Freeform is introducinga new kind of cult leaderfor the modern day - the New York City “It Girl.” Collider can exclusively reveal the first key art forPraise Petey, a new animated series followingAnnie Murphy’s Petra, aka Petey, who goes from living a highly-curated lifestyle in the Big Apple to becoming the head of her deceased father’s small-town cult New Utopia. Throughout the show, she’ll come into her own as a “girl boss,” finding her voice and modernizing New Utopia to make the most of her father’s final gift to her. Hailing from formerSaturday Night Livehead writerAnna Drezen, the series #blesses Freeform on July 21.
Petey is the center of attention in the key art, dressed like a posh New York socialite among her small-town cult members who don ceremonial robes. She’s sitting on a stone throne amidst a thick patch of flowers and candles, contrasting heavily with her and her mother’s look that hasn’t changed one bit to fit the rural lifestyle. She has all the essentialsa stereotypical cult leaderneeds around her - a suspicious container full of totally normal Kool-Aid, a comedically large goblet with an occult symbol on it, and followers at her beck and call including one with a ceremonial dagger and another curled up next to her like a pet. It all serves to highlight the “delightful absurdity” the series promises along with “quippy dialogue” andplenty of satireas it lampoons both cults and the big city social scene.
Murphy comes intoPraise Peteyafter starring as the titular TV executive in the recentBlack Mirror Season 6 episode “Joan is Awful"oppositeSalma Hayek. She’s joined in the animated series byChristine Baranskiwho plays Petey’s mother,John Chowho is her greatest nemesis, andKiersey Clemonsas her friend. Rounding out the cast areBarry’sStephen RootandAmy Hill.
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Praise PeteyBoasts a Creative Team to Die For
On top of its talented cast,Praise Peteyhails from an acclaimed creative team headlined by Drezen who’s been working on the series for some time. Back in late 2021,Drezen announced her departure from the sketch comedy giantin order to focus her efforts entirely on the new Freeform animated comedy which she created, wrote, and executive produced. She’s also joined by Emmy-winningKing of the HillduoMike JudgeandGreg Danielsalong withthe series reboot’s producerDustin Daviswho all serve as executive producers through the Bandera Entertainment banner. Animation forPraise Peteyis being handled by ShadowMachine with the company’sAlex BulkleyandCorey Campodonicoalso executive producing withCentral Park’sMonica Padrick. The series is produced by 20th Century Television.
Praise Peteypremieres on Freeform on July 21 and will be available to stream on Hulu.
