Ziwe is set to develop the comedy series “The Nigerian Princess” at Amazon, Variety has learned exclusively.
The project follows Zoe, a wise-beyond-her-years 20-something who, debilitated by student debt, partners with a known grifter in a desperate bid to achieve the American Dream. The two prep school grads make an unlikely alliance all while secretly plotting to scam each other.
Ziwe is the writer and creator of the series, with Will Graham and Hailey Wierengo of Field Trip also executive producing. Wondaland Pictures — the production company founded by Janelle Monae, Chuck Lightning, Mikael Moore, and Nate Wonder — will also executive produce.
The development news is the latest building block in Ziwe’s rapidly growing media presence. Most recently, she launched the self-titled Showtime variety series “Ziwe,” which debuted on the premium cabler back in May.
Prior to that, she has worked on shows like Showtime’s “Desus & Mero,” BET’s “The Rundown with Robin Thede,” “Tooning Out the News” on Paramount Plus (formerly CBS All Access), and Apple’s “Dickinson.” She gained attention on her Instagram Live and YouTube talk series, “Baited,” which featured interviews with people like Caroline Calloway, Alison Roman, Rose McGowan, and Jeremy O. Harris, and co-hosts the Crooked Media podcast “Hysteria.”
She has also been named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for 2021. She is currently writing a book of essays, entitled “The Book of Ziwe,” slated for release this fall. Additionally, she is in the studio recording new original music, which she plans to share later this year.
