Will Smith's "This Joka" Series Canceled By Roku: Report

BY Erika Marie 4.9K Views
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The stand-up comedy series' cancelation reportedly had nothing to do with Smith's Oscars scandal involving Chris Rock.

Another Will Smith project has reportedly received the ax, but according to reports, it has nothing to do with the recent Oscars incident. Ever since the world witnessed Smith walk upon the Academy Awards stage and slap Chris Rock, the beloved actor has been met with a wave of backlash. Not only has he endured public, global scrutiny, but Smith has also been subjected to harsh criticisms from his entertainment peers.

Although he nor Rock have formally come forward with in-depth discussions about what occurred on the Oscars stage, there has been repeated news about Smith losing out on opportunities.

Neilson Barnard / Staff / Getty Images

We previously reported on Netflix announcing that they have decided not to move forward with Bright 2, a sequel to Smith's applauded 2017 film. Now, reports Deadline, the streaming platform Roku has opted not to renew This Joka for a second season. Smith was an executive producer on the stand-up comedy series, and Deadline states that the cancelation doesn't have anything to do with what occurred at the Oscars.

"Roku is believed to never really have had the option to renew the series, which is produced by Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Topgolf Entertainment Group. The option to renew lapsed before Roku launched the show, and certainly before the streamer had the chance to analyse its viewing data, meaning that it was unlikely to return for a second season on the platform."

Additionally, Netflix has reportedly also shelved another stand-up project by Smith. It is described as being a type of variety show and it is unclear if it will move forward in the future.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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