Issa Rae is stepping back into familiar territory at HBO.
Almost five years after ‘Insecure’ wrapped its acclaimed five-season run, the creative force has landed a pilot order at the network for a new comedy that once again places friendship, ambition, and yes, insecurity at its center.
This time, however, the lens shifts to two men navigating the high-stakes world of professional boxing in Las Vegas.
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According to Deadline, the currently untitled half-hour comedy follows Menzel, a 30-year-old barber and aspiring sports manager whose best friend JB is an up-and-coming boxer.
As JB’s career begins to take flight, the longtime friends are forced to contend with ambition, loneliness, success, and the insecurities that come with their changing dynamic.
Rae writes and executive produces the pilot, while Prentice Penny, who served as showrunner on ‘Insecure,’ is back in the fold as showrunner and pilot director.
The reunion makes the project an intriguing prospect for viewers who connected with ‘Insecure’s’ knack for finding humor and heart in complicated friendships. Importantly, though, this is its own world, swapping Los Angeles relationship woes for Vegas, boxing, and male vulnerability.
It also marks an interesting return to HBO comedy for Rae following the two-season run of ‘Rap Sh!t’. Earlier this year, she also signed a major three-year first-look deal with Paramount.
For now, HBO has ordered a pilot rather than a full series. Should it move forward, Rae may well have another friendship-driven favorite on her hands.
Hopefully this 1 is good she has duds after insecure