P-Valley Gets Docuseries Treatment at Starz

Starz is heading down south with Uncle Clifford.

The Lionsgate-backed premium cable network has ordered Down in the Valley, a half-hour docuseries exploring the Deep South with P-Valley star Nicco Annan set to host. The six-episode series will launch at a date to be determined this year and explore the people, music, culture and stories of the South, per Starz, as the show will feature everything from strip clubs to sex workshops, rap performances and ancient hoodoo rituals. 

The order for Down in the Valley arrives as P-Valley — from creator Katori Hall — has been off the air for nearly two years. Sources say production on P-Valley is expected to resume later this year, though the show is not expected to air in 2024.

“P-Valley has authentically captured Southern Black culture in our fictional world of Chuccalisa and piqued the curiosity of our Pynk Posse to learn more,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz. “Down in the Valley is a natural companion to our hit scripted series and we’re thrilled to be working again with Nicco as he invites audiences for a cultural exchange and understanding of the real South. Viewers will be captivated by the parallels drawn between the real-life experiences of Southern communities and the compelling narratives Katori shares in P-Valley.”

Zero Point Zero will produce Down in the Valley, with Annan exec producing alongside P-Valley creator Hall, Lydia Tenaglia and Chris Collins.

“I can’t wait for y’all to get a taste of this fiercely unpredictable, deep-dive dance into Southern culture. It’s a black mirror of sorts,” said Annan, who has played Uncle Clifford since Hall’s play, Pussy Valley, and reprised the character in the Starz drama. “Going through the experience of watching Down in the Valley, the audience will immerse and connect with culture beyond the narrow lens of their everyday neighborhoods, and see through a mirrored reflection the forgotten Black American South like never before. Down in the Valley … it is what it is!!!”

Starz is no stranger to offshoots of its successful scripted shows. The cabler, which is in the midst of a split from Lionsgate, also has an Outlander offshoot — Men in Kilts — that serves as a similar travelogue.