Exclusive: This Joka, a stand-up comedy series exec produced by Will Smith, will not be returning for a second season on Roku.
The streaming service launched the series, which came via its acquisition of short-form service Quibi, in March.
The series features a raft of stand ups including Punkie Johnson and Chris Estrada.
Deadline understands that the decision had nothing to do with the Oscars incident, where Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage, but a somewhat unusual issue with timing.
Roku is believed to never really have had the option to renew the series, which is produced by Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Topgolf Entertainment Group. The option to renew lapsed before Roku launched the show, and certainly before the streamer had the chance to analyse its viewing data, meaning that it was unlikely to return for a second season on the platform.
The show...
The streaming service launched the series, which came via its acquisition of short-form service Quibi, in March.
The series features a raft of stand ups including Punkie Johnson and Chris Estrada.
Deadline understands that the decision had nothing to do with the Oscars incident, where Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage, but a somewhat unusual issue with timing.
Roku is believed to never really have had the option to renew the series, which is produced by Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Topgolf Entertainment Group. The option to renew lapsed before Roku launched the show, and certainly before the streamer had the chance to analyse its viewing data, meaning that it was unlikely to return for a second season on the platform.
The show...
- 5/2/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Media is partnering with Israeli production firm Tedy Productions, known for making hit shows including the original teen drama Euphoria and game show A Star Is Born.
Under the partnership, Westbrook Media and Tedy will collaborate on developing and producing globally-oriented short and mid-form programming. The banners currently have two projects in development based on formats created by Ido Rosenblum (The Debt) and Oded Tabor (A Wonderful Country), a short-form scripted series and a short-form game show.
Headed by Tmira Yardni, Tedy is one of Israel’s most prominent production houses, specializing primarily in original prime-time formats. Popular shows also include Israeli series such as Shemesh, Our Song, Comedy Store, and Danny Hollywood, which like HBO’s Euphoria, also was adapted in the U.S., this time with the CW.
“I’ve been a fan of the Tedy crew for a...
Under the partnership, Westbrook Media and Tedy will collaborate on developing and producing globally-oriented short and mid-form programming. The banners currently have two projects in development based on formats created by Ido Rosenblum (The Debt) and Oded Tabor (A Wonderful Country), a short-form scripted series and a short-form game show.
Headed by Tmira Yardni, Tedy is one of Israel’s most prominent production houses, specializing primarily in original prime-time formats. Popular shows also include Israeli series such as Shemesh, Our Song, Comedy Store, and Danny Hollywood, which like HBO’s Euphoria, also was adapted in the U.S., this time with the CW.
“I’ve been a fan of the Tedy crew for a...
- 1/26/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Westbrook Media, the digital studio arm of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s media company, has tapped three veteran execs for senior roles.
Longtime producer Sterling Milan (above left) joins the company full time as head of original content, after recently operating as an in-house executive producer, showrunning and directing series and specials for Westbrook Media originals.
Jabari Hearn (above center), previously in marketing roles at Lyft, Google and Nike, joins Westbrook Media as senior VP marketing for brand and entertainment. He’ll work closely with Drew Miles (above right), formerly with Variety, newly named to the position of senior director of business development and partnerships for the company.
The trio of execs begin their new roles effective immediately. Hearn reports to Westbrook Media president Brad Haugen; Milan reports to Lukas Kaiser, SVP, head of content; and Miles reports to Ashley McCollum, SVP, revenue and strategy.
“Both Jabari and...
Longtime producer Sterling Milan (above left) joins the company full time as head of original content, after recently operating as an in-house executive producer, showrunning and directing series and specials for Westbrook Media originals.
Jabari Hearn (above center), previously in marketing roles at Lyft, Google and Nike, joins Westbrook Media as senior VP marketing for brand and entertainment. He’ll work closely with Drew Miles (above right), formerly with Variety, newly named to the position of senior director of business development and partnerships for the company.
The trio of execs begin their new roles effective immediately. Hearn reports to Westbrook Media president Brad Haugen; Milan reports to Lukas Kaiser, SVP, head of content; and Miles reports to Ashley McCollum, SVP, revenue and strategy.
“Both Jabari and...
- 11/13/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast will assemble on HBO Max on Thursday, November 19.
Will Smith took to social media Friday to announce a premiere date and trailer for the project.
In the unscripted special, Smith is joined by series regulars Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, and Alfonso Ribeiro as well as recurring co-star DJ Jazzy Jeff for a family reunion on set in the Banks’ home for a look back at the groundbreaking show.
Recorded on the 30th anniversary of the original series premiere date, Smith also sat down with Janet Hubert, who originated the role of Aunt Viv, for the first time in 27 years for an emotional reunion and a candid conversation.
