'Desperate Housewives' Spinoff 'Wisteria Lane' In the Works: What We Know
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More than a decade after Desperate Housewives ended its celebrated run, a new chapter is being written. Kerry Washington is set to executive produce Wisteria Lane, a spinoff of the Emmy-winning series slated for Hulu. The new show will revisit the iconic suburban setting that helped turn the original into a cultural phenomenon during its 2004–2012 run on ABC.
The spinoff, currently in early development, promises to bring both familiar tones and fresh perspectives to the lives behind the doors of suburban America. Disney's Onyx Collective is producing the new series, further signaling its importance in the company's growing streaming portfolio.
Why It Matters
The return to Wisteria Lane marks a strategic bet by Hulu and Disney to revive a beloved property that helped define primetime drama in the 2000s. The original series, created by Marc Cherry, combined satire, soap opera, and mystery to capture large audiences and critical acclaim. It followed the lives of a group of women living in the fictional Fairview neighborhood as they navigated secrets, crimes, and personal turmoil with both drama and dark humor.
By attaching Kerry Washington—a powerhouse producer and star in her own right through roles like Olivia Pope in Scandal—the project brings high-profile talent with both acting and producing pedigree. Washington will serve as executive producer alongside writer and executive producer Natalie Chaidez, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
What We Know About 'Wisteria Lane', the 'Desperate Housewives' Spinoff
Details about the new Wisteria Lane series remain sparse. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project is being developed by 20th Television, the same studio behind the original series, and will be executive produced through Washington's Simpson Street production company.
While plot details remain under wraps, E! News reports that the upcoming series Wisteria Lane is characterized as a stylish, provocative blend of dark comedy and mystery, much like its predecessor Desperate Housewives. The new iteration centers on a diverse group of neighbors whose seemingly flawless, social media-ready lifestyles conceal a web of secrets.
"The character I miss writing the most is actually Wisteria Lane," creator Marc Cherry previously told People. "That was the most fun playground anyone in the history of television has ever had, because we owned the whole street. I know that street like the back of my hand."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cherry is not currently involved in the new spinoff, but sources say he could join later on.
When Will 'Wisteria Lane' Come Out?
No premiere date has been announced, as the show is currently in the script development stage. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Hulu and 20th Television are still in the early phases, with casting yet to begin. Production timelines and release schedules are expected to be revealed later in the year.
Kerry Washington attends the Chanel Tribeca Festival luncheon to celebrate Through Her Lens: The Women's Filmmaker Program at The Greenwich Hotel Courtyard on Friday, June 7, 2024, in New York.
Kerry Washington attends the Chanel Tribeca Festival luncheon to celebrate Through Her Lens: The Women's Filmmaker Program at The Greenwich Hotel Courtyard on Friday, June 7, 2024, in New York.
Evan Agostini/AP Photos
What Movies and Shows Has Kerry Washington Worked On?
Kerry Washington rose to prominence through roles in Ray, Save the Last Dance, and The Last King of Scotland. She became a household name playing crisis manager Olivia Pope in Scandal, which aired on ABC from 2012 to 2018. As a producer, Washington launched Simpson Street, her production company, which has developed series like Reasonable Doubt and UnPrisoned, both for Onyx Collective.
When Did 'Desperate Housewives' Premiere?
Desperate Housewives premiered on October 3, 2004, on ABC. The show ran for eight seasons and concluded on May 13, 2012. It starred Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross and Eva Longoria as neighbors whose suburban lives were entangled in secrets, betrayal, and murder. It earned multiple Emmy Awards and was one of the most-watched series of the 2000s.
Why Did 'Desperate Housewives' End?
The series concluded after eight seasons largely due to creator Marc Cherry's desire to wrap up the story on his terms.
"I wanted to go out when the network still saw us as a viable show and a force to contend with," Cherry previously told TV Line in 2011. "We felt from a creative standpoint that this was the right time. I feel so good about it."
He emphasized ending the series before it declined in quality or ratings.
What People Are Saying
Eva Longoria, who played Gabrielle "Gabby" Solis in Desperate Housewives, told Entertainment Tonight last year: "Oh my God, yes! I would be the first to sign up for the reboot. [Desperate Housewives showrunner] Marc Cherry knows that. I've told him a hundred times. I was like, 'Let's do it again. I miss Wisteria Lane. I miss the girls. I miss Gabby Solis. I miss being her.'"
Teri Hatcher, who played Susan Mayer on Desperate Housewives, told E! News in 2023: "I think it's been a long time. We had amazing fans and I know everyone on that show is really grateful for the journey."
What's Next
With Washington at the helm and a known brand in play, Wisteria Lane is poised to attract both longtime fans of Desperate Housewives and a new audience drawn to the rebooted drama's modern storytelling.
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