that he joins a potentially lucrative venture which turns out to be a deadly ruse pitting him as the prey in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. Cristoph Waltz will also star as Miles Sellers, with Nick Santora (CBS' Scorpion) writing and Phil Abraham (Daredevil) directing. See the teaser trailer here. (Available April 6)
When the Streetlights Go On
Darko Sikman/Quibi
This project has had a long, winding road to the screen: Written as a film, the script ranked second on the 2011 Black List, later being reworked and produced as a pilot for Hulu, who passed. The pilot was shopped around (even screening at the Sundance Film Festival) but never picked up. Now, it finally comes to Quibi. When a beautiful young girl is killed, her sister and high school peers struggle to retain a sense of normalcy as their suburban community reels and the murder investigation proceeds. The cast includes It's Chosen Jacobs, Sophie Thatcher (Chicago Med), and Sam Strike (Chernobyl), along with Queen Latifah, Tony Hale, and Mark Duplass. Check out more first-look photos here. (Available April 6)
Survive
Sophie Turner is following up a little show called Game of Thrones with the thriller Survive, also starring Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton). The show tells the story of two survivors of a plane crash on a remote mountain who must work together as they combat the elements and their personal demons to make it back to civilization. (Available April 6)
Flipped
A "chronically underemployed" couple (played by Will Forte and Kaitlin Olson) strive to become TV's next great home renovation show duo in this comedy series produced by Funny or Die. Unfortunately, their plans are waylaid somewhat when members of a drug cartel (Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria, and Broad City's Arturo Castro) kidnap the pair and force them to renovate their massive houses. (Available April 6)
Agua Donkeys
Produced by Funny or Die, this series follows two employees at a pool-cleaning company on their quest for "the perfect tan, the perfect vibe, and the perfect mix of bromine and chlorine" for pool cleaning. The short film on which it is based has been called a "Californian Napoleon Dynamite." (Available April 13)
The Stranger
In The Stranger, written and directed by Veena Sud (The Killing), a mysterious Hollywood Hills passenger (Dane DeHaan) joins a young ride-share driver (Maika Monroe) in her car. Over 12 hours, the two venture into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in a spine-chilling game of predator and prey. (Available April 13)
#FreeRayshawn
From executive producer Antoine Fuqua comes #FreeRayshawn, a drama that Katzenberg has pitched as a modern twist on '70s classic Dog Day Afternoon. Stephan James (Homecoming) stars as Rayshawn, an Iraq war veteran who takes shelter in his apartment building after a botched drug deal. Amid a police standoff and growing media frenzy, a sympathetic cop (played by Laurence Fishburne) tries to convince him to surrender. (Available April 13)
50 States of Fright
Original Spider-Man and Evil Dead helmer Sam Raimi is producing this horror anthology, which draws inspiration from the folklore of each U.S. state. Rachel Brosnahan, Christina Ricci, Ming-Na Wen, and more are on board to star in different episodes. (Available April 13)
Dummy
Nicole Wilde/Quibi
Starring Anna Kendrick and Donal Logue (of the late Gotham), this comedy follows the story of an aspiring writer and her boyfriend's sex doll(?). Originally written as a TV pilot, the project was developed into a film script to be diced up into Quibi's 10-minute-or-less "bites." (Available April 20)
Unscripted & Docs
Chrissy's Court
No claim is too small for Chrissy's Court. Chrissy Teigen will preside over real-life small claims cases, Judge Judy-style, with final and legally binding verdicts. Meanwhile, her mom-turned-bailiff, Pepper Thai, maintains order in the courtroom. We have no objections. (Available April 6)
Thanks a Million
Darren Michaels/Quibi
