Netflix Orders ‘Dear White People’ Series From Justin Simien Based On His Movie
Dear White People is coming to television. Netflix has given a 10-episode order to a half-hour comedy series based on Justin Simien’s acclaimed debut indie feature. Simien is writing the series adaptation and will direct the first episode. The series, which will begin filming later this year for a 2017 debut, will be produced by Lionsgate, whose sister company Roadside Attractions released the original film in 2014.
“We’re proud to expand our partnership with our friends at Netflix on a comedy that tackles racial themes with a combination of intelligence, honesty, irreverence and wit,” said Chris Selak, EVP, Television, Lionsgate TV. “Our original film with Roadside Attractions catapulted Dear White People into the national conversation about race, and Justin and the rest of the creative team have an opportunity to expand this world and bring its timely and universal themes to a global television audience.”