A fresh comedic series is in the works at Hulu, spearheaded by “Abbott Elementary” breakout star Janelle James and “Happy Endings” mastermind David Caspe. This duo is developing “Rock City,” a show centered around the Virgin Islands, promising a unique blend of humor and narrative depth. James, celebrated for her acting prowess and Emmy nominations, will lend her talents primarily behind the scenes as a writer and executive producer for this venture.
The upcoming Hulu project, “Rock City,” chronicles the journey of a woman who returns to her native Virgin Islands. She anticipates inheriting a modest tourist spot from her estranged father, likely a quaint beachfront bar or grill. However, the official synopsis teases a deeper, more intricate inheritance, suggesting the property holds secrets or responsibilities far beyond its surface appearance. This premise sets the stage for a comedy that blends family dynamics with unexpected discoveries, all against the picturesque backdrop of the Virgin Islands.
This collaboration marks a significant reunion for James and Caspe, who previously joined forces on Showtime's satirical comedy “Black Monday,” which aired from 2019 to 2021. Caspe was a co-creator of that series, while James contributed her writing skills and also appeared as an actress. Their past success together bodes well for “Rock City,” as their combined creative energies are expected to deliver a compelling and entertaining narrative for Hulu audiences.
Janelle James's career has seen a remarkable ascent, particularly with her role as Principal Ava Coleman in ABC’s acclaimed series “Abbott Elementary.” Her performance has garnered her four Emmy nominations and contributed to the show's 2023 SAG Award win for best comedy ensemble. Earlier this year, she also received a Critics Choice Award, further cementing her status as a notable talent in the industry. Beyond her on-screen presence, James has extensive experience as a writer, having contributed to projects such as “History of the World Part II,” Apple’s “Central Park,” and “The Rundown With Robin Thede,” in addition to her work on “Black Monday.”
David Caspe is a prolific creator and producer in the comedy landscape. Most recently, he was behind Peacock’s 2024 comedy “Mr. Throwback,” featuring Adam Pally and NBA star Steph Curry. His impressive resume also includes creating “Happy Endings” and “Black Monday,” and his writing and producing credits extend to NBC’s “Marry Me” and “Kenan,” Netflix’s “Blockbuster,” and the web series “Champaign ILL.” With such a rich background in developing successful comedic content, Caspe's involvement ensures “Rock City” will be a project to watch.
The partnership between Janelle James and David Caspe for “Rock City” on Hulu represents an exciting development in the comedy genre. Bringing together James's rising star power and proven writing ability with Caspe's extensive experience in crafting engaging comedies, the series is poised to offer viewers a fresh and compelling story set in a vibrant location, exploring themes of inheritance, return, and unexpected revelations within a humorous framework.
