Whitney Houston classic 'Waiting to Exhale' is being retooled for TV

The 1995 film Waiting to Exhale, based on the eponymous novel by Terry McMillan, was box office gold when it was released 25 years ago. Directed by Forest Whitaker (in his directorial debut), and starring the late great Whitney Houston and the not-late-but-still-great Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine, it was one of the first major studio films to explore the romantic lives and tight friendship bonds of Black women in America. The incredible accompanying soundtrack also spawned chart-topping hits from Houston, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, and Brandy.And not for nothing, it is also the source of this iconic GIF. We stan a queen who burns it all to the ground.Now Lee Daniels, the mastermind behind the Oscar-winning Monster’s Ball, Precious, and The Butler, is producing a television reboot of the film for ABC.

So, WAITING TO EXHALE is going to be a TV series. Produced by Lee Daniels. Attica Locke and Tembi Locke are writing. Anthony Hemingway will direct. I lucked out.

— Terry McMillan (@MsTerryMcMillan) November 12, 2020

According to Deadline, the show will focus on the four daughters of the original quartet, each struggling with new issues for a 21^st century audience whilst keeping the original humour and vibe of the movie. 20^th Television which is part of ABC’s Disney studios, is behind the reboot, where Daniels’ is under contract. They have given a script commitment with penalty to the show, which is being written by sister team Tembi and Attica Locke. Tembi most recently appeared in Never Have I Ever and Atticia has written episodes for Ava DuVernay's When They See Us, Little Fires Everywhere and Empire. The Locke sisters will also serve as executive producers and the show will be directed by Anthony Hemingway (Genius: Aretha).