Druski is bringing one of his most popular comedy characters to Netflix.
The comedian will star alongside Mike Epps in Collect & Praise, a new semi-scripted comedy series premiering on the streaming platform December 1. The show is based on Druski’s viral money-hungry megachurch pastor character, which first gained attention through his internet sketches and later appeared at the BET Awards.
Druski will play the pastor, while Epps will portray his deacon. According to the series’ logline, the two characters will “scheme their way through scandal, chaos and controversy” as they attempt to maintain control of their church and navigate the problems created by their questionable behavior.
The series represents a major step forward for Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes. At 32, he is adapting one of his well-known online personas into a long-form television production for the first time.
Druski built his career by financing and distributing his own comedy independently through social media. His characters and sketches became popular online before attracting attention from major entertainment companies. Collect & Praise marks his first major partnership within the Hollywood studio system.
The show is also the first project created under a multiyear agreement between Druski and Netflix. Through his production company, 4Lifers Entertainment, he will develop original content exclusively for the streaming service.
As part of the partnership, Netflix will also license selected projects from Druski’s existing catalog. Those titles include Coulda Been Love, Coulda Been Daddy, Coulda Been Records Auditions, and a collection of his comedic sketches.
The projects have already generated a massive online audience. Druski’s YouTube series and other digital content have collectively surpassed 1 billion views, helping establish him as one of the most successful comedians to emerge from the social media era.
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The move to Netflix gives Druski an opportunity to expand the characters that helped build his audience while reaching viewers who may be less familiar with his online work. His pastor character became especially popular because of its exaggerated portrayal of celebrity preachers, church culture, ambition, and financial excess.
Druski said the partnership will allow him to develop his comedy on a larger scale while maintaining the creative foundation that made his work successful online.
“I’ve built my platform by creating characters and comedy that resonate with people,” Druski said in a statement. “This partnership with Netflix will give me the resources to build on that comedy foundation and bring my work to a new global audience.”
He added, “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our team at 4Lifers Entertainment to expand our reach, develop original programming for the masses and take our creativity to new heights.”
With Epps joining him as the deacon, Collect & Praise also pairs Druski with an established comedy and acting veteran. The two are expected to anchor a series that combines scripted television storytelling with the loose, improvisational style associated with Druski’s online sketches.
Collect & Praise premieres on Netflix December 1.