Michaela Coel Sets New HBO, BBC Drama Series ‘First Day on Earth’

As a cinephile with a penchant for unique storytelling and diverse perspectives, I am absolutely thrilled about Michaela Coel‘s new drama series “First Day on Earth.” Having been captivated by her work in “I May Destroy You,” I can only imagine the depth and richness this new project will bring to our screens.


Michaela Coel will appear on screen, pen the script, and serve as one of the key decision-makers for an upcoming dramatic television show, which is being jointly produced by HBO and the BBC.

Titled “First Day on Earth,” this upcoming series has Jesse Armstrong, known for creating “Succession,” as part of its executive production team. Alongside him, Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni are also serving as executive producers under Armstrong’s Various Artists Limited banner. Additionally, Jo McClellan is executive producing for the BBC, and Piers Wenger is doing so for A24. Filming for this series is set to commence in 2025.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate once more with VAL, HBO, BBC, and A24. I appreciate their shared discernment, diligence, and professionalism, as it gives me confidence that our project is in capable hands. ‘First Day on Earth’ is another deeply personal tale of mine, one I hope will resonate with global viewers. I can hardly wait for the audience to embark on Henri’s adventure with her.”

The official logline for the series states:

“Henri Coel, a talented British writer, finds herself at a crossroads. Her work has stagnated, and her personal life is unfulfilling. An opportunity to work on a film in Ghana, West Africa – the homeland of her parents and where her estranged father resides – presents itself. Eager to reconnect with her roots, Henri accepts. However, neither the job nor her father’s presence turn out as anticipated, leading Henri into encounters with peril and deception, forging new connections, shattering illusions, and crafting a fresh identity that could either fortify her or potentially shatter her.”

Coel is primarily recognized for developing, acting in, and overseeing the production of the highly praised miniseries “I May Destroy You.” This project brought her into collaboration with the BBC, HBO, and Various Artists. The series premiered in 2020 and was one of the most acclaimed shows of that year. Coel received an Emmy Award for exceptional writing in a limited series, while the show also won an Emmy for outstanding music supervision out of its nine total nominations.

Amy Gravitt, HBO & Max comedy programming’s executive vice president, stated, “Michaela’s words can carry a reader to places no other can.” She expressed her excitement to keep discussing what started with ‘I May Destroy You,’ alongside our valued partners at VAL, A24 and the BBC. With Henri leading the way, ‘First Day on Earth’ is both musical and raw in its exploration of the concept of home.

Coel has earned her first writing credit since “I May Destroy You.” Prior to this, she produced and acted in the E4 series “Chewing Gum,” running for two seasons from 2015 to 2017. As an actress, Coel has appeared in films such as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Been So Long,” and “Monsters: Dark Continent.” Her television appearances include “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “Black Earth Rising,” several episodes of “Black Mirror,” and “Top Boy.” Coel is also set to star in the upcoming A24-distributed film, “Mother Mary.”

She is repped by UTA and Maison 2.

“Clarke and Troni expressed their joy and gratitude for Michaela deciding to present her exceptional new production here, following the incredible collaboration on ‘I May Destroy You.’ Once more, Michaela offers a unique, one-of-a-kind narrative that delves into the connection between England and Ghana through the lens of a British-Ghanaian woman in her second generation. This character embarks on a journey to revisit the homeland of her parents, where she meets an array of unforgettable characters and experiences that compel her to confront challenging home realities. As always with Michaela, it’s both thought-provoking and entertaining, and executed in her distinctive manner.”

“Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, stated, ‘Michaela is an exceptional talent whose work I’ve admired for quite some time. ‘I May Destroy You’ was a major factor in my decision to join the BBC! In ‘First Day on Earth,’ Michaela has crafted yet another must-see series – it’s genuinely unique, heartfelt, funny, and poetic. I can hardly wait for everyone to watch it.’ “

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2024-08-19 17:47