Trickle-down economics. The Berlin Wall. Step-Aerobics. These will all be fair game in Debra Messing’s (Will & Grace) new political satire series set during the 1980’s Regan Administration. Titled East Wing, the show is currently being development by Ali Wentworth (Head Case) and Liz Tuccillo (Sex and the City) for Starz, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In her first major role since NBC’s The Mysteries of Laura, Messing will star in the lead role as Hollis Carlisle. Carlisle is described by Deadline as a “hostess extraordinaire who juggles her threatened husband, rebellious children, Nancy Reagan’s Chief of Staff and a crippling social anxiety disorder.” Wentworth, who also starred in Head Case, will play a reoccurring role as Carlisle’s best friend, a stay-at-home mom who cannot help but feel threatened by Carlisle’s success.
On the potential series, Christina Davis, president of original programing for Starz, had this to say to The Hollywood Reporter: “The charm and relatability Debra brings to every character she inhabits will captivate audiences once again as she brings Hollis to life on the screen. This is a whip-smart comedy that despite its 1980s set dressing, is a pointed commentary on politics and the politics of being a woman today that will be a valuable addition to our slate of premium programming by and for women. Debra, Ali and Liz will most definitely not be pulling any punches.”
Lionsgate Television, the studio set to produce the new series, has a history with Wentworth after collaborating with her on the Pop TV series Nightcap. Lionsgate Television group chairman Kevin Beggs had his own words to share about the project: “Debra is a singular talent with whom we’ve had the honor of working in the past, and we couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Ali to bring her mother’s incredible story to viewers. Ali, Debra and Liz are shepherding a witty and empowering series right in the wheelhouse of our Starz premium platform,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
In April of this year, Wentworth made headlines after receiving positive diagnosis for COVID-19; however, she has since recovered and is most likely eager to get back to work.