Jennifer Lopez, Kristen Bell, Tracy Morgan, and more will headline episodes of this series, in which the celebrity in question donates $100,000 to an unsuspecting individual. That person gives $50,000 to someone else, who gives $25,000 to someone else, and on down the line. Sadly, it looks like giant checks will not be involved. (Available April 6)
Punk'd
Punk'd is back, and no, you're not being punk'd. Chance the Rapper will step into Ashton Kutcher's shoes to host a reimagined version of the MTV show, and terrorize a new generation of celebrities (including Megan Thee Stallion) with elaborate pranks. (Available April 6)
Murder House Flip
Perhaps best described as CSI meets HGTV, Murder House Flip features a team of "forensic specialists, spiritual healers, and high-end renovation experts" taking on houses where scandalous or tragic events took place (including but not limited to murders) and turning them "from morbid to marvelous." Interior designers Mikel Welch and Joelle Uzyel will host the series. (Available April 6)
Skrrt With Offset
Quibi shows
On this series, celebrities (including Cardi B, Jay Leno, and T-Pain) join Migos member and car aficionado Offset to discuss their cars and the stories behind them, and take part in "a unique one-on-one auto experience." Hopefully that doesn't just mean a personalized rap verse for each guest. (Available April 6)
The Sauce
Quibi shows
Viral-sensation dance duo Ayo & Teo (the pair behind 2017's hit single "Rolex") are hosting this traveling dance competition series, which will follow the brothers from city to city as they spotlight each location's dance culture and attempt to track down the hottest talent. Dance teams from each city will ultimately battle it out for the top prize. Usher is also on board as an executive producer and judge. (Available April 6)
&Music
Quibi shows
This documentary series spotlights the behind-the-scenes collaborators who help the biggest stars in music (including Ariana Grande, Ozzy Osbourne, and YG) create their live performances. (Available April 6)
Gone Mental With Lior
Quibi shows
Celebrity mentalist Lior Suchard will "read the minds" of such famous guests as Ben Stiller, James Corden, and Zooey Deschanel, running each guest through a series of "mind-blowing mental stunts." (Available April 6)
Nikki Fre$h
Quibi shows
Nicole Richie, rapper? That's the premise of this comedic series, which follows Richie's titular alter ego as she strives to bring her own socially conscious, educational brand of rap (known as "Parent Trap") to the world. (Available April 6)
Singled Out
Keke Palmer and Joel Kim Booster will host a new edition of MTV's Singled Out, helping singles of all genders and sexual preferences select one person from a diverse pool for a date. The show will bring online dating to life, linking the main dater to their group of singles through social media. (Available April 6)
Gayme Show!
Quibi shows
Matt Rogers (cohost of podcast Las Culturistas with SNL's Bowen Yang) and comedian Dave Mizzoni will host this comedic competition series, in which two straight contestants are paired with a celebrity "life partner" as they go head-to-head in various challenges to earn the title Queen of the Straights. Guests will include Ilana Glazer, D'Arcy Carden, and Rachel Bloom. (Available April 6)
Dishmantled
Quibi shows
This unique cooking competition series hosted by Tituss Burgess will begin each episode by blasting a food dish into two blindfolded chefs' faces with a cannon. The chefs will then attempt to identify the dish and race to recreate it, with a prize going to whoever comes closest. (Guest judges will include Wolfgang Puck, Jane Krakowski, and Dan Levy.) That's what we'd call extreme cooking. (Available April 6)
You Ain't Got These
Quibi shows
The Chi creator Lena Waithe explores social issues through the lens of sneaker culture, with guests including Billie Jean King, Hasan Minhaj, and Jemele Hill. (Available April 6)
Fierce Queens
Reese Witherspoon will narrate and present this BBC-produced nature docuseries, premiering on April 6, which will focus on the animal kingdom's "rebel matriarchs, powerful leaders, and dangerous lovers."
