Deadline is reporting that Quibi has acquired Oscar nominee Will Smith’s (Bad Boys for Life, The Pursuit of Happyness, Ali) This Joka, a 16-episode stand-up comedy series hosted and executive produced by Smith.
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In This Joka, Smith invites a diverse lineup of up-and-coming, established, and legendary comedians to explore the nature of comedy and its unique ability to bring people together. Shot on location at Topgolf and other popular venues across Las Vegas, the series will showcase stand-up sets, as well as one-on-one conversations between Smith and the comedians, intimate interviews, and docu-style moments backstage and around the city.
“Will’s love and respect for stand-up comedy runs deep, and with this series on Quibi, we hope to discover, learn from, and uplift the next generation of diverse comedic talent,” said Terence Carter, Co-Head President, Head of Television for Westbrook Studios. “The goal of This Joka isn’t just to laugh, but to find the universal human truths behind the laughter.”
Comics featured in the series include Baron Vaughn, Megan Gailey, Punkie Johnson, Sean Patton, Rosebud Baker, Shane Torres, Clayton English, Christi Chiello, Vanessa Gonzalez, Martin Urbano, Sam Tallent, David Gborie, Jackie Fabulous, Chris Estrada, Rell Battle, and Daphnique Springs, with special appearances by George Wallace, Demi Adejuyigbe and Shawn Wasabi.
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The project hails from Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Topgolf Entertainment Group. Alongside Smith, executive producers include Miguel Melendez, Terence Carter, Brad Haugen, Lukas Kaiser, Erik Anderson, Chad Nelson, and YuChiang Cheng. Lance Bangs will direct.
Quibi is set to launch on April 6. The quick bite streamer is currently offering a 90-day free trial for those who sign-up before April 30.
(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
