Networks have struggled to produce a marijuana show for the legalization era, so they’re bringing back an old friend.
Back in 2005, “Weeds” debuted on Showtime and introduced mainstream America to the underground dealings of black-market marijuana. Thanks to a standout performance from Mary-Louise Parker, the show grounded the moody drama found in shows like “The Sopranos” and “Breaking Bad”, with a lighthearted jolt. After all, this was a story of a widowed mother just trying to provide for her family.
Thanks to marijuana’s newfound popularity and an insatiable demand for relatable content, the show is receiving a revival at Starz. Parker will star and executive produce the sequel, which is being called “Weeds 4.20”, though series creator Jenji Kohan will not return. Instead Victoria Morrow, a writer and co-executive producer on the original series, would helm the project. Lionsgate Television will produce the show.
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“We’re thrilled to be back in business with series star and producer Mary Louise Parker on what we’re calling ‘Weeds 4.20,’ already in active development at Starz, as we prepare a comprehensive and integrated rollout for one of television’s most beloved properties,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer on a company earnings call Thursday.
This revival represents two truths about entertainment today—every show, movie, video game, and board game is capable of being rebooted in today’s content landscape. “Weeds” was a stellar show for its first three seasons, but seemed bored with itself in its final iteration.
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But it also shows the paltry attempt others have made at capitalizing on marijuana’s new mainstream status. “Cooking While High”, Netflix’s “Disjointed”, “Pimp My Grow”, and “Mary + Jane” have all struggled to break through as the new marijuana show. Meanwhile, properties that began as successful web series before making the leap to cable networks like “Broad City” and “High Maintenance” remain culturally relevant today.
Either way, we’re eager to see how the “Weeds” team refreshes the show. The story will pick up 10 years after its original run ended and we’re sure they’ll be plenty of talk around marijuana legalization and corporate cannabis.