The short form series, produced by BBC Studios, will feature “phenomenal female animals: the rebel matriarchs, powerful leaders and dangerous lovers of the natural world. From hyenas to fireflies, meerkats to humpback whales, the documentary series will bring you the most dramatic natural history stories from a fresh female perspective.” (Available April 6)
Prodigy
Quibi shows
Soccer star Megan Rapinoe will host this docuseries profiling eight extraordinary athletes, all 21 or younger, who have achieved unprecedented athletic feats and are set to become the next superstars in their respective sports. (Available April 6)
Run This City
Quibi shows
From executive producer Mark Wahlberg comes this documentary, which follows Jasiel Correia II — former mayor of Fall River, Mass., and the town's youngest ever elected — who faced various fraud and extortion charges over the course of his term. When the FBI indicts him, Correia vows to fight the charges and clear his name. (Available April 6)
Shape of Pasta
Chef Evan Funke, mastermind behind Los Angeles' Felix Trattoria and a "perpetual student of handmade pasta," scours Italy for the supreme pasta masters in this eight-episode series. Funke will seek out rare and unique pasta shapes and techniques in an effort to keep these traditions alive. (Available April 6)
NightGowns
Sasha Velour's acclaimed live drag revue is coming to Quibi, with the RuPaul's Drag Race champion executive-producing an eight-part series based on the stage act. Each episode will focus on one performer as they prep for their individual showcases — "part behind-the-scenes documentary, part lip-sync spectacular," according to Velour. (Available April 6)
Memory Hole
Quibi
Dive back into all the cringeworthy pop culture events you forgot — or maybe never even knew about in the first place — with Memory Hole. The first season focuses on Canada, with Canadian export Will Arnett hosting. Guests will include Jason Bateman, Patton Oswalt, and Game of Thrones' John Bradley. (Available April 6)
I Promise
In 2018, LeBron James opened the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, a unique public school for at-risk kids that aims to help close Akron's achievement gap. Now, this docuseries follows a year in the life of six third-graders at the school as they reset expectations for their futures. (Available April 6)
Elba vs. Block
Is there anything Idris Elba can't do? After DJ'ing at Coachella, the actor ventures into the realm of stunt driving with this eight-episode series. Elba will compete with professional rally driver Ken Block in such car-based challenges as the Wall of Death, the Car Tightrope, and the Flaming Obstacle Course. (Available April 13)
Fight Like a Girl
WWE comes to Quibi for this unscripted series, which sees pro wrestlers pairing with young women to help them overcome personal issues, and "become tougher, stronger and healthier versions" of themselves. Can we change WWE to stand for Woman Wrestler Empowerment? (Available April 13)
Let’s Roll with Tony Greenhand
Quibi
Each episode of this series sees "world-renowned cannabis artist" Tony Greenhand connecting with a different celebrity weed enthusiast (including Hannibal Buress, Bella Thorne, and more) to create a unique work of joint artwork for them...then promptly smoke it with them. (Available April 13)
Iron Sharpens Iron
Quibi
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is an EP on this series, which pairs star athletes from different sports (including Newton, Kerri Walsh-Jennings, Deontay Wilder, and more) to discuss training, fitness, and "what it takes to be at the top of your game." (Available April 20)
Cup of Joe
Quibi
Joe Jonas is joining his wife, Sophie Turner, on Quibi with this eight-part travelogue. Cup of Joe follows Jonas on his and his brothers' Happiness Begins tour, as he explores each city on the tour with the help of such celebrity guests as Matthew McConaughey, Tina Fey, and Jack Black. (Available April 27)
Floored
Adam Rose/Quibi
YouTube star Liza Koshy hosts this bizarre spin on competitive dance shows, in which two teams attempt to perform rehearsed routines on a floor that "lifts, tilts, drops, shakes, and spins in time to the music." As if that weren't enough, they'll also be plagued by surprise obstacles. And you thought Dancing With the Stars was strenuous. (Available April 27)
Daily Essentials
The Rachel Hollis Show
Quibi shows
Author, blogger, and motivational speaker Rachel Hollis will offer daily bites of motivation and inspiration. (Available April 6)
The Nod With Brittany & Eric
Alicia Selvaggio/Quibi
Based on the podcast of the same name, this daily show hosted by Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings explores the ins and outs of current black culture. (Available April 6)
Last Night's Late Night
Quibi
EW is launching its own program on Quibi, a daily recap show highlighting the smartest monologues, best interviews, and must-see sketches from the previous evening's slate of late-night shows. Our host Heather Gardner will also provide classically EW commentary, including which show won the night. (Available April 6)
Fashion's a Drag
Quibi
A Star Is Born actor, makeup mogul, and RuPaul's Drag Race alum Willam Belli and supermodel Denise Bidot will lead a panel of drag queens and fashion experts as they candidly discuss today's hottest celebrity fashion trends. (Available April 6)
