Ava DuVernay has signed a new multi-year $100 million overall deal with Warner Bros. Television, the studio announced on Tuesday.
Under the terms of the development and production pact for DuVernay and her Forward Movement production company, the “Queen Sugar” creator will develop new television projects — including drama and comedy series, longform/event series, documentaries, potential digital content and more — for all platforms, including broadcast, cable and streaming.
The multi-year agreement will take effect in January 2019.
DuVernay has had a working relationship with WB since 2015, with Warner Horizon Scripted Television producing her OWN drama “Queen Sugar.” She also serves as an executive producer on CBS’s upcoming drama, “The Red Line,” about a police shooting in Chicago.
“I’ve had nothing but beautiful experiences working with Peter Roth, Susan Rovner and Brett Paul,” DuVernay said in a statement. “They love and support artists in wonderful and nourishing ways. They work within a traditional studio headed by Kevin Tsujihara that is stirring with untraditional energy and fresh protocols for intentional, inclusive image-making. Warner Bros. is a terrific partner about matters of visibility and belonging for all kinds and cultures of people, which is our mission at Forward Movement. I couldn’t be happier to call Warner Bros. TV my production home.”
Added Warner Bros. Television Group president Peter Roth, “Ava DuVernay is one of the leading lights in our industry, a brilliantly talented writer, producer, director and entrepreneur whose ability to inspire with her art is exceeded only by her ability to entertain. We have had the great pleasure of working with her on Queen Sugar and The Red Line, and we are extremely excited about the new stories she has to tell.”
2018 Holiday TV Specials: Here Are 20 Programs Sure to Make Your Days Merry and Bright (Photos)
With Thanksgiving behind us, you are now officially allowed to start listening to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (if you haven't been since Nov. 1), baking cookies, decorating the tree and -- most importantly -- tuning into all those holiday specials you look forward to throughout the less festive times of year. TheWrap has rounded up all the ones you can't miss this season. Click through our gallery to check out the list.
"A Legendary Christmas with John and Chrissy" -- Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. on NBC
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen celebrate the season of joy and laughter alongside the couple’s family and talented celebrity friends. Legend performs a selection of songs from his 2018 holiday album, “A Legendary Christmas.”
"The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" -- Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. on ABC
“Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” host Jordan Fisher and “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland host two-hour televised event from Disney World and Disneyland. Performances by Gwen Stefani, Meghan Trainor, Brett Eldredge, Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli and Becky G.
"The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special" -- Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. on ABC
Victoria’s Secret’s Angels once again take the runway. Musical guests include Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts.
ABC
"Deal or No Deal: Happy Howie Days" -- Dec. 3 at 10 p.m. on NBC
Howie Mandel’s hit game show is back after 10 years and he’s offering up the possibility of a $1 million holiday present. A family who has overcome all odds, an incredible adoption story and a player who pushes the limits to bring life-changing money home for the holidays.
"Nailed It! Holiday" -- launches Dec. 7 on Netflix
The creative cooking fun continues, as hosts Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres return for a holiday-themed third installment in the streamer's baking competition series.
"RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular" -- Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. on VH1
The eight queens competing on the hour-long “RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular” are Eureka O’Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Sonique and Trixie Mattel.
“Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic” -- Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.
This year’s featured weddings at Walt Disney World Resort will include a “Mary Poppins Returns” theme and a performance by country music superstar Martina McBride.
"CMA Country Christmas" -- Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. on ABC
Reba McEntire will host and perform during the holiday music special, along with Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs and Brett Young.
“Pentatonix: A Not So Silent Night" -- Dec. 10 at 10 p.m.on NBC
Pentatonix embarks on an unforgettable journey throughout Las Vegas, making stops along the Strip, featuring guests including Kelly Clarkson, the Backstreet Boys, Maren Morris and Penn & Teller.
NBC
"Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas" -- Dec. 11 at 9 p.m. on NBC
Winner of the 2017 season of “America’s Got Talent,” Darci Lynne Farmer will celebrate the holidays Oklahoma style with her puppets and guests Kristin Chenoweth, Toby Keith, Hunter Hayes, Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling.
"Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter's Tale" -- launches Dec. 14 on Netflix
The Church of Night, like all covens, celebrates the Winter Solstice-the longest night of the year-when families gather around the Yule Fire to sing pagan carols and tell ghost stories. But the holidays are also a time for guests and visitors-both welcome and unwelcome- you never know what might come down the chimney…
"iHeartRadio Jingle Ball" -- Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. on The CW
A 90-minute holiday music event that celebrates the season with performances by Shawn Mendes, Cardi B, Camilla Cabello and many more of today’s biggest stars.
"America’s Got Talent" -- Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. on NBC
A festive edition of the competition series, with judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel.
NBC
"Timeless" series finale -- Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. on NBC
The 2-hour series finale promises fans "an epic, unforgettable thrill ride through the past, present and future, with a healthy dose of Christmas spirit."
There’s something for everyone (naughty and nice) on this list — and yes, we checked it twice
With Thanksgiving behind us, you are now officially allowed to start listening to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (if you haven't been since Nov. 1), baking cookies, decorating the tree and -- most importantly -- tuning into all those holiday specials you look forward to throughout the less festive times of year. TheWrap has rounded up all the ones you can't miss this season. Click through our gallery to check out the list.