The day when Hulu users may finally say “Welcome to Chippendales” has finally been announced. The limited series, which was once named Immigrant, is a true crime epic that follows Kumail Nanjiani as he investigates the bizarre beginnings of an exotic male stripper firm founded by Somen “Steve” Banerjee, who was born in India. The series, which blends the lightheartedness for which Chippendales is renowned with the darker, more weird parts of true crime, will premiere on Hulu on November 22 — precisely three months from now. After the initial airing, more episodes will become available each week. Banerjee, the series’ protagonist and improbable founder of the greatest male stripping empire in the world, was the inspiration for the original title.
Banerjee moved to America from India in the hopes of making a good living. He invested the money he made from his Playa del Rey Mobil gas station in an old Hollywood dive bar in the hopes of turning it around. Although the club still has a male-only revue once a week, he rebranded it as Chippendales and made extensive renovations. Chippendales’ popularity skyrocketed as they introduced shirtless male dancers, but their rise and collapse were marred by controversy, harshness, and insanity. The series stars an All-Actress ensemble, including Kumail Nanjiani (fresh off his role in Obi-Wan Kenobi), Murray Bartlett (Banerjee’s cutthroat and charming business partner Nick De Noia), The White Lotus breakout star Juliette Lewis, and Annaleigh Ashford.
The series will also feature a number of guest stars, including Quentin Plair, Robin de Jess, and Andrew Rannells, as well as Nicola Peltz Beckham and Dan Stevens. Welcome to Chippendales was conceived by Robert Siegel, who also serves as an executive producer with Kumail Nanjiani, Dylan Sellers, Jenni Konner, Matt Shakman, Emily V. Gordon, Nora Silver, and Rajiv Joseph. Siegel recently produced the critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated Hulu limited series Pam & Tommy. Joseph co-wrote with Mehar Sethi to create Welcome to Chippendales, with Shakman at the helm. Former showrunner Ramin Bahrani has been replaced by Shakman.
Welcome to Chippendales has a very early release date of November 22. When the launch date was originally announced, it was assumed that we wouldn’t see any footage from the limited series until 2023.