Sexology With Shan Boodram
Certified sex educator and relationship expert Shan Boodram will host a daily show offering advice on sex, dating, and relationships in the modern age. (Available April 6)
The Daily Chill
This daily ASMR show combines guided meditation and awe-inspiring visuals to help viewers achieve calmness. (Available April 6)
60 in 6, by CBS News
60 Minutes will offer its signature brand of news storytelling in one-tenth the time, tackling one story per week on Quibi. (Available April 6)
NBC News
NBC News will produce six-minute newscasts for weekday mornings and evenings, offering quick recaps of the most important stories of the day. Saturday's and Sunday's reports will take a different approach, taking closer looks at a single story. (Available April 6)
Around the World, by BBC News
The British network will provide Quibi's international news coverage. (Available April 6)
Telemundo
Quibi will also offer news content from Telemundo. Daily newscast Pulso News will serve the English-speaking Latinx market, with a bicultural, binational host and diverse Latinx contributors showing off the diversity of our community and spotlighting important issues. For the Cultura, meanwhile, will focus on pop culture stories. (Available April 6)
Weather Today, by The Weather Channel
Meteorologist Jordan Steele will host this show seven days a week, covering the most important weather news stories and providing a national forecast. (Available April 6)
NewsDay and NewsNight, by CTV News
CTV News, Canada's leading news organization, will offer two curated news reports for Canadians. (Available April 6)
Untitled TSN Sports Show
TSN, Canada's leading sports network, will produce a daily sports information update streaming every morning, seven days a week. (Available April 6)
The Replay, by ESPN
The premier sports network will cover the biggest stories in sports in a daily newscast. (Available April 6)
All the Feels, by The Dodo
Quibi has partnered with the animal-focused media site The Dodo for a daily series focusing on "emotionally resonant animal stories" to deliver a moment of joy to viewers. (Available April 6)
Close Up, by E! News
E! News will deliver daily reports on celebrity and pop culture. (Available April 6)
Fresh Daily, by Rotten Tomatoes
A daily conversation around the latest news, reviews, and recommendations from the best in television, streaming, and film. (Available April 6)
No Filter, by TMZ
The celebrity news site will bring its signature brand of coverage to the streaming service with two "edgy" daily shows. (Available April 6)
Speedrun, by Polygon
The culture site will have its own show for all the biggest gaming-related news, along with expert analysis, interviews, previews, and more. (Available April 6)
Trailers by Fandango
Get all the latest movie, TV, and streaming trailers daily, powered by Fandango. (Available April 6)
Pop5
This daily "collage," hosted by Tim Kash, will highlight the biggest stories in popular music, go behind the scenes with artists, and explore the songs you love. (Available April 6)
Upcoming: Movies in Chapters
Drama
Don't Look Deeper: Emily Mortimer (Mary Poppins Returns) and Don Cheadle headline this sci-fi series directed and executive produced by Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke. The story, set "15 minutes into the future" (whatever that entails), follows a high school senior who realizes she may not be human.
Frat Boy Genius: Based on a buzzy feature screenplay, this series will tell the tale of Snapchat's rise through a Social Network-esque, reportedly deeply unflattering portrait of founder Evan Spiegel.
The Fugitive: A modern, social-media-infused update of the classic TV series (and 1993 Harrison Ford film), The Fugitive tells the tale of Mike Ferro (Logan's Boyd Holbrook), who must clear his name by tracking down the real perpetrator of a bombing in Los Angeles. Prison Break's Nick Santora is writing the series, and Kiefer Sutherland will play the cop hot on Ferro's trail. Catch the trailer here.
Crazy Talented: Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity) will direct this twisted superhero tale, in which a charismatic leader convinces psych ward patients that they possess extraordinary "talents," and must stop alien weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
The Last American Vampire: Based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith (on board as an EP), this series will follow a young female FBI agent as she's partnered with a wealthy, 500-year-old vampire bon vivant to protect the world from a dangerous threat.
Untitled Guillermo del Toro project: Oscar-winning Shape of Water director Guillermo del Toro is developing a project described as a "modern zombie story."
El Señor de Los Cielos prequel: Telemundo is partnering with Quibi on a prequel to its acclaimed telenovela, chronicling the rise of notorious real-life drug lord Amado Carrillo Fuentes.
Swimming With Sharks: A contemporary adaptation of the 1995 Kevin Spacey-starring Hollywood satire, this series follows a young female assistant at a studio "filled with manipulators, schemers and intrigue," who just might outwit all of them.