Sadly, James Avery — who played beloved family patriarch Philip Banks — died in 2013.
He is remembered in the clip from the special, as Smith recalls the beloved scene where Will realized his dad...
Will Smith took to social media Friday to announce a premiere date and trailer for the project.
In the unscripted special, Smith is joined by series regulars Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, and Alfonso Ribeiro as well as recurring co-star DJ Jazzy Jeff for a family reunion on set in the Banks’ home for a look back at the groundbreaking show.
Recorded on the 30th anniversary of the original series premiere date, Smith also sat down with Janet Hubert, who originated the role of Aunt Viv, for the first time in 27 years for an emotional reunion and a candid conversation.
Sadly, James Avery — who played beloved family patriarch Philip Banks — died in 2013.
He is remembered in the clip from the special, as Smith recalls the beloved scene where Will realized his dad...
- 11/13/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion” will premiere next week on HBO Max, Will Smith told fans Friday, also announcing the release of the trailer for the special, which brings the Banks family back together 30 years after the sitcom’s debut.
The reunion special will debut Thursday, Nov. 19, on WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, the exclusive U.S. subscription VOD home of the six seasons of the original ’90s series, available on the platform when it launched in May. (Watch the trailer for the special below or at this link.)
“These are the people who made me the man I am today,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post Friday revealing the premiere date and trailer. “And I couldn’t let this day go by without marking the occasion.”
Separately, NBCUniversal’s Peacock also has made a nostalgia play for the West Philadelphia-to-Bel Air franchise: Two months ago, Smith announced Peacock picked...
The reunion special will debut Thursday, Nov. 19, on WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, the exclusive U.S. subscription VOD home of the six seasons of the original ’90s series, available on the platform when it launched in May. (Watch the trailer for the special below or at this link.)
“These are the people who made me the man I am today,” Smith wrote in an Instagram post Friday revealing the premiere date and trailer. “And I couldn’t let this day go by without marking the occasion.”
Separately, NBCUniversal’s Peacock also has made a nostalgia play for the West Philadelphia-to-Bel Air franchise: Two months ago, Smith announced Peacock picked...
- 11/13/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Westbrook Media — a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc. launched by founders Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada — has brought Kelli Buchanan on to serve as Vice President of Development, where she’ll work alongside the creative team to build and develop a robust multi-platform slate of original programming.
Buchanan comes from Refinery29, the lifestyle media company where she developed and sold culturally responsive content to major streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Facebook, and Quibi. In her new role, she’ll report to Westbrook Media Senior VP Head of Content, Lukas Kaiser.
“We are so excited for Kelli to join the Westbrook Media team,” said Brad Haugen, Westbrook Media President. “She has a tangible passion for elevating artists and empowering audiences through storytelling, and that drives every project she develops. We look forward to all she will no doubt accomplish as part of our team.”
“I have...
Buchanan comes from Refinery29, the lifestyle media company where she developed and sold culturally responsive content to major streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Facebook, and Quibi. In her new role, she’ll report to Westbrook Media Senior VP Head of Content, Lukas Kaiser.
“We are so excited for Kelli to join the Westbrook Media team,” said Brad Haugen, Westbrook Media President. “She has a tangible passion for elevating artists and empowering audiences through storytelling, and that drives every project she develops. We look forward to all she will no doubt accomplish as part of our team.”
“I have...
- 10/13/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air gathered together today to celebrate 30 years since the sitcom first aired. The meet-up had another purpose – today is the day they taped an unscripted reunion special for HBO Max.
Smith and co-stars including Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as the recurring DJ Jazzy Jeff, were on board and posed for a reunion photo that Smith ran on Instagram.
The special, which will be produced by Westbrook Media, will launch on HBO Max around Thanksgiving. The streamer has exclusive SVOD rights to the full series, which spans 148 episodes across six seasons, and has been airing it the site’s launch in May.
The reunion will look back at the series, which starred Smith as a fictionalized version of himself moving from West Philadelphia to Bel Air to live with his wealthy uncle and aunt,...
Smith and co-stars including Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as the recurring DJ Jazzy Jeff, were on board and posed for a reunion photo that Smith ran on Instagram.
The special, which will be produced by Westbrook Media, will launch on HBO Max around Thanksgiving. The streamer has exclusive SVOD rights to the full series, which spans 148 episodes across six seasons, and has been airing it the site’s launch in May.
The reunion will look back at the series, which starred Smith as a fictionalized version of himself moving from West Philadelphia to Bel Air to live with his wealthy uncle and aunt,...
- 9/11/2020
- by Bruce Haring and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Check your egos at the door. Will Smith made the right choice Joyce. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast will reunite for an unscripted special to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the series and the cultural impact it’s had since its debut. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion Special is set to tape on Sept. 10, 30 years to the day it launched on NBC in 1990. The reunion special was developed by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s media company Westbrook Media, and will debut exclusively on HBO Max around Thanksgiving.
