Atsuko Okatsuka Amazon comedy in development with Hiro Murai, Ramy Youssef
Amazon is developing a half-hour modern marriage comedy for Atsuko Okatsuka, with Hiro Murai and Ramy Youssef among producers.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Amazon is developing an Atsuko Okatsuka Amazon comedy built as a half-hour starring vehicle for the stand-up, writer and actor, Deadline reported, citing sources.
The project comes from Okatsuka and writer-producer Josh Rabinowitz. Amazon representatives declined to comment to Deadline, and the show’s title has not been disclosed.
What is Atsuko Okatsuka's Amazon comedy about?
According to Deadline, plot details are being kept private, but the project is centered on modern marriage. The series is described as a vehicle for Okatsuka, meaning it is being developed around her as the on-screen lead.
Hiro Murai is attached to executive produce through Super Frog, Deadline reported. Ramy Youssef will also executive produce through Cairo Cowboy, with Entertainment 360, Okatsuka and Rabinowitz also listed among the executive producers.
The development puts Okatsuka in business with a packed comedy-and-TV bench. Rabinowitz’s credits include Ilana Glazer’s Babes and Broad City, Youssef’s Hulu series Ramy, Amazon’s animated comedy #1 Happy Family USA and The Carmichael Show, according to Deadline.
Okatsuka’s screen push keeps picking up speed
Okatsuka is currently touring internationally with her Big Bowl Tour, Deadline reported. Her second special, Father, premiered on Hulu and Disney+ and won a Webby Award for Best Comedy & Stand-Up.
Her debut special, HBO’s The Intruder, was named the best debut comedy special of 2022 by The New York Times and won a Gracie Award for Best Special, according to Deadline. A third special is set to premiere on Netflix next year.
Okatsuka’s acting work includes Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Pixar’s Elio, Jonah Hill’s Apple film Outcome and Judd Apatow’s upcoming Universal comedy The Comeback King, which is co-written by and stars Glen Powell, Deadline reported.
In a recent episode of Deadline’s Comedy Means Business podcast, Okatsuka spoke about wanting to move further into film and television and cited Lucille Ball as an inspiration. Deadline also reported that she was recently named Breakout Comedy Star of the Year at Just for Laughs.
Murai and Youssef bring more TV heat
Murai recently received two Emmy nominations tied to Apple’s horror-comedy Widow’s Bay, as director and executive producer, Deadline reported. The outlet said the show leads all new programs this year with 19 nominations.
Among Murai’s upcoming projects is FX’s limited series The Marriage Plot, led by Sadie Sink. Deadline also reported that Murai recently renewed his first-look deal with FX.
Youssef’s recent producing credits include the HBO special Ramy Youssef: In Love and Amazon’s #1 Happy Family USA, which he created with Pam Brady, according to Deadline. As an actor, his recent credits include HBO’s Mountainhead and an appearance on Apple’s The Studio.
Deadline reported that Okatsuka is represented by Entertainment 360, CAA and attorney Melissa Fox at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller. Rabinowitz is represented by UTA, Entertainment 360 and Yorn, Levine, Barnes. Murai is represented by Untitled Entertainment, UTA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman, while Youssef is represented by WME, Entertainment 360 and Yorn, Levine, Barnes.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.