Wireless: This thriller, executive-produced by Steven Soderbergh (who knows a thing or two about what mobile phones can bring to entertainment), stars Tye Sheridan as a self-obsessed college student stranded in the Colorado mountains, with his smartphone as his only tool for survival. The show is described as "a survival movie for the next generation about the lies we tell through our phones, and the lies our phones tell us." Andie MacDowell will also star, in an undisclosed role.
Charlemagne: With Vikings wrapping up its run, creator Michael Hirst is moving on to another historical drama, based on the life of Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, who united much of Europe during his reign amid a "salacious" personal life.
Toys: Melinda Hsu Taylor (of the CW's Nancy Drew) is adapting James Patterson's dystopian best-seller, which tells the tale of a young woman in a near future in which DNA manipulation has split humans into genetically enhanced Elites and unaltered Basics.
Transmissions: Bodyguard creator Jed Mercurio is developing a sci-fi thriller about a lone scientist at a remote observatory who starts to receive strange signals from deep space.
Code 8 spin-off: Cousins Stephen Amell and Robbie Amell are extending their passion project Code 8 with a spin-off series based on the 2019 film, set in a world where 4 percent of the population is born with supernatural abilities. The show will apparently take place several years after the movie.
CURS_R: Ridley Scott joins Quibi's stable of A-list filmmakers as an EP on this thriller, which follows a broke student who attempts to win a cash prize by playing a strange 1980s computer game. She soon realizes, however, that she's actually playing for her life.
Dead Spots: Pitch Perfect screenwriter Kay Cannon is producing an adaptation of Melissa F. Olson's 2012 fantasy novel, described as "an urban fantasy dramedy about a lowly janitor for Los Angeles' supernatural community." (Namely vampires, werewolves, and the like.)
Just One Drink: Laura Dern will lead this "series of one-act vignettes" from Oscar-nominated writer Nick Hornby (Brooklyn, An Education), playing a bartender serving customers "in various states of emotional disrepair."
Heartbeats: A dramedy from writers Ben York Jones and Michael Mohan (Netflix's Everything Sucks!), Heartbeats tells the story of "perfect couple" Kristen and Bobby, viewed from the perspective of their mutual friend, to show "what can happen when the right person comes into your life at the wrong time."
Comedy
Royalties: Darren Criss will star in, executive-produce, and write songs for this musical comedy series following a ragtag songwriting duo named Sara and Pierce. Criss is also co-writing the series with fellow Team StarKid co-founders Nick and Matt Lang (of A Very Potter Musical fame).
Mapleworth Murders: From EPs Lorne Michaels and Seth Meyers comes this comedic mystery-procedural, written by Paula Pell (A.P. Bio) and John Lutz (30 Rock), who also star alongside J. B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Hayley Magnus (The Dressmaker). The show follows a murder mystery author (Pell) who sets out to solve a spate of killings in her quaint town. Also on board are a murderer's row (sorry) of Saturday Night Live veterans and other comedy figures in supporting or guest roles, including (deep breath): Fred Armisen, Tina Fey, Wanda Sykes, Maya Rudolph, D'Arcy Carden, Tim Meadows, Patton Oswalt, Jack McBrayer, Annie Mumolo, Ike Barinholtz, Chris Parnell, Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, and Nicole Byer.
The Now: Peter Farrelly (Green Book) and Bobby Farrelly bring you the story of a suicidal man named Ed Poole, whose brother and father have already taken their own lives. For the sake of his mother, the man strives to turn things around and learn to live in "the now." Dave Franco stars as Poole, with O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Daryl Hannah also starring, and Bill Murray and Alyssa Milano in recurring roles.
Varsity Blues: A "modern take" on the 1999 James Van Der Beek-starring film is in production. Like the film, the show will follow a high school football team and their struggles with a hostile coach. No casting news has been announced, but one can only hope Van Der Beek will show up at some point.
Winos: Thomas Lennon is masterminding this series as creator, writer, executive producer, and star. The show follows a failed Silicon Valley entrepreneur who relocates to wine country and tries to improve the fortunes of a struggling vineyard. Comedic fish-out-of-water antics will presumably abound.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Another updated spin on a film, this one reworks the 2003 Matthew McConaughey-starring rom-com into the story of an online columnist and an advertising executive who both need to prove they're capable of being monogamous. They soon discover keeping a relationship is harder than Andie Anderson made it look.
