A Docuseries That Redefines the Magic City Story
*“Magic City: An American Fantasy” is a five-part STARZ docuseries that reveals the untold history of Atlanta’s most influential Black cultural hub.
For over four decades, Magic City has been more than a strip club—it has been a cultural institution shaping the worlds of music, entertainment, and business.
Through a dynamic and artistic lens, the series examines Magic City’s role in Southern hip-hop’s rise, its influence on Atlanta’s nightlife, and its impact on women’s empowerment in the entertainment industry. The project is spearheaded by creator and executive producer Cole Brown, with executive production by Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment, Jermaine Dupri, and Jami Gertz.
Directed by Charles Todd and produced by the BIPOC-owned Scheme Engine, the series features showrunner Bayan Joonam, executive producers Devin Amar and Alex Kaplan, and producers Ashley Brooke and Marlowe Blue.
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The Inspiration Behind the Series
Brown, in an interview with EURweb associate Kenny Pettis Jr., revealed that the idea began nearly four years ago during a conversation with Jermaine Dupri. While collaborating on a book project, Dupri shared unforgettable stories involving himself, Janet Jackson, Big Meech, Quincy Jones, and others inside Magic City.
Cole Brown: “It was him (Jermaine Dupri) and it was Janet Jackson and it was Big Meech and it was Quincy Jones. I mean, these stories that just like you wouldn’t believe. I remember when I was in the studio with him, saying… There might be something over here that’d be interesting to get into as well.”
This spark led Brown to connect with the club’s owners, the Barney family, and build trust with both management and dancers. The long development process also brought in industry heavyweights who understood Magic City’s deep ties to Atlanta culture.
Three Core Stories Driving the Docuseries
For Brown, the series revolves around three essential narratives:
- Mr. Magic’s American Dream: The club’s founder (Michael “Magic” Barney) moved from Camden, NJ to Atlanta in 1979 with little money, building an empire he would later pass to his sons.
- The Birth of Atlanta Hip-Hop: When Magic City opened in 1985, the city’s rap scene barely existed. Today, it’s a global epicenter—many hits were born in this club.
- The Dancers’ Stories: Brown wanted to authentically portray the women who helped build the club’s reputation, challenging stereotypes and highlighting their strength, independence, and entrepreneurship.
Cole Brown: “When you talk to these women, they’re like some of the most strong, powerful people you’ve ever spoken to… it is so different than what I think people will expect of them.”
Changing Perceptions Through Storytelling
Brown hopes viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of the club’s role in Atlanta’s social and economic landscape. He sees Magic City as a lens through which to explore Black wealth building, women’s empowerment, and cultural innovation.
Cole Brown: “The Magic City story is the story of Black wealth building in Atlanta. It’s the story of strong, independent, entrepreneurial women in Atlanta. It’s the story of culture and hip hop in Atlanta.”
The goal, Brown says, is for audiences to finish all five episodes thinking, “Wow, that really wasn’t what I expected.”
Premiere Date and Viewing Information
“Magic City: An American Fantasy” premieres August 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on STARZ. Remaining episodes will air weekly on Fridays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The series promises to blend history, music, and personal stories, offering a compelling look into a cultural institution that helped shape modern Atlanta.
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