A written comedy series based on Vince Staples’s life and career has been given the green light by Netflix, marking another step forward for the rapper in Hollywood. The fictitious sitcom to be directed by Kenya Barris (Blackish, Grown-ish) and titled The Vince Staples Show is rumoured to be connected to Barris’ prior multi-million dollar contract with the streamer. Semi-autobiographically, the comedic sitcom will reimagine Staples’ rise from poverty to fame and fortune. It will be headquartered in Long Beach, California, where Staples and his family relocated to get away from his native Compton.
Although little details have been released, it’s possible that the programme may delve into Staples’ history with street gang violence, an issue he has spoken out against since rising to stardom. He said, “I am pleased to join with Netflix and Kenya Barris on The Vince Staples Show.” She said, “This is something I’ve been working on for a while, and I’m glad it’s finally coming together.” Netflix’s head of comedy, Tracey Pakosta, has also shared her thoughts on the endeavour: “It’s our ambition to collaborate with the finest artists in the world.
Already recognised as one of today’s most promising young artists, Vince’s sensibilities and wit make us eager to see how they manifest in a whole new comedy series. Staples has had some acting experience in supporting roles before, but The Vince Staples Show will be his first main part. His cinematic career began with a modest part in the ensemble coming-of-age comedy-drama Dope, which was produced by the legendary actor Forrest Whitaker. It was in Issa Rae’s comedy-drama series Insecure when he made a name for himself by playing himself.
Staples’s casting in The Wood, a TV romantic comedy adaptation of a 1999 film of the same name, was announced later. Ian Edelman and Maurice Williams will also serve as executive producers with Barris. The three will be working together again after their previous collaboration on rapper Kid Cudi’s animated Netflix special Entergalactic. Furthermore, they will be co-showrunners, with Barris representing his Khalabo Ink Society. Calmatic is directing the first two episodes and is also a producer on the show alongside Corey Smyth. With the programme being officially greenlit, we can expect to learn more about it in the coming weeks.