The entire Banks family is coming back to the hood. Will Smith will be joined by series regulars Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv No. 2), and Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton). Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Viv No. 1, didn’t show up to the 2017 cast reunion and probably won’t be involved in the reunion.
The entire Banks family is coming back to the hood. Will Smith will be joined by series regulars Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv No. 2), and Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton). Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Viv No. 1, didn’t show up to the 2017 cast reunion and probably won’t be involved in the reunion.
- 8/31/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The cast of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is reuniting at HBO Max to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary.
Series star Will Smith and series regulars Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, and Alfonso Ribeiro will all be part of the special, as will DJ Jazzy Jeff. It is set to tape on Sept. 10 and is slated to debut on HBO Max around Thanksgiving.
Marcus Raboy will direct the special. Rikki Hughes will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Miguel Melendez, Lukas Kaiser, and Brad Haugen for Westbrook Media also executive producing.
HBO Max is the exclusive streaming home of the entire run of “Fresh Prince,” having been available on the streamer since it first launched in May. It originally ran on NBC from 1990 to 1996 for six seasons and just shy of 150 episodes.
This marks the latest project centered on the classic sitcom this year.
Series star Will Smith and series regulars Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, and Alfonso Ribeiro will all be part of the special, as will DJ Jazzy Jeff. It is set to tape on Sept. 10 and is slated to debut on HBO Max around Thanksgiving.
Marcus Raboy will direct the special. Rikki Hughes will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Miguel Melendez, Lukas Kaiser, and Brad Haugen for Westbrook Media also executive producing.
HBO Max is the exclusive streaming home of the entire run of “Fresh Prince,” having been available on the streamer since it first launched in May. It originally ran on NBC from 1990 to 1996 for six seasons and just shy of 150 episodes.
This marks the latest project centered on the classic sitcom this year.
- 8/31/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is the latest to reunite for a reunion special at HBO Max. Will Smith and gang are set to reunite for the unscripted special to celebrate 30 years since the sitcom first aired.
Smith and co-stars including Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro as well as the recurring DJ Jazzy Jeff will tape the special September 10. That is exactly 30 years to the day that the show premiered on NBC.
The special, which will be produced by Westbrook Media, will launch on HBO Max around Thanksgiving. The streamer has exclusive SVOD rights to the full series, which spans 148 episodes across six seasons, and has been airing it the site’s launch in May.
The reunion will look back at the series, which starred Smith as a fictionalized version of himself moving from West Philadelphia to Bel Air to...
Smith and co-stars including Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro as well as the recurring DJ Jazzy Jeff will tape the special September 10. That is exactly 30 years to the day that the show premiered on NBC.
The special, which will be produced by Westbrook Media, will launch on HBO Max around Thanksgiving. The streamer has exclusive SVOD rights to the full series, which spans 148 episodes across six seasons, and has been airing it the site’s launch in May.
The reunion will look back at the series, which starred Smith as a fictionalized version of himself moving from West Philadelphia to Bel Air to...
- 8/31/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith and his “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” co-stars will come together for an unscripted reunion special at HBO Max in honor of the beloved sitcom’s 30th anniversary, the streaming service said Monday.
Smith will be joined by “Fresh Prince” series regulars Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as recurring cast member DJ Jazzy Jeff, “for a funny and heartfelt night full of music, dancing, and special surprise guests, in honor of the series that ran for six seasons and 148 episodes,” according to HBO Max and Smith’s production company, Westbrook Media.
The special is set to tape Sept. 10, 30 years to the day from when “Fresh Prince” premiered on NBC, and take a look back “at the series and the cultural impact the series has had since its debut.”
Also Read: 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Drama Reboot in Development
The...
Smith will be joined by “Fresh Prince” series regulars Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as recurring cast member DJ Jazzy Jeff, “for a funny and heartfelt night full of music, dancing, and special surprise guests, in honor of the series that ran for six seasons and 148 episodes,” according to HBO Max and Smith’s production company, Westbrook Media.
The special is set to tape Sept. 10, 30 years to the day from when “Fresh Prince” premiered on NBC, and take a look back “at the series and the cultural impact the series has had since its debut.”
Also Read: 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Drama Reboot in Development
The...
- 8/31/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
HBO Max is giving The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans something to be thankful for this fall. To celebrate three decades of Fresh-ness, the cast of the iconic sitcom is reuniting for “an unscripted special looking back at the series and the cultural impact [it] has had since its debut,” TVLine has learned.
Returning cast members include Will Smith (Will), Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv No. 2), DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz) and Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton). Sadly, James Avery — who played beloved family patriarch Philip Banks — died in 2013.
