Lena Waithe Signs First-Look Deal with Showtime

To fans of The Chi, Lena Waithe is already a head honcho over at Showtime. The critically acclaimed drama set the tone for her future projects, landing her a first-look deal with the network, according to Deadline.

Under the deal, Waithe will develop comedy and drama projects for Showtime that she will both write and produce through her company, Hillman Grad Productions.

“I have been a fan of Showtime for as long as I can remember,” said Waithe in a statement. “They make shows that most networks wouldn’t touch and they’ve never been afraid of taking risks. I look forward to introducing my Showtime family to fresh and exciting new voices. I want to make content that will challenge audiences and take them places they never thought TV could go. It’s going to be a fun ride.”

“We fell in love with Lena’s voice when we ordered her pilot for The Chi three years ago, and we have watched in awe at her powerful impact on our industry and our culture,” said Gary Levine, Showtime’s president of programming. “Lena is a creative force of nature and we are delighted that the force will be with us as she makes Showtime her creative home.”