FOX romantic musical pilot ‘Mixtape’ to become Netflix series
Netflix is set to add a musical to its roster of original content with Mixtape.
According to Deadline, the FOX-produced romantic musical drama, Mixtape, was passed on by FOX Broadcasting Co., leaving room for Netflix to swoop in and pick it up for a 10-episode series. The musical will star Jenna Dewan, Callie Hernandez, and Madeline Stowe.
While most of the pilot’s cast will largely remain the same, some reshoots will be required because male lead Raul Castillo, and possibly the child actor who played his son, will be recast. Besides Dewan, Hernandez, and Stowe, the remainder of the cast includes some big names like Campbell Scott and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
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Jesse Peretz, who has directed episodes of GLOW, Orange is the New Black, and Girls, directed the pilot and will be responsible for reshoots if he’s available.
Mixtape is the brainchild of Quantico creator Josh Safran, who also served as showrunner for the short-lived NBC musical series Smash. Safran will executive produce alongside Annapurna PIcture’s Megan Elison, Sue Naegle, and Ali Krug.
The series will focus on an array of people living in Los Angeles and the love stories that bring them together. Music will be used to express the characters’ thoughts and feelings.
While musical TV series are rare, this is the second musical series to be picked up by a streaming service in the past month. Apple recently acquired the romantic musical Little Voice for its new streaming platform.
That series includes pop star Sara Bareilles and uber-producer J.J. Abrams among its executive producers. It will feature original music by Bareilles. No word on whether Mixtape‘s music will be original or not.
While few musicals, including the Safran-produced Smash, have been successful on television, FOX’s Glee was a hit when it premiered in 2009. And the CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has been critically acclaimed throughout its run, despite low ratings.
Perhaps Netflix will be able to find the sweet spot between audience interest and critical adoration.
Next: Apple acquires musical dramedy ‘Little Voice’
While it didn’t go to series at FOX, Mixtape was a favorite there. Perhaps at Netflix — where advertiser support and show ratings are far less of a concern than on the broadcast network — the series will become a creative, entertaining addition to the streamer’s offerings.
Are you interested in checking out the musical Mixtape on Netflix? Have your say in the comments.