By Ron Wynn
Lee Daniels is one of the most prolific and versatile creative figures in Hollywood at the moment, and he’ll be quite busy this upcoming season. He also has a new deal with 20th Television, a Disney backed studio. The deal was announced this week, and comes on the heels of Daniels and his company (Lee Daniels Entertainment or LDE) returning to broadcast television for the 2021-22 season. They’ll be doing both “The Wonder Years” update at ABC and “Our Kind of People” at Fox.
“I’m beyond grateful to continue my partnership with 20th, Dana Walden, Karey Burke and their amazing team, all of whom have wholeheartedly supported my vision over the past seven years,” Daniels told The Hollywood Reporter. “LDE has so many exciting projects in the works from some of today’s most fresh and distinct voices that I cannot wait to share with the world.”
This will be Daniels’ first deal with the studio since Disney formally acquired 20th Television a few years ago. His last contract came in 2018, before regulators formally approved Disney’s $72 billion deal that saw Fox sell its TV studio. “Lee Daniels is a master storyteller and a beloved partner to all of us at 20th Television,” said Disney TV chairman of entertainment Dana Walden, with whom Daniels has had a long-time relationship dating back to her time at 20th. “He leaves an indelible mark on every project he touches. His relentless pursuit of authenticity is only matched by his deep respect for talent, and it’s no wonder that the greatest actors seize the opportunity to work with him. Karey and I look forward to continuing our relationship with Lee and collaborating on many more extraordinary stories ahead.”
In addition to “The Wonder Years” (from writer Saladin Patterson) and “Our Kind of People” (written by Star’s Karin Gist), Daniels and his LDE banner is also exec producing the drama pilot T”he Spook Who Sat by the Door” in the works at FX, a “Waiting to Exhale” update for ABC, a Sammy Davis Jr. miniseries (awaiting a network), and a series pickup for “Ms. Pat” for streamer BET+, with the latter produced outside of Daniels’ 20th TV deal.
