First Day on Earth: Details Emerge on Michaela Coel’s Upcoming Project

Award-winning writer and actress Michaela Coel is set to reunite with HBO and the BBC for a new ten-episode drama series titled First Day on Earth. Coel will write, star in, and executive produce the project, which is being co-produced by the two networks and produced in association with A24.

The series follows British novelist Henri (Coel) as she reaches a crossroads in her life. With her career stalled and her personal life stagnant, she accepts a job offer in Ghana, her parents’ homeland. Seeking a fresh start and a chance to reconnect with her estranged father, Henri embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

However, her expectations are quickly shattered as she navigates a complex world filled with both danger and unexpected opportunities. Henri must confront her identity, challenge her preconceptions, and forge new connections as she grapples with the complexities of her heritage.

First Day on Earth promises to be a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of identity, belonging, and the search for home. Coel’s signature blend of humor, raw emotion, and social commentary is expected to be at the forefront of the series.

“Michaela’s words have the ability to transport the reader like no other,” said Amy Gravitt, Executive Vice President, HBO & Max Comedy Programming. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the conversation that began with ‘I May Destroy You,’ alongside our close collaborators at VAL, A24 and the BBC. With Henri as our guide, First Day on Earth is as lyrical as it is visceral in its excavation of the idea of home.”

Coel expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am delighted to be working with VAL, HBO and the BBC again, and to partner with A24; thanks to all of their combined taste, care and expertise, I feel our show is in great hands. First Day on Earth is another very personal story for me which I hope will engage viewers from all over the world, and I can’t wait for audiences to go on Henri’s journey with her.”   

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added, “Michaela is one of those exceptional talents who comes along rarely. I May Destroy You is one of the reasons I wanted to join the BBC! In First Day on Earth, Michaela has created another unmissable series – truly original, heartfelt, hilarious, poetic storytelling and told in a way that only Michaela can. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

First Day on Earth is executive produced by Coel, Jesse Armstrong (HBO’s Succession), Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni for Various Artists Limited, Jo McClellan for the BBC, and Piers Wenger for A24. Filming is scheduled to commence next year.