In a new drama series, Sanaa Lathan has been cast as the iconic TV personality Miss Cleo. The actress, known for her roles in “Succession” and “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” will not only star in the series but also serve as an executive producer. The show, titled “Miss Cleo,” is being developed by Legendary Entertainment. Set to have a darkly comedic tone, the series draws inspiration from Miss Cleo, whose real name was Youree Dell Harris. Miss Cleo rose to fame as a spokeswoman for the pay-per-call-minute service Psychic Readers Network, appearing in infomercials from 1997 to 2003. In these infomercials, she famously urged viewers to “Call me now!” The series will delve into her rise to fame and the subsequent contentious court case brought against her by the U.S. government.
Miss Cleo’s career took a turn when the Federal Trade Commission charged the Psychic Readers Network with deceptive advertising, billing, and collection practices in 2002. Victims of the service were billed an estimated $1 billion, leading to a settlement in which the network paid a $5 million fine and erased $500 million of debt owed by the service’s victims.
In other news, Netflix has acquired a spy drama series called “Covers” from Lena Dunham, who will write, direct, and executive-produce the show. Based on true events, the series follows a group of 21-year-old elites from Oxford University who lead secret lives as college students and clandestine officials.
Additionally, A&E has announced new seasons of “WWE Rivals” and “Biography: WWE Legends.” “WWE Rivals” will feature roundtable discussions led by former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr., delving into the characters and storylines that defined the company’s most notable rivalries. “Biography: WWE Legends” will explore the lives and careers of beloved wrestlers through interviews and archival footage.
Lastly, Netflix has released a trailer for the unscripted series “NASCAR: Full Speed,” which showcases the physical, mental, and emotional challenges faced by competitors in the highest level of stock car racing. The series is set to premiere on January 30.
Sanaa Lathan’s portrayal of Miss Cleo in the upcoming series promises to captivate audiences as it explores the rise and fall of the famed TV personality. Lena Dunham’s “Covers,” the new seasons of “WWE Rivals” and “Biography: WWE Legends,” and the unscripted series “NASCAR: Full Speed” all offer exciting entertainment options for viewers in the near future.