After »The Deuce«, a series set in the New York porn scene of the 1970s, was discontinued after its third season, the short hype about the early days of professional pornography seemed to be over for the time being in the mainstream media. But now two new exciting series are being developed that take a look at the history of pornography from different perspectives.
Currently, the highly successful broadcaster HBO is working at full speed to develop the channel into a veritable competitor to Netflix and Disney Plus. Despite its sophisticated content, die-hard fans, and a decades-long track record of cult series like »The Sopranos«, »Sex and the City« and »Game of Thrones«, the company has some ground to make up in the streaming market.
Attack on Netflix, Disney, Apple & Co: HBO Max is taking off
The programming offensive at HBO Max now also includes a series called »Minx«, which is described as a comedy. Set in the 70s, the series will be about the founding of the first adult magazine for women. The first season will consist of 10 episodes.
The series is produced by Lionsgate, Ellen Rapoport will act as showrunner. She recently delivered the script for the comedy »Desperados«, which received rather moderate reviews from the critics.
Ophelia Lovibond (known from the series »Elementary«), Michael Angarano (»Will & Grace«), and Jake Johnson (»New Girl«) will star in the lead roles. The pilot episode will be directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg.
Porn magazines, feminism & the 70s: A very promising background
Showrunner Rapoport told industry magazine Hollywood Reporter, »I’m so grateful to Feigco, Lionsgate, and HBO Max for seeing the potential in this story from the first time I showed up in their offices with stacks of ’70s porn magazines. Making ‘Minx’ with our ridiculously talented cast was a dream come true and I’m just thrilled that I get to do it again.«
On the importance of getting HBO on board for the project, executive producer Paul Feig said, »We fell in love with Ellen’s trunkful of male nudie magazines and her amazing vision for this funny and liberating series the second we heard it and knew we needed a bold network partner to let us bring it to the screen as honestly as possible.«
Maitland Ward returns to mainstream TV with »The Big Time«
But »Minx« will be just one of two glossy series to delve into the porn world. Maitland Ward, who revived her stalled acting career with last year’s triumphant tour de force through the porn industry, will now also star in a series that will dive into the porn business.
»The Big Time« will be about a porn actress who uses unconventional methods to save a struggling film studio from bankruptcy. In addition to the multi-award-winning Maitland Ward, Brett Azar and Kirk Koczanowski will also star in the comedy series. The production is being handled by the small but bustling independent studio Leaving Normal Productions. However, a major broadcaster does not yet appear to be attached to the project and planning is still at an earlier stage than in the case of »Minx«.