Last Resort: This comedy, produced by Dwayne Johnson and Paul Feig, focuses on a Polynesian family running a resort in Hawaii. Their life is upended when a tech billionaire puts in a bid to buy the land.
Untitled Cara Delevingne prank show: The Carnival Row star will host a practical joke series in which she and "a band of female accomplices" wreak mischief and mayhem by executing ever-more-elaborate pranks and stunts.
Kirby Jenner: The Kardashian empire is now expanding to Quibi, as Kendall Jenner's "twin brother" Kirby (actually a "faux Kardashian" known for his parody Instagram account) gets his own showcase series. Kendall and matriarch Kris Jenner will also appear on the show, as well as executive-produce.
Nice One!: Comedian Ron Funches (Noelle) hosts this comedic game show, in which comedians attempt to out-compliment each other.
Rapper Warrior Ninja: Ahead of his Adult Swim show's long-delayed fifth season, Eric Andre is bringing one of its most memorable segments to Quibi with Rapper Warrior Ninja. Hip-hop stars will attempt to navigate a perilous obstacle course while freestyling — typical Andre fare, in other words, if any Andre fare can be described as typical.
Die Hart: This series (formerly titled Action Scene) follows Kevin Hart, as himself, on a quest to land a major role in an action movie. Before he can do so, he must train at the world's greatest action star school, overseen by a "lunatic" teacher (John Travolta). Hart then fights his way through several comedically over-the-top action sequences — with cameos by "some of Hollywood's biggest action movie heroes" along the way. Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel rounds out the cast.
Junior High: Created by and starring Jimmy Tatro (American Vandal) and his longtime collaborator Christian Pierce, this series has its roots in the pair's YouTube comedy, and follows them, as middle schoolers, struggling to figure out the fast-paced world of junior high.
Skinny Dip: This show, based on Carl Hiaasen's 2004 novel, is a darkly comic revenge saga about a woman whose husband flings her overboard on a cruise. Miraculously, she's rescued by a retired cop, and the pair begin plotting to gaslight her husband. Writers Russel Friend and Garrett Lerner (House) previously developed the project at the CW before Quibi picked it up.
Reno 911!: Quibi is in the revival business, too. Comedy Central's cult-hit cop show, cancelled in 2009, will be back for a new season on the streaming service with co-creators Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant, and Kerri Kenney-Silver back to write and star.
Untitled Trevor Noah series: This show will follow the Daily Show host on tour, documenting his "candid interactions" with people and how these moments impact both his worldview and his comedy.
Black Coffee: Gabrielle Union will executive-produce this series from writer-director Morgan Cooper. The story follows a former basketball star from Kansas City who returns home and opens a coffee shop in his old neighborhood.
Trill League: With Power on Starz wrapping up soon, executive producer Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's next project will be this animated series, an adaptation of the indie graphic novel of the same name. The comic, by Anthony Piper (who will co-write the series), focuses on a league of black superheroes (many of whom are spoofs of DC Comics characters) as they battle monsters, supervillains, and more, satirizing modern America along the way.
Gloop World: From Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland comes this sure-to-be-absurd claymation series, following the adventures of "anthropomorphic blob" roommates Bob Roundy and Funzy.
Immoral Compass: Bill Burr and several to-be-announced comedians will star in this series, which will feature characters facing a "desperate desire" and an "extremely unethical decision" that would help them attain that desire, exploring the limits of what people will do to get what they want.
Micro Mayhem: A stop-motion series from Jon Favreau's Golem Creations and Robot Chicken's Seth Green and Eric Towner, Micro Mayhem will consist of self-contained shorts, each featuring a "comically violent" car chase.
Q Talks: Comedian James Veitch (known for his TED talks on spam emails) will host this series, which will feature celebrity guests (including Regina Hall, Lisa Kudrow, and Kristen Schaal) giving talks from a script they've never seen before, taking direction from a teleprompter they have to follow to the letter.
Horror
Spielberg's After Dark: Appointment TV is back, sorta. The beloved filmmaker is writing a "10-or-12-chapter" spooky story that can only be viewed after the sun goes down.
