Ron Leshem partners with Janeiro Studios and Globoplay on Gen-Z drama Paranoia

Ron Leshem, Janeiro Studios and Brazil’s Globoplay will produce Paranoia (photo: Lena Nugent)

MIPCOM: Euphoria creator Ron Leshem is partnering with Janeiro Studios and Brazil’s Globoplay to produce Paranoia, an eight-part returning drama series set entirely in Rio de Janeiro.

Claudia Jouvin

Announced at a Globo party tonight in Cannes, the project marks Leshem’s first move into Latin America and forms part of Janeiro Studios’ strategy to connect Brazilian talent with global creative partners.

Developed under Leshem’s label Crossing Oceans, Paranoia will be co-written by Leshem and Brazilian writer-director Claudia Jouvin, whose recent Globoplay series Perfect Days became both a critical and ratings success. The 8×45’ drama will be coproduced by Globoplay, with additional production partners to be announced in the coming months.

Described by its producers as “Black Swan and Whiplash mixed with the feel-good vibes and payoffs of The Queen’s Gambit and the generation-defining impact of Euphoria,” Paranoia explores contemporary Gen-Z life in Rio through the lens of characters confronting modern anxieties around AI, deep fakes, privacy, mental health and post-pandemic identity.

“Brazil and Brazilian cinema have influenced me throughout my professional career and always felt like a real cultural home,” said Leshem. “I share Janeiro Studios’ vision and am happy to embark on this exciting path with the talented Claudia Jouvin. Together we plan to immerse audiences in Brazil and around the world to explore the complex world of current Gen-Z.”

Koby Gal Raday, CEO of Janeiro Studios, added: “This series embodies the DNA of Janeiro Studios, seamlessly bridging the gap between renowned international talent and Brazilian A-list filmmakers. Globoplay is the ideal home for this unique series, celebrating Rio de Janeiro and connecting audiences from diverse backgrounds.”

Alex Medeiros, head of drama and film at Globoplay, said: “The partnership with Janeiro Studios and the creative collaboration between Ron Leshem and Claudia Jouvin reflect our commitment to telling innovative stories that resonate with new generations. Coproduction is a model that strengthens our portfolio in Brazil while connecting us with new global audiences.”

Paranoia is being produced by Janeiro Studios and Crossing Oceans, Leshem’s joint drama label with longtime collaborator Amit Cohen, alongside producer-writer Daniel Amsel, who also worked on the original Euphoria.