A Docuseries Based on "The 1619 Project" Is Coming to Hulu

Hulu and Lionsgate have reached an agreement to have a docuseries based on The 1619 Project for the streaming service.

Photo Credit: The New York Times

What’s Happening:

Roger Ross Williams (Life, Animated, The Apollo) will produce and oversee the docuseries based on Nikole Hannah Jones’ The 1619 Project.
Williams will direct the first episode while producing the series under his One Story Up production banner with producing partner and co-executive producer Geoff Martz in collaboration with Lionsgate Television, The New York Times, and Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Films.
Shoshana Guy (Cari and Jemele: Won't Stick to Sports) will be the showrunner and Kathleen Lingo, editorial director for film and TV at The New York Times, will executive produce.

About The 1619 Project:

“One of the most impactful and thought-provoking works of journalism of the past decade, The New York Times Magazine's The 1619 Project was a landmark undertaking that connected the centrality of slavery in U.S. history with an unflinching account of the brutal racism that endures in so many aspects of American life today. It was launched in August 2019 on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies that would become the United States. It examines the legacy of slavery in America and how it shaped nearly all aspects of society, from music and law to education and the arts, and including the principles of our democracy itself. “

What They’re Saying:

Roger Ross Williams: "The 1619 Project is an essential reframing of American history. Our most cherished ideals and achievements cannot be understood without acknowledging both systemic racism and the contributions of Black Americans. And this isn't just about the past—Black people are still fighting against both the legacy of this racism and its current incarnation. I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to work with The New York Times, Lionsgate Television, Harpo Films, and Hulu to translate the incredibly important The 1619 Project into a documentary series."
Nikole Hannah Jones: "I could not ask for a more gifted and committed storyteller to entrust The 1619 Project to than Roger Ross Williams. I have long admired the impact and authenticity of his filmmaking, and the fact that we're working with Disney and Hulu aligns with our vision of partnering with the world's greatest Black storytellers to bring this project to a global audience."
Oprah Winfrey: "We worked hard to get everything right with our first offering. Adding the reach of Disney and its powerful brand to our collaboration, launching on a great premium platform like Hulu, and bringing together the creative resources of our friends at Lionsgate and The New York Times to support Nikole Hannah-Jones' narrative and Roger Ross Williams' vision is the perfect start to our partnership."
Tara Duncan, Disney General Entertainment Content BIPOC Creator Initiative: "The 1619 Project is a revelatory master class in the power of history. Nikole Hannah-Jones' extraordinary work speaks to contemporary America and reveals how our past is ever present, but more importantly, why engaging in a much-needed dialogue about our origins has the power to create healing and a meaningful positive impact on our collective future. It's an honor to join forces with Nikole, the enormously gifted Roger Ross Williams, Oprah Winfrey and our partners at Lionsgate and The New York Times to bring this new chapter of The 1619 Project to life."
Kelly Campbell, President of Hulu: "The 1619 Project has helped frame our understanding of U.S. history and contemporary society, elevating an under-reported, systemic story of vital importance. We're honored to be the exclusive streaming home to this transformative documentary series along with our partners at The New York Times, Lionsgate Television and Harpo Films."