*Whoopi Goldberg’s new series “Strut” – the first reality modeling show to focus solely on transgender artists – premieres tonight at 9 p.m. on Oxygen.
As previously reported, the series follows a group of models signed to Slay Model Management, an exclusively transgender modeling agency.
“They’re the best people in the world,” says Goldberg, who executive produces with her One Hoe Productions producing partner Tom Leonardis.
Goldberg tells Variety she got to know and learn about the co-ed trans cast just by spending time with them. “I didn’t ask them very many questions. We just hung out,” she says.
One of the cast members is Isis King, who also appeared on “America’s Next Top Model.” But don’t expect “Strut” to be a transgender version of “ANTM.” The show has more of docuseries format, rather than a reality competition, notes Variety.
“Our programming commitment is to showcase people on journeys to find their truth — and be their truth. This is a generation who most definitely aren’t going to be confined by yesterday’s social mores and rules,” Rod Aissa, executive vice president of original programming and development at Oxygen, tells the publication.
Aissa says Oxygen was especially interested in the project because of Goldberg and Leonardis’ attachment, which gave him confidence that the series would have “integrity and heart.”
Aissa adds that Goldberg’s “attention to the nuances” of the trans models has pushed the production to a new level. “If you have watched any interview Whoopi Goldberg has done, or even just a few minutes of her stand out work on ‘The View,’ you know Whoopi’s passion and drive carries over to everything she touches,” he tells Variety.
As for Goldberg’s day job on “The View,” which recently kicked off its 20th season, the co-host isn’t sure how much longer she’ll stay on the ABC talk show, saying she’s “taking things one day at a time.”
“Strut” hails from Whoopi’s One Hoe Productions and 44 Blue Productions. It premieres tonight on Oxygen at 9 p.m.
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