More from TVLineFresh Prince of...
Returning cast members include Will Smith (Will), Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv No. 2), DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz) and Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton). Sadly, James Avery — who played beloved family patriarch Philip Banks — died in 2013.
More from TVLineFresh Prince of...
- 8/31/2020
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Will Smith is joining the ever-growing sheaf of Hollywood talent in Quibi’s quiver.
The Jeffrey Katzenberg-founded mobile subscription service announced the acquisition of “This Joka,” a 16-episode stand-up comedy series hosted and executive produced by Smith. Quibi is set to debut next Monday, April 6, with 50-odd shows. For now, there’s no premiere date for Smith’s series.
There’s a golf tie-in: “This Joka” is a co-production of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Media and Topgolf Studios, a unit of golf-venue chain Topgolf Entertainment Group. The show is shot on location at Topgolf’s Las Vegas driving-range venue and other spots across Sin City.
In the show, Smith plays host to a diverse guest list of comedians, ranging from up-and-comers to legendary performers. “This Joka” showcases their stand-up sets and will feature one-on-one conversations between Smith and the comedians plus docu-style moments shot backstage and around Vegas.
The Jeffrey Katzenberg-founded mobile subscription service announced the acquisition of “This Joka,” a 16-episode stand-up comedy series hosted and executive produced by Smith. Quibi is set to debut next Monday, April 6, with 50-odd shows. For now, there’s no premiere date for Smith’s series.
There’s a golf tie-in: “This Joka” is a co-production of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Media and Topgolf Studios, a unit of golf-venue chain Topgolf Entertainment Group. The show is shot on location at Topgolf’s Las Vegas driving-range venue and other spots across Sin City.
In the show, Smith plays host to a diverse guest list of comedians, ranging from up-and-comers to legendary performers. “This Joka” showcases their stand-up sets and will feature one-on-one conversations between Smith and the comedians plus docu-style moments shot backstage and around Vegas.
- 4/2/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Quibi has acquired This Joka, a 16-episode stand-up comedy series hosted and executive produced by Will Smith. The series hails from Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Topgolf Entertainment Group.
Westbrook and Topgolf had been developing This Joka since last October as part of their partnership to create original entertainment. It marks the first series pickup for Westbrook since Terence Carter joined the company last fall as Co-President, Head Of Television.
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In This Joka, Smith invites a diverse lineup of up-and-coming, established, and legendary comedians to explore the nature of comedy and its unique ability to bring people together. Shot on location at Topgolf and other popular venues across Las Vegas,...
Westbrook and Topgolf had been developing This Joka since last October as part of their partnership to create original entertainment. It marks the first series pickup for Westbrook since Terence Carter joined the company last fall as Co-President, Head Of Television.
More from DeadlineT-Mobile Us To Offer One Year Of Quibi FreeQuibi Threatened With Injunction By Eko Days Before Launch Of Jeffrey Katzenberg's Mobile ServiceQuibi Unveils Presenters & Further Details Of Daily News Show 'Around The World By BBC News'
In This Joka, Smith invites a diverse lineup of up-and-coming, established, and legendary comedians to explore the nature of comedy and its unique ability to bring people together. Shot on location at Topgolf and other popular venues across Las Vegas,...
- 4/2/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith have launched Westbrook Inc., a multimedia venture that will encompass the subsidiary companies already owned by the Smiths, including Overbrook Entertainment and Red Table Talk Enterprises, the couple announced Wednesday.
Westbrook Inc. will also comprise the newly formed Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media and the merchandising business Good Goods.
Kosaku Yada will lead the new venture as CEO. He is joined by CAA’s former head of global client strategy, Tera Hanks, who will serve as Westbrook Inc.’s president. The team is rounded out by COO Gila Jones, CFO Kevin McDonald and VP of Business Development Jesse Uram.
Also Read: 'Aladdin' Passes 'Independence Day' as Will Smith's Biggest Box Office Hit
Westbrook Inc. will create short and mid-form digital content as well as more traditional TV series and films. The company will begin launching content under the new banner starting later this month.
Westbrook Inc. will also comprise the newly formed Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media and the merchandising business Good Goods.
Kosaku Yada will lead the new venture as CEO. He is joined by CAA’s former head of global client strategy, Tera Hanks, who will serve as Westbrook Inc.’s president. The team is rounded out by COO Gila Jones, CFO Kevin McDonald and VP of Business Development Jesse Uram.
Also Read: 'Aladdin' Passes 'Independence Day' as Will Smith's Biggest Box Office Hit
Westbrook Inc. will create short and mid-form digital content as well as more traditional TV series and films. The company will begin launching content under the new banner starting later this month.
- 7/10/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
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