Gabrielle Union is expanding her presence behind and in front of the camera with a new television project in development at HBO Max. The actress and producer is attached as an executive producer on Debbie and is also in discussions to take on the lead role in the upcoming legal drama.
The series is being developed as a character driven procedural that explores redemption, justice and personal reinvention through the story of a once-prominent attorney whose life is turned upside down.
A fallen legal star seeks a second chance
At the center of the drama is Debbie Powell, a high profile lawyer whose career takes a dramatic hit after a very public downfall. Once regarded as a formidable force in the legal world, Debbie suddenly finds herself facing the challenge of rebuilding both her reputation and her professional life.
Rather than stepping away from the courtroom, the character pivots to a new role as a public defender in Atlanta. There, she uses the skills, determination and connections that once made her successful to advocate for clients who often find themselves overlooked by the justice system.
The series is expected to blend procedural storytelling with deeper character exploration as Debbie navigates difficult cases while attempting to restore her standing and rediscover her sense of purpose.
Creative team behind the project
Debbie comes from writers and executive producers Bradley Bredeweg and Matthew Thomas. Bredeweg is best known as the co creator of the family drama The Fosters, which earned praise for its emotional storytelling and socially relevant themes.
Joining the production team is Jenny Frankfurt, who will also serve as an executive producer. Union’s production company, I’ll Have Another, is producing alongside the creative team, continuing the actress’s growing involvement in developing television and film projects.
The show’s creative premise focuses on the personal and professional costs of starting over. According to the project’s description, the drama examines the delicate balance between justice and survival while following a lawyer determined to prove she still has something valuable to offer.
HBO Max continues investing in procedural dramas
The development of Debbie reflects HBO Max’s broader interest in procedural storytelling. In recent years, the streaming platform has expanded its slate with projects that combine the familiarity of classic television formats with more serialized and character focused narratives.
Industry observers have noted the success of medical and legal dramas that offer both standalone cases and long-form character arcs. HBO Max appears to be building on that approach by developing series that can attract audiences looking for compelling weekly stories while also delivering emotional depth.
With its focus on a flawed but determined protagonist, Debbie fits squarely within that strategy. The legal setting provides opportunities for high-stakes courtroom battles, while Debbie’s personal journey offers a foundation for ongoing character development.
A busy period for Gabrielle Union
The potential new role arrives during an active chapter in Union’s career. Over the years, she has successfully balanced acting, producing and entrepreneurial ventures, becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable multi-hyphenate talents.
In addition to her work on Debbie, Union has recently appeared in the comedy-horror film Forbidden Fruits and lent her voice to the animated feature Goat. She also has another project, The Casket Girls, on the horizon.
Behind the scenes, Union continues to build her producing portfolio through I’ll Have Another, a company focused on developing stories across television and film. Her involvement in Debbie further highlights her commitment to projects centered on complex characters and fresh perspectives.
While the project remains in development, the combination of Union’s star power, an experienced creative team and a compelling legal drama premise positions Debbie as a series to watch. If negotiations are finalized, Union would not only help shape the show’s creative direction as an executive producer but also bring its central character to life on screen.
For now, HBO Max continues developing the series as part of its expanding lineup, with Debbie aiming to deliver a story about resilience, redemption and the pursuit of justice from an entirely new perspective.
