Janine Sherman Barrois is shifting her focus from acrylics to Cabernet Sauvignon. Deadline reports that the “Claws” showrunner and exec producer has a new series in development at OWN, “The Kings of Napa.”
Described as a “frothy drama,” the project is centered “on a gorgeous and idyllic Napa Valley vineyard owned by the Kings, an aspirational African American family whose wealth and class finds them on the pages of design magazines and society pages. The wine business has brought the family success and acclaim, but following the patriarch’s sudden exit from the company, his three children must grapple for the reigns to the kingdom — to their own power, wealth, and legacy,” the source teases.
“The Kings of Napa” has been “fast-tracked with a virtual writers room, run by Barrois, opening this week in compliance with physical distancing guidelines,” according to Deadline.
“I am thrilled to be developing this dynastic family drama at OWN,” said Barrois. “They continue to be the premier destination for artists who are striving to create shows that disrupt the TV landscape while illuminating the rich and nuanced layers of Black culture.”
Tina Perry, president of OWN, added, “We are huge fans of Janine’s impressive body of work and have always wanted to get into business with her. She is a seasoned storyteller with her finger on the pulse of exciting stories that hook viewers from the start. We can’t wait to see the captivating world she’s creating with this new drama in development.”
Barrois holds a multi-year overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.
“Claws'” fourth and final season was shut down by COVID-19. No word on when the TNT nail salon drama will resume filming. Barrois recently served as co-showrunner on Octavia Spencer-starrer “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of C.J. Walker,” a Netflix limited series inspired by the black hair care mogul. “ER” and “Third Watch” are among Barrois’ other credits.
“I think inclusion is so necessary,” Barrois told Black Girl Nerds. “We can no longer let one group monopolize art in any form. That is actually the antithesis of art.”
