Ashley Tisdale is developing a new dark comedy series titled Toxic Moms for Netflix, a project inspired by her personal experiences with motherhood and an essay she published in The Cut. The series, which is currently in development, will feature Tisdale as a star and executive producer, alongside collaborators Sabrina Jalees and Ali Wong.
What is the premise of Toxic Moms?
Toxic Moms is a half-hour dark comedy written by Sabrina Jalees. The story centers on a sleep-deprived new mother who finds herself pulled into an elite, affluent clique of local mothers. As the plot unfolds, the series explores the darker elements hidden beneath the group’s polished exterior, examining the lengths individuals will go to for a sense of community during the isolating early stages of parenthood.
Who is involved in the project?
The project is a collaborative effort between several high-profile industry figures:
- Ashley Tisdale: As the lead, Tisdale is drawing on her own experiences as a mother of two. She is also serving as an executive producer.
- Sabrina Jalees: Known for her work on Mating Season and Search Party, Jalees is writing the series and serving as an executive producer.
- Ali Wong: The Beef and Always Be My Maybe star is attached as an executive producer. Reports indicate that Wong may also direct the series if it is officially greenlit for a full season.
How did the project originate?
The development of the series follows a viral moment for the High School Musical alumna. In January, Tisdale published an essay in The Cut titled "Breaking Up with My Toxic Mom Group." The piece generated significant online attention, sparking widespread speculation among internet users trying to identify the specific individuals Tisdale referenced in her writing. This public interest, combined with the search volume for terms linking Tisdale to the phrase "toxic moms," helped shape the foundation for the new Netflix series.
Where does this series fit into Netflix’s lineup?
Netflix continues to expand its catalog of female-led comedies. Toxic Moms is slated to join a roster that includes shows such as Nobody Wants This, Running Point, The Survival of the Thickest, and North of North.
Professional Background of the Leads
Ashley Tisdale’s career spans over two decades in television and film. She rose to prominence on the Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and the High School Musical franchise. Her subsequent credits include the CW’s Hellcats, the Netflix comedy Merry Happy Whatever, and CBS’s Carol’s Second Act. Additionally, she has experience behind the camera, having served as an executive producer on the Freeform series Young & Hungry.
Representation for the team includes:
- Ashley Tisdale: Represented by Gersh and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
- Sabrina Jalees: Represented by WME and OPE Partners.
- Ali Wong: Represented by UTA and Hansen Jacobson Teller.
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