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Jenji Kohan Critiques Potential Weeds Sequel, Advocates for Positive Storytelling
Renowned screenwriter and producer Jenji Kohan has expressed her disapproval of the widely speculated sequel to her iconic series Weeds, branding the initiative as a mere “money grab.”
Kohan, the creative force behind the original Weeds, which aired from August 2005 to September 2012, is known for her exploration of complex themes through the lens of dark comedy. The series tells the story of Nancy Botwin, played by Mary-Louise Parker, a widowed mother who resorts to selling marijuana to provide for her family.
At the Seriesly Berlin TV conference in Germany, Kohan articulated her skepticism about the current relevance of Weeds, particularly in an era where marijuana is legal in nearly 40 states across the U.S.
“I don’t really know if there’s more story to tell,” she stated, as reported by Deadline. “I think Weeds was done, and I think [a sequel] would be a money grab.”
She elaborated further by stating, “They can do what they want, but this wouldn’t be associated with the team that made [the original series]. I believe many new narratives are awaiting exploration. Weeds reflected a specific moment in time and isn’t as pertinent anymore.”
The idea of a Weeds sequel first emerged in 2019 when Starz initiated development efforts with Parker attached as both lead and executive producer. However, the project faced delays and eventually shifted to Showtime, where updates have been scarce in recent years.
Kohan’s prolific writing career includes contributions to famous shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Gilmore Girls, Sex and the City, and Friends. She also created the critically acclaimed Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, showcasing her ability to tackle complex social themes. Most recently, she served as an executive producer for Netflix’s medieval black comedy The Decameron.
Looking ahead, Kohan conveyed her desire for narratives that emphasize positivity rather than dwelling in dystopian themes. At the Seriesly conference, she proclaimed, “Dystopia is bad for us; it’s sh***y, it’s lazy. I’m on a huge kick to say: ‘Stop with the f***ing dystopia.’”
She elaborated on her perspective, arguing that continual exposure to bleak narratives shapes our beliefs about the future. “We’re fed a diet of dystopia, and over time, we internalize that the future is a dumpster fire, and then we manifest it,” Kohan explained.
While she does not advocate for only happy endings, Kohan stressed the importance of balancing narratives with themes of joy and hope. “You’ll always have conflicts like hating your mother-in-law or experiencing bad sex, but it’s crucial to recognize that amidst these struggles, there is also beauty and hope in the world,” she articulated.
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