John Wells and Phoebe Fisher have started shaping their latest television project as early development moves forward at Netflix. The longtime producer and the writer-showrunner are teaming on a new political series that follows emerging voices navigating power, pressure, and ambition in Washington.
John Wells’ The Aisle is in development at Netflix
John Wells is developing The Aisle with Phoebe Fisher as the political drama moves forward at Netflix with Warner Bros. Television. Fisher is writing the series, and Wells is executive producing through John Wells Productions. The logline states that the story follows the young staff of a newly appointed senator as they try to prove that “courage and conviction still have a place in American democracy” while navigating personal turmoil in Washington, DC. Netflix declined comment.
Deadline reported that Wells and Fisher will executive produce with Erin Jontow, while Jacob Epstein and Justin Wolf will serve as co-executive producers. An individual with knowledge told TheWrap that the project centers on workplace dynamics, romances, and rivalries among a new generation of political staffers. The Aisle explores the experiences of newcomers handling political pressure in the nation’s capital.
Wells previously served as an executive producer on The West Wing, which aired from 1999 to 2006. He worked with Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme during the first four seasons. He became head writer after Sorkin’s departure. His credits include ER, Third Watch, Rescue: HI-Surf, The Pitt, Maid, and Untamed. Unaccustomed Earth received a series order earlier this year.
Fisher co-created and co-showran Cruel Intentions for Prime Video. She wrote for I Know What You Did Last Summer, Euphoria, and the feature Down Low. Cruel Intentions was also set in Washington, DC. Representatives for Netflix and Warner Bros. Television declined comment.
If greenlit, The Aisle would join Netflix’s political lineup, which includes The Diplomat. The Diplomat debuted its third season in October and reached 6.3 million views in its second week. The new project has been described as “The West Wing” meets “Industry,” focusing on a new generation working inside Washington.
