Queen Latifah is pivoting from one “Girls Trip” to another. The multi-hyphenate is executive producing a documentary series following female comedians and their globe-trotting adventures. According to Variety, the show is tentatively titled “Friends in Strange Places.”
Each episode will center on two women in comedy, their travels, and their friends. Latifah will EP under her Flavor Unit Entertainment shingle. Joining her are Randi Michel, Allison Mandell Hudson, and studio Electus.
“There are so many funny, brilliant women in this industry, and — with plenty of successful male-driven travel series out there — a comedic docuseries about sisterhood and adventure is just the type of uncharted territory we want to plant our flag in,” Latifah said. “I’m so excited to develop a show that not only elevates and highlights female comedians, but also brings them together for an amazing time that will also be a trip for viewers.”
“This creative provides a hilarious, unique, and personal look at the power of female friendships, and we can’t imagine a more ideal partner, and consummate dynamo, than Queen Latifah and her incredible team at Flavor Unit,” added Electus’ Chris Grant and Drew Buckley. “We’re excited to take out to the marketplace a project that brings such a fresh perspective.”
No word on a network or streamer for “Friends in Strange Places” yet, or whether it’s part of the overall production deal Latifah made with Lifetime in spring. That pact will see the “Bessie” star exec produce “Where Did the Women of Hip Hop Go?,” a doc exploring the history and future of women in hip hop and rap. She’ll also EP “U.N.I.T.Y.,” a one-hour special following Latifah as she re-records her Grammy-winning hit of the same name.
Latifah previously starred in Lifetime’s remake of “Steel Magnolias” and the network’s pic about the Flint Water Crisis, “Flint.”
Just last week Latifah announced she would be working with conglomerate Procter & Gamble on The Queen Collective. Utilizing P&G brands, the Oscar-nominated actress will help feed the pipeline of women directors in TV, film, and commercials, as well as fund and distribute women-driven projects.
Latifah’s upcoming films include inspirational Make-A-Wish drama “Hope’s Wish” and “The Trap,” a comedy about brothers running a restaurant. Latifah’s also a regular on Fox musical drama “Star,” which wrapped its second season in May. Season 3 is expected to premiere later this year.
