Tracee Ellis Ross to executive produce and voice title character in Daria spin-off series Jodie

Tracee Ellis Ross, 47, is set to executive produce and voice the title character in Comedy Central’s latest adult animated series Jodie.

The series – by creator Grace Edwards and MTV Studios – is a spin-off of the MTV cult classic Daria and will follow Daria’s pal Jodie Landon as she attempts to navigate the trails and tribulations of post-college life.

According to Deadline, Jodie will premiere alongside Comedy Central’s ‘flagship series’ South Park as the network attempts to ramp up their adult animated content. 

Jodie’s series synopsis states that the animated show will pick up with Jodie Landon ‘graduating from college and entering a complicated world.’

While Daria commented on the ‘inane Gen X high school experience’ at fictional Lawndale High School, Jodie will ‘satirize workplace culture, Gen Z struggles, the artifice of social media and more’ as she takes on her first job in the adult world. 

‘With themes of empowerment along gender and racial lines, explorations of privilege, and a wicked sense of humor, Jodie will shine a light on the personal and professional issues young Black women face today.’

There is currently no scheduled premiere date for Jodie.  

Jodie creator and head writer Grace Edwards has lent her talents to shows such as Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer, and HBO’s Insecure.

The first warning sign that Comedy Central had plans to ‘pivot’ their programming focus from live action to animation came in ‘late April when the network ‘laid off the majority of its senior programming team.’

Jodie also marks the first MTV Studios series for Comedy Central ‘as the brands are forging closer ties now that they are part of the same ViacomCBS Entertainment & Youth Group overseen by Chris McCarthy,’ as reported by Deadline.

Jodie was also one of the animated series’ on the ‘inaugural slate of MTV Studios when it launched in 2018’ and there are allegedly several Daria spinoffs being considered.

Daria first premiered on MTV in 1997 and ran for a total of five season until its finale in 2002.