A limited series about black hair care pioneer and mogul Madam C.J. Walker, starring and executive produced by Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer, was among four series orders announced Sunday by Netflix.
The other new scripted series ordered was “White Lines,” a drama about the discovery of the body of a English disc jockey 20 years after his mysterious disappearance from Ibiza and his sister’s return to the Spanish island to find out what happened.
The internet entertainment service also announced it has ordered two food series, “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” and “The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell.”
Spencer will play the title role in ” Madam C.J. Walker,” described by Netflix as “the untold and highly irreverent story” of Walker and “how she overcame hostile turn-of-the-century America, epic rivalries, tumultuous marriages and some trifling family to become America’s first black, self-made female millionaire.”
The eight-episode series’ executive producers also include Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James.
“White Lines” executive producers include Andy Harries, an executive producer of the Netflix series “The Crown,” which has received outstanding drama series Emmy nominations for both of its seasons.
“Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” follows chef and food writer Samin Nosrat as she travels to home kitchens in Italy, the southern islands of Japan, the Mexican state of Yucatan and Berkeley’s famed Chez Panisse, where she began her cooking career, in an attempt to demystify and explore the central principles of what makes food delicious and how viewers can incorporate those elements into every dish.
The series will premiere Oct. 19. It is based on Nosrat’s book of the same title.
“The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell” features baker and artist Christine McConnell as she bakes, sculpts and sews confections and hauntingly disturbing decor with the help of her colorful collection of creatures.
The announcements were made at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour which is being held in Beverly Hills.