Amid the ever-present pandemic of the coronavirus, Netflix takes full advantage of social distancing constructs by announcing a new anthology series, Social Distance.
Jenji Kohan, (Weeds and Orange Is The New Black) will be teaming up with the streaming service to provide this remotely filmed series to at home viewers. Kohan, along with other executive producers of Social Distance such as Tara Hermann (Orange Is The New Black and Weeds), Hilary Weisman Graham (Orange Is The New Black, Bones, and On The Lot), Blake McCormick (Cougar Town, King of the Hill, The X Files, Futurama, etc.), and Diego Velasco (Orange Is The New Black) were “inspired to create an anthology series that tells stories about the current moment we are living through- the unique, personal, deeply human stories that illustrate how we are living apart, together,” according to a memo the crew released.
Social Distance will join other scripted series who are going beyond typical producing measures to provide everyone the relatability of having to adjust to these uncertain times. Among those series are NBC’s Parks and Recreation, who announced a reunion special about the coronavirus, POP TV’s One Day At A Time and their animated special after ceasing their production, and CBS’ All Rise special virtual episode.
But according to ET, the Social Distance production crew are “challenging” themselves to create something unprecedented; “To create and produce virtually so that our cast and crew can stay healthy and safe,” the producers mentioned in their memo.
While abiding by coronavirus social distancing procedures and providing the show with its proper title, director, Velasco, will reportedly direct the series’ talent remotely. Showrunner, Graham, operates the production from her living room all while the cast acts and films themselves from their own home.
Remaining optimistic during the current health pandemic, the Social Distance production crew express their hope for this upcoming series:
“Through a broad spectrum of tales and moments, some seismic and some mundane, we hope to capture a moment in time. And we hope that Social Distance will help people feel closer to one another, ” the crew said in their memo.
Though highly anticipated, the announcement of the anthology series was vague on details pertaining to the premiere date, cast, additional talent, and if it will run for more than one season.