Wolves and Villagers: Pitched by Katzenberg as "Fatal Attraction 2.0," this series boasts Naomi Watts in the lead role and Blumhouse maestro Jason Blum (the producer behind Get Out and Ma) as an executive producer.
Emma: AnnaSophia Robb (The Act, The Carrie Diaries) stars in this horror series, directed by American Psycho helmer Mary Harron, as a pregnant young woman who must reckon with her pregnancy's "increasingly disturbing effects" and a possible conspiracy around it.
Tomie: Quibi sees Netflix's live-action Cowboy Bebop and raises it Tomie. Alexandre Aja (Crawl) will direct a live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series, which "starts out as a murder mystery," with a high school girl disappearing and pieces of her body popping up across a small town, before becoming "something even more horrific."
Ice Cream Man: Based on the Image Comics series, this horror anthology sees the eponymous villain wreaking macabre havoc in a suburban town from the confines of his ice cream truck.
Upcoming: Unscripted & Docs
Beauty: Starring and executive-produced by Tyra Banks, this docuseries "aims to expand and redefine the definition of beauty," in Banks' words, by exploring and challenging traditional beauty standards throughout the world.
Untitled beauty industry show: Perhaps as a counterpoint to Banks' show, Mad Max: Fury Road's Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will host a series highlighting icons of the beauty industry, examining their success stories and the ways they revolutionized the world of beauty.
Biggest Little Cook-Off: Befitting the bite-size nature of Quibi's content, chefs on this comedic competition series will battle it out to create the best single bite of food. (We're talking sushi on a single grain of rice.) Andy Samberg will host, executive-produce, and as he notes, "still be hungry after the shows."
Benedict Men: This docuseries (executive-produced by Steph Curry) examines the high school basketball team at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, N.J., an all-boys school founded on the core belief "What hurts my brother hurts me." The series follows the young men on the team, who seek to balance their lives in complicated surroundings.
Centerpiece: Floral artist Maurice Harris hosts this exploration of creativity (executive-produced by Rashida Jones and her creative partner Will McCormack) through the lens of flower design. Each episode will feature a celebrity guest creating a floral centerpiece with Harris.
Untitled music competition series: Justin Bieber's longtime manager Scooter Braun is producing, and will be a judge for, a musical competition series. How will it differ from The Voice or American Idol? Unclear, but Katzenberg promises it will be "unique and differentiated."
This Day in Useless Celebrity History: Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon will recount recent pop cultural happenings (basically anything millennials have been gabbing about since 2000) with his signature sass.
Killing Zac Efron: Zac Efron is going off the grid for this intriguingly titled adventure series, which sees the High School Musical star heading "deep into the jungles of a remote island to carve his own name in expedition history." Hopefully he'll bring more than just his song-and-dance skills, as shooting the series has already made Efron quite ill in Papua New Guinea.
Slugfest: This docuseries charting the rise of, and eventual rivalry between, DC and Marvel Comics, is executive-produced by Anthony and Joe Russo — who, as the directors of such Marvel films as Avengers: Endgame, boast the appropriate pedigree for such a project.
Blackballed: Call it "Quibi for 30": This documentary series delves into the scandal that led to the ouster of former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, after a recording of Sterling making racist comments was released.
Last Looks: This true-crime series looks at the dark side of fashion, with each episode examining a different crime and its perpetrator while also exploring the world of haute couture.
Potty Talk: Renowned fashion designer Alexander Wang will host a talk show like no other, interviewing celebrities in the bathroom at high-profile events. "It may seem unconventional, but the bathroom is the perfect environment for a chat series," a press release promises. "It is a safe haven where one can find refuge from the crowds, let their guard down and have a private place to let loose and gossip." Why didn't Terry Gross think of this?
Empires of Luxury: Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan and filmmaker Eddie Schmidt (Netflix's Ugly Delicious) are coming together for this look into "the elite families behind the world's most exclusive luxury labels," who have managed to keep their businesses in the family for generations. Special focus will be given to "the millennial members" who are guiding the brands toward the future.
Life-Size Toys: Daredevil group Nitro Circus, known for such feats as backflipping into the Grand Canyon, will headline a series in which larger-than-life versions of favorite childhood toys become vehicles for stunts — for instance, an air rocket that can launch a grown man skyward.
