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Apple TV+ reveals first look at upcoming dark comedy 'Physical'

Apple on Friday revealed a first look at upcoming Apple TV+ dramedy "Physical," set to debut on the streaming platform in summer 2021.

The 10-episode original series, created by Annie Weisman, stars Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Rose Byrne as Sheila Rubin, a woman who gets hooked on aerobics and starts a business videotaping the exercise.

Here's how Apple describes the series:

Set in the idyllic but fragile beach paradise of sunny 1980s San Diego, "Physical" is a half-hour dark comedy following Sheila Rubin (played by Byrne), a quietly tortured, seemingly dutiful housewife supporting her smart but controversial husband's bid for state assembly. But behind closed doors, Sheila has her own darkly funny take on life she rarely lets the world see. She's also battling a complex set of personal demons relating to her self-image that is, until she finds release through the unlikeliest source: the world of aerobics.

According to the description, the series follows Sheila's "epic journey from a stifled, overlooked enabler to a powerful, confident economic force, as Sheila transforms into someone we take for granted today (but was entirely radical at the time) — the female lifestyle guru."

Alongside Byrne, "Physical" will see Rory Scovel co-star as Sheila's husband, Danny. A previous report indicated that Lou Taylor Pucci and Paul Sparks have also signed onto the series.

Show creator Weisman is known for her work on "Suburgatory," "Desperate Housewives," and "About a Boy."

The series is being produced by Tomorrow Studios. Weisman and Byrne will serve as executive producers alongside Alex Cunningham, Marty Adelstein, and Becky Clements. Craig Gillespie directed the pilot, while Liza Johnson and Stephanie Laing also serve as directors.

Apple revealed the new details and first look at the series at the Television Critics Association Winter 2021 Press Tour.

The company first signaled interest in obtaining the series in early 2020. In May 2020, it signed a two-year overall deal with Weisman.



2 Comments

22july2013 11 Years · 3736 comments

If the show is called Physical, and is set in the 80s, and is about a fitness instructor, then they sure better have paid for the rights to use the song Physical as its theme song.

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/d0b19089-43de-40e3-ab26-512d32d4d417 <-- two second video from The IT Crowd

StrangeDays 8 Years · 12986 comments

If the show is called Physical, and is set in the 80s, and is about a fitness instructor, then they sure better have paid for the rights to use the song Physical as its theme song.

It's a good thing Apple has you looking out for them w/ the free legal advice.