Netflix has given a straight-to-series order to a comedy set in the front office of the Los Angeles Lakers from writer Elaine Ko and executive producer Mindy Kaling, Variety has learned.
The untitled, half-hour series is inspired by the personal and professional dynamic between the family owners and front office team that together run one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports. The workplace comedy follows fictional team governor Eliza Reed as she navigates NBA ownership and family drama with her best friend by her side. Netflix has given the show a 10 episode order.
Ko is the writer, executive producer, and showrunner on the series. Kaling will executive produce under her Kaling International banner. Jeanie Buss, president of the Lakers, will also executive produce along with Lakers executive director Linda Rambis as well as Howard Klein of 3 Arts. Jordan Rambis will produce. Warner Bros. Television, where Kaling is under an overall deal, will produce.
The series expands Kaling’s relationship with Netflix, as she recently co-created the streamer’s teen dramedy “Never Have I Ever.” Kaling is also the showrunner and executive producer on the series. Season 1 debuted in July 2020, while Season 2 will debut on July 15.
She is repped by CAA, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Ziffren Brittenham.
Ko was most recently a writer and executive producer on the hit ABC sitcom “Modern Family.” She is credited with writing 28 episodes of the beloved series during her time there, in addition to directing two episodes. Her other writing credits include “Family Guy” and “Do Not Disturb.”
She is repped by UTA.
This is now the second scripted show about the Lakers to get ordered to series in the past few years. HBO ordered a drama about the so-called Showtime era Lakers of the 1980s back in 2019. The show has since assembled an all-star cast, including: John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss, Adrien Brody as Pat Riley, Bo Burnham as Larry Bird, and Hadley Robinson as Jeanie Buss.