The Andy Cohen Diaries: This animated series, a follow-up to Andy Cohen's best-selling memoirs, will chronicle "iconic and untold moments" from the Watch What Happens Live host's daily life, from celebrity encounters to the trials of first-time fatherhood.
Legends of the Hidden Temple: Nickelodeon's 1990s kid competition series will return on Quibi, reworked for adult contestants and audiences with a scaled-up set, tougher challenges, and bigger prizes. Not to worry — Olmec will still be there.
The Hot Drop: Billed as the world's first interactive dating show, The Hot Drop will release three episodes per week for a complete "real-time relationship experiment." The first episode will introduce that week's Hot Drop, a desirable single, and their dating profile, the second will reveal three finalist candidates for a date with the Hot Drop, and the third will reveal the viewers' choice among the finalists, and follow the couple as they embark on their date. In pop culture math terms, The Hot Drop equals The Bachelor plus Tinder times American Idol.
High & Low: On this series, sisters Erin and Sara Foster (of VH1's Barely Famous) will embark on dual travel experiences, with one "going high" — five-star hotels, a luxury experience — and one "going low," for a "more authentic and turbulent" journey, all based on a coin flip.
Barkitecture: For dog lovers, Quibi will offer this series in which dog owners commission luxurious, extravagant doghouses for their beloved pets.
Murder Unboxed: Modeled on the popular unboxing YouTube videos, this true-crime series explores cases by revealing seemingly unrelated evidence one item at a time. (For instance: a bottle of brandy, a toaster, a pile of cash, and a Bourne Supremacy DVD.) Interviews and "stylized recreations" reveal how the items ultimately helped solve the crime.
FaZe Up: Quibi has partnered with e-sports team FaZe Clan for this game show, which will let six subscribers compete for a spot on the team's roster.
Moving the Needle With Dr. Woo: Celebrity tattoo artist Dr. Woo will host this deep dive into his personal life and creative process, offering viewers a window into his "finely curated world of art, fashion, and design" and exclusive clientele.
Pillow Talk With Demi Lovato: The musician will host this 10-episode talk series, featuring "candid, unfiltered conversations" with celebrity and expert guests, covering such topics as activism, body positivity, sex, relationships, social media, gender identity, and wellness.
Let's Go Atsuko!: Based on the podcast and live show of the same name, this series is described as "a (woke) Japanese Game Show," in which contestants tell comedian Atsuko Okatsuka one thing they love and one thing they fear. Okatsuka then leads the contestants through "the surreal universe inside her grandma's fridge," where those things "can and will be used against them" for uniquely tailored challenges.
How We Met: Each episode of this docuseries, created by Oscar-winning filmmakers Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin (Undefeated), will feature a couple sharing the story of how they met and how those events have shaped their relationship and their lives.
Sex Next Door: This docuseries will delve into the personal and professional lives of four young sex workers in Seattle, exploring the stigma and pressures they face through their relationships with family, clients, partners, and themselves.
Squeaky Clean: This competition series will pit three contestants against each other in two rounds of cleaning challenges (“The Scrub” and “The Shining”), with winners determined by a signature white glove and blacklight test. Should be the most lemony-fresh series on Quibi.
48 Laws of Power: Drake is executive producing this series based on Robert Greene's best-seller The 48 Laws of Power, a popular read in the hip-hop community (it's been referenced in songs by Drake, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and more). Each episode will focus on a different "law," detailing the nature of power and how one can secure and maintain it.
Fresh Dressed: This series follows celebrity designer and tailor Fresh as he creates custom looks for such clients as Lena Waithe, Kevin Hart, and John Legend.
Upcoming: Daily Essentials
Your Daily Horoscope: Why not revolutionize the horoscope too, while we're at it? This one-of-a-kind series will pair daily horoscope readings with the stories of animated millennial characters, inspired by the 12 zodiac signs, who work at a tech start-up. It's described as "self-help through storytelling" and executive-produced by Will Arnett.
Hot Off the Mic: This daily stand-up series will feature "today's hottest established and emerging comedians" giving their takes on the latest news. The show will be taped live at the nation's most famous comedy clubs, beginning with the Improv in Hollywood. Originally set to debut at launch, this show has been delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Drop: A curated news show focusing on the hip-hop industry and culture.
[This article was originally published June 13, 2019, and has been updated with new information.]
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