Lee Daniels Extends 20th Television Relationship with First-Look Deal

Lee Daniels, the visionary filmmaker behind Empire and The Butler, has extended his multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, a subsidiary of Disney Entertainment. The renewal ensures that Daniels will continue to develop, write, and produce new television projects under his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner, further solidifying his impact on Hollywood storytelling.

According to Deadline, Daniels expressed his enthusiasm about continuing the collaboration, calling 20th Television his “creative home.” His partnership with the studio has produced groundbreaking television that has reshaped how Black narratives are represented on screen.

Upcoming Projects Under the Deal

As part of the extended agreement, Daniels is set to spearhead several exciting projects, including:

• ‘The Spook Who Sat by the Door’ – A pilot adaptation of Sam Greenlee’s classic novel for FX.
• ‘Waiting to Exhale’ – A television reboot of the beloved 1995 film for ABC.
• ‘The Wonder Years’ – A reimagined version of the classic series, also at ABC.
• ‘Our Kind of People’ – A drama series that originally aired on Fox, centered on wealth, privilege, and Black excellence.

These projects align with Daniels’ passion for telling bold, provocative, and culturally significant stories.

RELATED: Lee Daniels Looking To Do TV Series On ‘The Spook Who Sat by the Door’

Why This Deal Matters

The renewal of Daniels’ deal highlights Disney’s commitment to diverse storytelling and the increasing influence of Black creatives in Hollywood. Dana Walden, Chairman of Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, praised Daniels as a “master storyteller” whose work continues to break barriers and redefine representation in television.

By securing another multi-year deal, Daniels joins a growing list of Black showrunners and producers who have gained long-term partnerships with major studios, reflecting the industry’s gradual shift towards inclusivity.

What’s Next for Lee Daniels?

With his continued partnership with 20th Television, Daniels remains one of the most influential voices in television today. His dedication to bringing diverse and groundbreaking narratives to the small screen ensures that audiences will continue to see fresh and powerful stories that reflect the richness of Black culture.