Starz announced today it is in development on Lovesong, a drama created, written, and executive produced by award-winning playwright and television writer Tanya Saracho. She is also the acclaimed creator and showrunner of Starz’s groundbreaking series Vida, which aired for three seasons on the platform.
Saracho is set to join Starz in its inaugural #TakeTheLead Summit today, participating in a panel conversation about the power of allyship in fighting for representation.
Lovesong is a half-hour drama that will follow two Mexican American childhood friends living in London as they both become entangled in a torturous love triangle with the same captivating singer-songwriter.
It is a love story born out of betrayal and paid for with the cost of friendship. Steeped in the East London music scene, the series embarks on a cinematic contemplation of love, sex, identity, purpose, and the price of happiness.
“We are beyond thrilled to partner with Tanya to bring her bold and tantalizing love story to life,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming, STARZ.
“Throughout her career and from ‘Vida’ to ‘Lovesong’ on STARZ, her dedication to Latine representation embodies the spirit of #TakeTheLead.”
“This story is very much a child of the pandemic, born from those times when we were yearning for love stories to soothe the soul and light the way through the dark times. This is also when the light of Johnny Flynn’s music found me and lit the way into the story,” said Saracho.
“While I spent five months in London, Johnny was generous enough to lead me through his lived experience of the East London music scene, which now comprises the world of ‘Lovesong.’
She added: “It’s wonderful to be coming home to Starz to conceive of my new story of love, a place that truly nurtured and supported me while I crafted the love story of the two Hernandez sisters in ‘Vida,’ and I couldn’t be happier to return to bring this new narrative to life.”
Through her overall deal with UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, Saracho will executive produce Lovesong, along with co-executive producer Christine Dávila, under her production banner Ojalá Productions. Musician and actor Johnny Flynn will also co-executive produce and serve as composer.
Lovesong will be produced by UCP and Lionsgate Television for Starz. Senior Vice President of Original Programming Kathryn Tyus-Adair will oversee the series on behalf of Starz.
Directors of Development Liz Wile and Ebonie Hicklin are overseeing for UCP, and Executive Vice President & Head of Scripted Development, Scott Herbst and Senior Vice President, Jocelyn Sabo will both oversee for Lionsgate Television.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.