Those who know Jessica Williams from her time as a Daily Show Correspondent, or who recently got to know her when she catapulted to smart-rom-com stardom with The Incredible Jessica James, will also likely know that she hosts a comedy/storytelling podcast, alongside writer/actor/comedian Phoebe Robinson. And those who know Phoebe Robinson for her standup, or her role on I Love Dick, or her book You Can’t Touch My Hair (And Other Things I Still Have to Explain) will likely know that she hosts a comedy/storytelling podcast with Jessica Williams. And those who somehow don’t but should know about that podcast — 2 Dope Queens — soon will, because it’s just announced that it’s been picked up by HBO.
The 40-60 minute podcast about…everything (some select topics: vagina dentata, sex with the Rock, man buns, Broadway, the Civil Rights Movement, reparations) should translate pretty easily to the small screen, for 2 Dope Queens is taped live (at Brooklyn’s Union Hall), and kind of reads like a variety show, with a few guest stars per episode. Their impressive roster of guests has included Gabrielle Union, Hannibal Buress, Ilana Glazier, Maria Bamford, Aparna Nancherla, Jon Hamm, Bob the Drag Queen, and even Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland, aka Nick Kroll and John Mulaney.
Robinson gave a statement, quoted in the Hollywood Reporter:
Two Dope Queens and HBO going half on a TV baby? A dream come true. The work wife and I are beyond thrilled that the formula we’ve perfected over the past four seasons of doing the podcast (Ignorance x Cocoa Butter + Comedic Honesty) is being brought to this network.
Casey Bloys, the programming president at HBO, said, “Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson prove you can be hilarious and socially conscious at the same time.” The primary cable network will work with Williams and Robinson to format 2 Dope Queens as four hourlong specials.
Read Flavorwire’s interview with Phoebe Robinson on her second podcast, “Sooo many white guys.”