Justin Simien To Adapt & Direct ‘Flashdance’ Series For Paramount+; James Ponsoldt To Direct ‘Urban Cowboy’

Today, at the winter TCA event, Paramount+ revealed much about their new slate and a renewal for season two of Taylor Sheridan’s “Mayor Of Kingstown” series starring Jeremy Renner, among other updates. But that’s not all. Paramount+ Chief Nicole Clemens also shared some updates about a few projects that are in development and on the way. Perhaps the biggest of these announcements is that Justin Simien (“Dear White People”) is on board to adapt and direct Paramount Pictures’ classic contemporary take on the “Flashdance” series they are developing.

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Additionally, based on the film of the same name, the “Urban Cowboy” series goes deeper into Bud’s journey from farm to the big city in 1980’s Houston and will feature iconic music from that time and place. Paramount revealed indie filmmaker James Ponsoldt is directing and co-writing with Benjamin Percy.

Clemens also revealed a “Mr. Show” reunion of sorts with a new series called “Guru Nation,” a modern-day half-hour docu-style comedy from the brilliant and hilarious minds of Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, and Bill Odenkirk. Along with co-creating the series, Bob and David are set to star as rival Cult Guru’s manipulating the minds of their deluded followers. Jason Woliner, who directed “Borat 2,” is attached to helm. From Paramount Television Studios, Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, Bill Odenkirk, Jason Woliner, Marc Provissiero, Naomi Odenkirk, and Tim Sarkes also serve as executive producers.

Paramount also shared some info on their previously announced “Frasier” series, which follows the next chapter of Frasier Crane’s story with Kelsey Grammer starring and executive producing. From Grammnet Productions and CBS Studios, Joe Cristalli and Chris Harris are writing and will executive produce, with Tom Russo also serving as executive producer.