*STARZ has officially announced the premiere date for “Magic City: An American Fantasy,” a five-part docuseries that unpacks the captivating world of Atlanta’s most iconic strip club.
The network also released a teaser video and first-look photos offering an intimate glimpse into the story behind the club’s enduring legacy. Featured prominently are the club’s founder, Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney, and executive producers Drake and Jermaine Dupri, alongside the dancers whose artistry and presence shaped Magic City’s influence.
Described as an immersive and unexpected journey, “Magic City: An American Fantasy” charts the club’s nearly 40-year rise to cultural significance. With candid interviews from music and sports luminaries like 2 Chainz, Nelly, Shaquille O’Neal, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi, the series paints a vivid oral history of how Magic City became a central force in hip-hop and Black culture.
More than just a hotspot for celebrities, Magic City was notably linked to the B.M.F. drug gang and served as the backdrop for a viral 2020 get-out-the-vote campaign appearance by Stacey Abrams. DJs from the club are often credited with launching the careers of major artists, solidifying Magic City’s role as a king-maker in the industry.
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Premiering to acclaim at the 2024 SXSW Festival, the docuseries is created and executive-produced by Cole Brown. Additional executive producers include Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment, Jermaine Dupri, and Jami Gertz. The project is directed by Charles Todd and produced by Scheme Engine, a BIPOC-owned studio emphasizing women and minority representation.
“From politicians, to artists, to drug kingpins, Magic City has been a home for a broad cross-section of Black Atlanta for decades,” said series creator and executive producer Cole Brown. “Everyone should know the unbelievable story of this institution and the man who founded it, and STARZ is the perfect partner to bring it to the world. We’re thrilled.”
Executive producer Jami Gertz also reflected on the club’s importance, particularly through her connection to the Barney family. “When our family became the Majority Owners of The Atlanta Hawks, the Barneys were the very first people to welcome us to the city,” Gertz shared.
“They reached out to us with open arms and that great southern hospitality, not to mention the fact that Juju Barney and my sons became fast friends. I am honored to be a part of bringing their family’s story to the world. It’s a tale of tremendous heart and hustle! And a true love letter to our adopted home of Atlanta, Georgia!”
The series will debut on Friday, August 15, streaming weekly on Fridays across STARZ’s app and digital platforms. The linear premiere is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S., immediately following the season finale of BMF. In Canada, the docuseries will air at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on August 15, with future episodes airing Fridays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
