Apple TV+ greenlights Stiller-Chastain series ‘The Off Weeks’

Apple TV+ has greenlit “The Off Weeks,” an eight-episode limited series starring Ben Stiller and Jessica Chastain, with both actors also serving as executive producers.

The series follows recently divorced professor Gus Adler (Stiller) who struggles during custody weeks with his children while falling dangerously in love with mysterious Stella West (Chastain) during his off weeks.

Michael Showalter will direct the series through his Semi-Formal Productions, with Alissa Nutting (“Made for Love”) serving as showrunner.

The announcement comes just days after Apple secured its best-ever Emmy performance with 22 wins, including record-breaking victories for “The Studio” and “Severance”.

Apple Studios and Wiip will produce the series, marking Stiller’s latest collaboration with Apple TV+ following his Emmy-winning work on “Severance,” which became the platform’s most-watched series ever.

Apple TV+ has officially greenlit “The Off Weeks,” an eight-episode limited series starring Ben Stiller and Jessica Chastain, marking another high-profile acquisition for the streaming platform as it continues to expand its award-winning slate following record Emmy success.

The series, announced Tuesday, will star Stiller as Gus Adler, a recently divorced writing professor struggling to maintain stability during custody weeks with his children while becoming dangerously infatuated with Stella West, portrayed by Chastain, during his off weeks. Both actors will serve as executive producers on the project.appleinsider

Apple’s Streaming Momentum Following Emmy Triumph

The announcement comes on the heels of Apple TV+’s best-ever Emmy performance, with the platform securing 22 wins at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards just two days earlier. Apple’s comedy series “The Studio” made history as the most-winning freshman comedy ever with 13 Emmy victories, while “Severance” led as the year’s most-winning drama with eight awards.forbes

According to Apple, the platform now boasts 622 total awards and 2,816 nominations since its 2019 launch. “Severance,” which Stiller executive produces and directs, became Apple TV+’s most-watched series of all time earlier this year, surpassing “Ted Lasso” in viewership.thefutoncritic

Creative Team and Production Details

Michael Showalter will direct and executive produce “The Off Weeks” through his Semi-Formal Productions, having developed the project alongside showrunner Alissa Nutting, known for “Made for Love” and “Teenage Euthanasia”. The series represents a rare return to acting for Stiller, who has primarily focused on directing and producing in recent years, including his work on “Severance”.appleinsider

According to 9to5Mac, Stiller was initially considered for an acting role in “Severance” when Apple ordered the series in 2019, but ultimately chose to remain behind the camera. The project marks Stiller’s latest collaboration with Apple following “Severance” and the upcoming documentary “Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost”.thefutoncritic

Chastain, who stars in the upcoming Apple TV+ thriller “The Savant” debuting September 26, is building a significant relationship with the platform. She is also attached to star alongside Adam Driver in another Apple series called “The Dealer”.9to5mac

Streaming Wars Context

The greenlight reflects Apple’s continued investment in premium content as streaming platforms battle for subscribers and critical recognition. Despite Apple TV+’s critical success, the platform holds just 8% market share in the US streaming wars, trailing leaders Netflix (20%) and Amazon Prime Video (21%).dataconomy

Apple Studios and Wiip will produce the series, though no release date has been announced as filming has not yet begun.appleinsider