Tessa Thompson Sets Puzzle Show at Hulu (Exclusive)

The pandemic puzzle craze has inspired a Hulu series.

Tessa Thompson is teaming with the Disney-owned streamer to develop an untitled puzzle show that is inspired by conversation-driven shows like Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and Iconoclasts.

The project, which is currently in the early development stages, will bring together a pair of compelling public figures and thought leaders across various fields who may be acquainted — or who may be perfect strangers. Each episode will see the two figures meet and get a new sense of one another through conversation while working together to assemble a jigsaw puzzle.

Thompson will exec produce via her Viva Maude banner. The project falls outside of her recent overall deal with WarnerMedia-backed HBO and HBO Max.

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“This idea was the result of doing a jigsaw puzzle with my family and being struck with the unfettered and candid style of conversation that the activity inspired,” Thompson told THR in a statement. “We coined the term ‘Puzzle Talk’ and I began to think about the limitless possibilities surrounding the concept of a show with public figures and/or compelling personalities as guests and subjects while tackling a jigsaw puzzle together. Though the pitch was conceived pre-pandemic; we witnessed a huge spike in interest in jigsaw puzzles resulting in sales unmatched since the Great Depression. I think now more than ever people are craving ways to connect, find joy, be introspective and problem solve across disparate points of view. I’m elated to partner with Hulu to make this singular series that speaks to these desires.”

Thompson exec produces alongside Ken Druckerman and Banks Tarver of Left/Right. Since launching her production company and signing a two-year development deal in January, Thompson has TV adaptations of books Who Fears Death and The Secret Lives of Church Ladies in the works at HBO and HBO Max, respectively. She’s repped by WME, Mosaic and Jackoway Austen.