Starz Greenlights ‘Now Apocalypse’ Comedy Series From ‘Kaboom’s Gregg Araki & Steven Soderbergh

Starz Greenlights ‘Now Apocalypse’ Comedy Series From ‘Kaboom’s Gregg Araki & Steven Soderbergh

Starz has given the green light to half-hour comedy series Now Apocalypse from Gregg Araki (Kaboom, Mysterious Skin) and Steven Soderbergh (The Knick).

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Co-written by Araki, who also directs, and Vogue.com sex columnist Karley Sciortino, Now Apocalypse is described as a sexy, vibrant and fast-moving series that has a flipside of mythic, dreamlike creepiness. The 10-episode half-hour surreal, coming-of-age comedy series follows Ulysses and his friends Carly, Ford and Severine, who are on various quests pursing love, sex and fame. Now Apocalypse explores identity, sexuality and artistry, while navigating the strange and oftentimes bewildering city of Los Angeles. Between sexual and romantic dating app adventures, Ulysses grows increasingly troubled as foreboding premonitory dreams make him wonder – is some kind of dark and monstrous conspiracy going on, or is he just smoking too much weed?

Araki and Soderbergh executive produce with Gregory Jacobs (Magic Mike XXL, Red Oaks). Sciortino serves as consulting producer.

With its genre twist, Now Apocalypse is a suitable companion for Starz’s flagship comedy series, Ash vs. Evil Dead.

“Gregg brings an incredibly unique and adventurous story to the Starz brand and we cannot wait for the world to meet the bold, sexy and fun characters of ‘Now Apocalypse’,” said Carmi Zlotnik, President of Programming for Starz. “It’s exciting to bring diverse and compelling storytelling to the screen as part of Starz’s ongoing programming strategy to provide premium content to reach underserved audiences.”

“If this isn’t the craziest thing I’ve ever read, it’s tied for first,” said Soderbergh. “We will not be responsible for people’s heads splitting in half when they see it.”

Sciortino also is the creator and host of Slutever on Viceland.

Starz retains all domestic multiplatform pay TV and SVOD rights to the series. Lionsgate retains all international and domestic distribution and home entertainment rights.