THE APEX TIMES
Tracy Oliver and Issa Rae partner on hourlong series “Open” as project secures multiple bids, Deadline reports
Deadline reports that co-creators Tracy Oliver and Issa Rae have teamed for an hourlong drama series titled “Open,” with the project drawing seven offers after being shopped at market.
A new hourlong drama project from Tracy Oliver and Issa Rae is drawing major industry interest as it enters the next stage of television development, Deadline reported on Aug. 27. According to Deadline, the series is titled “Open” and was co-created by Oliver and Rae. Deadline said the series was recently “taken out” as part of the marketplace process, and that it has generated seven offers. Deadline also reported that “Open” is produced by Paramount Television Studios, working under Rae’s first-look deal at the studio. The first-look arrangement is presented by Deadline as part of how the project moved through the early development and packaging phase, leading to industry outreach at market. In the series, Deadline said the premise centers on a married couple who explore a non-traditional arrangement involving the idea of openness in their relationship. Deadline’s description indicates the series is built around the complications that follow as the couple navigates the choices and consequences of that arrangement. Deadline framed the project as part of a wider “power pairing” for Oliver and Rae, highlighting their collaboration on a single series rather than separate projects. The report positions the marketplace reaction as a key early indicator of industry demand for the show as buyers evaluate fit, tone, and the ability to scale the relationship-focused drama for an hourlong format. As of Deadline’s report, details about where the series could land, including which network or streamer may ultimately acquire it, were not specified in the item provided. The next step in the process, as reflected by Deadline’s account of “seven offers,” would typically involve negotiations, final bidding or narrowing of interest, and determination of production commitments, writing, and scheduling.
Deadline’s account indicates that “Open” is already advanced enough to have attracted multiple offers, suggesting that buyers saw sufficient promise in the creative package to begin conversations about potential acquisition. Production timing and distribution plans would be determined following the offers and negotiations described by Deadline.
Why It Matters
- Multiple offers at market suggest strong early buyer interest, which can accelerate negotiations and reduce uncertainty for a project’s next development steps.
- For Paramount Television Studios, the report ties “Open” to Rae’s first-look arrangement, reinforcing how studio deals can channel content into the marketplace.
- For Oliver and Rae, the collaboration represents a consolidated creative partnership that may shape how each creator’s audiences and brand expectations are managed across an hourlong drama.
- A relationship-driven drama about an open marriage, as described by Deadline, reflects ongoing demand for premium television storylines that focus on adult family and partnership dynamics.
Key Facts
- Deadline reported on Aug. 27 that Tracy Oliver and Issa Rae have teamed on an hourlong series titled “Open.”
- Deadline said the series is co-created by Oliver and Rae.
- Deadline reported that “Open” was taken out recently and has garnered seven offers.
- Deadline reported that the show is produced by Paramount Television Studios.
- Deadline said Rae’s first-look arrangement at Paramount Television Studios is tied to the project’s packaging and movement.
- Deadline described the series as centered on a married couple exploring an open relationship arrangement and the fallout that follows.