One of television’s most iconic suburban neighborhoods is getting a new life.
Disney’s Onyx Collective is developing a new series titled Wisteria Lane, a reimagining of the hit ABC drama Desperate Housewives. The project is being helmed by writer and executive producer Natalie Chaidez, known for her work on The Flight Attendant and Queen of the South. Also attached to executive produce is acclaimed actress and producer Kerry Washington, whose production company Simpson Street is based at 20th Television, the studio behind the new series.
Wisteria Lane is being developed as a streaming series for Hulu, where Onyx Collective’s other projects are also housed. The new show is set to follow a familiar formula: a seemingly perfect cul-de-sac hiding a web of secrets, lies, and personal drama among its residents. While Marc Cherry, the original creator of Desperate Housewives, is not currently involved in the reboot, sources say he could join the project at a later stage.
The original Desperate Housewives, which aired on ABC from 2004 to 2012, was a groundbreaking blend of mystery, comedy, and melodrama. The show starred Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Nicollette Sheridan, and centered on the mysterious suicide of a neighbor, played by Brenda Strong, who also served as the show’s narrator. The series became an immediate hit, ranking in Nielsen’s top 10 for each of its first five seasons. It ran for eight seasons, totaling 180 episodes, and won seven Emmy Awards.
The show was notable for its mix of high-stakes drama, dark comedy, and sharply drawn female characters, all set against the backdrop of suburban America. At its height, Desperate Housewives was not only a ratings juggernaut but also a cultural phenomenon, spawning international versions, parodies, and academic discourse.
While the original series ended over a decade ago, the appetite for stories set on Wisteria Lane has remained strong. Creator Marc Cherry has previously spoken publicly about the possibility of spin-offs or reboots but had not committed to any official projects. The announcement of Wisteria Lane signals a formal attempt to breathe new life into the franchise, this time with a contemporary lens and a new creative team.
In addition to Chaidez and Washington, the executive producing team includes Pilar Savone of Simpson Street and Stacey Sher under her Shiny Penny banner. The show represents another key collaboration between Simpson Street and Onyx Collective. Washington already serves as executive producer of the legal drama Reasonable Doubt, and also starred in and produced UnPrisoned, both Onyx originals that stream on Hulu.
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The new Wisteria Lane is expected to retain the central themes that made Desperate Housewives so compelling — complex female friendships, mystery, betrayal, and societal satire — but with updated characters and narratives that reflect current cultural and social dynamics. While casting details have yet to be announced, sources suggest the creative team is aiming for a diverse ensemble that aligns with Onyx Collective’s mission of spotlighting creators of color and underrepresented voices.
The project arrives at a time when many networks and streaming platforms are leaning into franchise revivals and legacy IP to draw in both new viewers and long-time fans. Shows like Sex and the City‘s sequel series And Just Like That and the reboot of Frasier have shown that audiences remain interested in revisiting familiar characters and worlds — especially when they are updated to reflect a more modern landscape.
Onyx Collective, an entertainment brand under the Disney umbrella, has positioned itself as a home for premium programming by creators of color. Since its launch, the brand has built a growing slate of dramas, comedies, and documentaries, with an emphasis on character-driven storytelling and cultural nuance.
The development of Wisteria Lane comes as Onyx continues to expand its influence in the scripted television space. The brand has made headlines with recent critical successes and continues to deepen its bench of talent through strategic partnerships and first-look deals.
The return to Wisteria Lane offers both nostalgia and opportunity — a chance to revisit a beloved setting with fresh stories and perspectives. With Washington and Chaidez at the helm, the new iteration promises to bring a unique voice and contemporary sensibility to a series that once redefined network television drama.
More information about Wisteria Lane, including its cast, production timeline, and release date, is expected in the coming months.
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Deadline was the first to report the news.
