Premium cable network Showtime is working with Jamie Foxx to air White Famous, a half-hour pilot overseen and executive produced by the actor/comedian. Foxx will also have a regular role in the series.
White Famous tells the story of an African-American comedian rising to stardom, bringing increased pressure as he struggles to maintain credibility while becoming “white famous.”
The script will be handled by Tom Kapinos, primarily based on an idea conceived by Foxx. Kapinos had previously worked on the Showtime hit series Californication, which ran for seven seasons between 1996 and 2001. If White Famous is ultimately picked up as a regular series, the script writer will effectively be in charge of two shows with the inclusion of Fox’ Lucifer, which was recently renewed for a second season.
“I came up from stand-up comedy, so to be able to share that aspect of my life onscreen with a project like White Famous is incredibly exciting,” Fox said in a statement. “We couldn’t have found better partners than Showtime, Lionsgate and Tom Kapinos to tell this story in the best possible way.”
Foxx has not played a regular role on TV since starring on In Living Color as well as 1996’s The Jamie Foxx Show, which ran for five years.
White Famous is Showtime’s third pilot currently in development. Others include The Chi by Common and Lena Waithe and an additional comedy, Mating, helmed by Jason Katims.
The project is a co-production between Showtime and Lionsgate Television. No premiere date has yet been announced.