Jessica Williams is coming back to HBO, and this time she’s toplining a project. The “Girls” guest star’s podcast with Phoebe Robinson, “2 Dope Queens,” is being adapted for the small screen. The premium cable network will air four hourlong specials based on the podcast, The Hollywood Reporter writes.
Launched in 2016, “2 Dope Queens” is a popular weekly podcast that sees Williams and Robinson (“I Love Dick”) chatting about subject matter as varied as race, hair journeys, and Billy Joel. Connie Britton (“Nashville”), Carrie Brownstein (“Portlandia”), and comedian Aparna Nancherla are among the guests to have joined Williams and Robinson on the podcast.
The HBO specials, which Williams and Robinson will exec produce alongside Chenoa Estrada (“Marc Maron: Thinky Pain”), are set to air in 2018.
“Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson prove you can be hilarious and socially conscious at the same time,” said HBO programming president Casey Bloys. “We’re looking forward to bringing these very funny, talented women and their unique points of view to the HBO audience.”
“‘2 Dope Queens’ and HBO going half on a TV baby? A dream come true. The work wife and I are beyond thrilled that the formula we’ve perfected over the past four seasons of doing the podcast (Ignorance x Cocoa Butter + Comedic Honesty) is being brought to this network,” said Robinson.
Williams added, “We are so stoked to be partnering with HBO for these specials. Excited to add a couple more Khaleesis to the network!”
Best known for her stint as a “Daily Show” correspondent, Williams recently scored her first leading film role in “The Incredible Jessica James.” Released July 28 on Netflix, the comedy stars Williams as an aspiring playwright dealing with a recent breakup and returning to the dating scene.
Robinson’s credits include “Broad City” and “Ibiza,” an upcoming Netflix comedy about a woman (Gillian Jacobs, “Love”) who travels to Spain for business and has a life-changing experience. Vanessa Bayer (“Saturday Night Live”) and Robinson co-star.
