Snap Inc. is developing a new genre of “Docu Series” programming for Snapchat, with the first show focused on Orange County social media darlings, set to debut later this year.
“Endless Summer,” currently in production, will follow social stars Summer Mckeen and Dylan Jordan as they navigate through the world of big-time influencers: photoshoots, brand partnerships, and living on their own for the first time. The show is pegged for a September launch, according to a Snap spokesperson.
Snap has partnered with reality TV stalwart Bunim/Murray Productions — the company behind “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” “The Real World,” and “Project Runway” — to produce the show. (Bunim/Murray has also produced “Ball in the Family,” focusing on Lakers guard Lonzo Ball and family, for Facebook Watch.)
“Endless Summer” is a departure from Snapchat’s previous content, which has primarily been unscripted shows centered around sports, fashion, and dating, among other genres. The show is in the same vein as MTV reality staples like “Laguna Beach,” according to a Snap spokesperson, nestling somewhere between scripted and unscripted classification.
And similar to “Laguna Beach,” the show is set in, well, Laguna Beach, California. “Endless Summer” will also follow McKeen and Jordan’s orbit of aspiring-entertainer friends as well, including Olivia Rouyre, Sam Shryoc, Sidney Bowen, Zach Knell, and Matthew McFate. Snap will also allow fans to engage with the show within the app — interacting with other fans and the cast via “Watch Parties,” as well as special Snapchat lenses and augmented reality portals into the show, so everyone can experience that OC-lifestyle.
“Endless Summer” episodes will be between 3-5 minutes, like most Snapchat shows. Executive Producers from Bunim/Murray Productions are Gil Goldschein, Julie Pizzi, Farnaz Farjam-Chazan and Andrea Metz. Summer Mckeen, Clayton Santillo and Kyle Santillo will also serve as Executive Producers, and Andrea Metz is set as showrunner and EP.