While we wait for news on Lana Wachowski’s solo directorial effort in the upcoming “The Matrix 4,” we have a new Lilly Wachowski TV project coming out soon. The Showtime LGBTQ comedy series “Work in Progress” created by and starring Chicago improv mainstay Abby McEnany and co-written by Wachowski, which is set to premiere later this year.
Following the Sundance premiere of its pilot, and ahead of its premiere, Showtime has finally released the first trailer for the show, based on McEnany’s 2016 solo show which was produced at the iO Theater in Chicago. In the tailer, we meet Abby, a depressed “self-identified fat, queer dyke” whose misfortune and despair unexpectedly lead her to a transformative relationship, but not before her therapist suddenly dies in the middle of a session. We also see Abby meet “Saturday Night Live” alum Julia Sweeney, whose “It’s Pat” character apparently ruined her life, and complain about how her life “is harder than anybody else’s!” in the presence of a disabled child.
The show promises to be another funny yet emotionally-driven comedy dealing with depression and identity issues, but with a stronger focus on LGBTQ relationships than most other shows. Indeed, the trailer shows Abby strike up a relationship with Chris, a trans man who surprisingly understands much of her troubles.
“Work in Progress” is created by McEnany and Tim Mason, and is Lilly Wachowski’s first project post “Sense 8.” The series also stars Karin Anglin and Celeste Pechou, and premieres on Showtime on December 8.
Here is the synopsis for “Work in Progress:
Abby is a 45-year-old self-identified fat, queer dyke whose misfortune and despair unexpectedly lead her to a vibrantly transformative relationship. Chicago improv mainstay Abby McEnany co-created and stars in this uniquely human comedy series.