Issa Rae Returning To HBO With A New Comedy Pilot, 10 Years After “Insecure” Premiered

Issa Rae Returning To HBO With A New Comedy Pilot, 10 Years After “Insecure” Premiered

Issa Rae is taking her talents back to #HBO.

HBO has given a pilot order to an untitled half-hour comedy from #IssaRae, the creator of the Peabody Award-winning “Insecure.” Written and executive produced by Issa, the pilot follows Menzel, a 30-year-old barber and aspiring sports manager who serves as best friend and unofficial confidant to JB, an up-and-coming boxer, as the two navigate ambition, insecurity and the pressures of success in the high-stakes world of professional boxing in Las Vegas. Prentice Penny — a longtime “Insecure” collaborator — will direct the pilot and serve as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Jax Clark for #Hoorae, and Jonathan Berry and Dave Becky for 3 Arts Entertainment.

The project marks Issa’s fourth collaboration with HBO, following “Insecure,” “Rap Sh!t,” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” where Issa served as an ep. It comes even though Issa signed a three-year first-look film and TV deal with Paramount back in January, having previously been under an overall deal with HBO since 2021.