On The Ellen DeGeneres Show’s last episode, the infamous talk-show host gifted several members of her audience a two-year subscription to the upcoming HBO Max. The deal was struck due the fact that DeGeneres recently teamed up with the nascent streaming service for three new projects— all have been given a straight to series order as well.
“I’m very excited to bring my new shows to HBO Max,” DeGeneres mentioned in an official statement. “I don’t know who Max is, but I can’t wait to work with him.”
First Dates Hotel, the first in the line-up, is based on a popular UK format dating show where the setting takes place at an “affluent boutique hotel” where singles from different generations meet-up “for an intensive and tailor-made romantic experience.”
After experiencing a variety of good and bad dates at the hotel’s restaurant, guests can also choose from different themes involving dining poolside or under the stars. If potential lovers like each other enough, they can book an extended stay for a second date.
The second series on the list, Little Ellen, will be a 2D-animated half hour children’s series that will explore her unique world through the eyes a pint-sized seven-year-old Ellen DeGeneres. The official synopsis reads: through “her adventures in her musical hometown of New Orleans, Little Ellen takes big risks and makes big mistakes, but she’s able to laugh at herself along the way when things don’t go as planned.”
Lastly, Ellen’s Home Design Challenge, will be a reality show competition series that is set to feature a total of eight designers who are given the opportunity to push their creativity beyond their limitations while DeGeneres gives humorous side commentary.
“Ellen is a singular talent, and a powerhouse, creative triple-threat that we are lucky to have now bringing her talents to bear on behalf of HBO Max,” HBO Max CCO Kevin Reilly commented. “Ellen’s flair for home design and matchmaking will most certainly inspire and delight — but HBO Max is full service, so as not to leave the kids out she’s bringing them back to the hilarious misadventures of her childhood in an imaginative animated series.”
Other series that will be produced by the streaming service include: Love Life, which will feature Anna Kendrick with Paul Feig set to produce, the Ansel Elgort led drama, Tokyo Vice, Gremlins prequel series, Gossip Girl reboot, and a Dune spinoff titled, Dune: The Sisterhood, all make out HBO Max’s roster.
Also, a Practical Magic prequel, Friends and Pretty Little Liars, and Boondocks reboot will also be featured content on the service’s exclusive digital library shortly after its November debut.