Leslie Odom Jr. has been tapped to star in a comedy in development at ABC, which is produced by Kerry Washington.
Inspired by the real-life couple Pastors Touré Roberts and Sarah Jakes-Roberts, the project is untitled right now and has landed at the ABC with a put-pilot commitment, which The Hollywood Reporter says is “sizable.”
The story “revolves around Leslie and Hope, who are joint pastors at a young, hip, diverse church in Los Angeles. Through their services, online streams and books, they are experts at uniting people across different races, genders, orientations and opinions. But when it comes to uniting the people in their blended family, they are way out of their comfort zone, and as a result, the teachers often find themselves the pupils.”
Saladin Patterson, showrunner of TBS comedy The Last O.G. starring Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish, will write the script and executive produce.
“Kerry Washington is one of the most formidable artists of my generation. We’ve been searching for the better part of two years to find an idea about which we both felt passionate enough to dedicate ourselves. I’ve gone to Touré’s church for over 15 years. He is a unique, contemporary, and very necessary voice. We are thrilled that ABC is allowing us the opportunity to bring Touré and Sarah’s modern views to an even wider audience in what will be a joyful and hopeful 30-minutes every week,” said Odom.
Washington’s production banner, Simpson Street, has been super busy, producing the upcoming series Little Fires Everywhere at Hulu (starring Washington and Reese Witherspoon), Old City Blues at Hulu and The Folks at CBS. Simpson Street is also on board the upcoming films City of Saints and Thieves and The Perfect Mother.
READ MORE:
