
EXCLUSIVE: Shonda Rhimes‘ Shondaland has set up two projects — including its first half-hour comedy, I Hate LA Dudes, from writer Issa Rae (Web series The Misadventures Of Awkward Black Girl) — that have been sold to ABC. Also at the network, Shondaland has The Mix, a comedic drama written by John Hoffman (Igor) set behind the scenes of a The View/The Talk-type morning talk show. With Rhimes busy shepherding three series she created — ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Scandal — she and her producing partner at Shondaland Betsy Beers focused on developing with other writers this season. The two executive produce both I Hate LA Dudes and The Mix, which hail from ABC Studios where ICM Partners-repped Shondaland is based.
I Hate L.A. Dudes centers on an aspiring journalist, new to Los Angeles, who becomes the lone female voice on a budding, male-driven Internet talk show, while learning to decode the often humiliating and exasperating rules of the LA dating scene. Rae, repped by UTA, 3 Arts and John Meigs, is writing/co-executive producing. Expanding into comedy has been a major priority for Shondaland, which established its brand in drama.
The Mix revolves around the public and not-so-private lives of five very different women who sit in the hot seats as hosts of an influential morning talk show. Hoffman, repped by CAA, Anonymous and Gendler & Kelly, is writing/executive producing.
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Go ISSA Your hard work is paying off!..
Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl is one of my favs. Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving writer. Congrats Issa!!!
I am so happy to read this news. Issa Rae is a BRILLIANT new VOICE that is doing it on her own…from a web series that grew by word of mouth to THIS. This is the kind of talent I can get behind and say “Okay…I’m in. Here is a budget…DO IT!”
Agreed. 100 percent.
Issa has SUCH an original voice, she is something special! If you haven’t watched The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl yet, go to youtube and do so now. Very exciting to see diverse talent get noticed; fingers crossed I HATE LA DUDES goes to pilot!
Well these sound interesting and kind of original IMO, will watch
Bravo to ABC for the continuing assault on heterosexual males.
ps: Shows with “hate” in them never work.
when was the last time you saw a show on ANY network that included more than two women with speaking lines who have a conversation with each other about something that WASN’t men? How about ALL women are victims of the system? Tables turned doesn’t feel so great, does it?
Have you actually watched television lately or are you trapped in the 50s? This happens regularly in every single network comedy I watch: 30 Rock, Community, Happy Endings, Parks and Recreation, Suburgatory, Up All Night. Hell, 2 Broke Girls has the very concept in the title.
I suspect you’re watching soapy shows about relationships and then complaining about their subject matter. I suggest you watch better shows!
As an LA Dude I find this offensive! I’m calling my lawyer immediately!
It’s still s how about men doofus.
????? Explain yourself.
EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS.
Oh the poor privileged straight white male! When will your years of prejudice end?! [dripping with sarcasm]
Sweet! Can’t wait to see what Issa cranks out!
Yes! I love Issa Rae! I have watched just about all her videos and this is a very creative, talented young black woman…and yes, she’s also akward! It brings a tear to my eye to see that she is making it and God is continually blessing her to this magnitude. ABC doesn’t know it but they just hit a gold mine! -from just another akward black girl
Shondaland rocks.
The Mix is awesome for Shondaland & Hoffman! John’s one of the smartest, funniest writers around.
CONGRATULATIONS…CONGRATULATIONS…CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! You go on witcha bad self! Proud of you!!
“The Mix” sounds promising. One of those “why didn’t I think of that” ideas.
I wish all the success, and the bells & whistles for your project! Good vibes to you! ~GD
Hoffman wrote a feature script about Bess Myerson that is one of the best I’ve ever read. This seems like a perfect match.
The Mix! Now THAT promises to be juicy TV. Will watch!!
behind the scenes at ‘the view’ and ‘the talk’…it’s about time. you know that behind those happy smiling faces are some great stories. can’t wait. great idea.
I’m so excited about The Mix! I’ve worked with Hoffman and love his writing. Smart, clever, funny.
The Mix sounds like it has way more potential & appeal than most TV shows on the air right now …
The Mix sounds like it could be the smart, entertaining, and engaging show that primetime network TV is missing!
Finally people get smart. Hoffman is the real deal and has been for years. Good for Shondaland! I can’t wait.
So glad for Shondaland venturing into comedy! Love Issa Rae and her web series! Congrats to all!
I love the Issa and her misadventures. I hope the show happens and that it’s as good as her webisodes. It’s definitely different.
The Mix sounds like ‘Sex and the City’ meets ‘Larry Sanders.’ That’s my kind of MUST SEE TV.
Shonda Rhimes + Issa Rae = Brilliant! I’m there!
Thank you, thank you, Shonda Rhimes for “getting it” and providing Issa Rae with this opportunity to shine. She is one talented lady. I cannot wait to see this. I saw the web version of the show (“I Hate L.A. Dudes”) and laughed out loud then shared it with friends and family.