True crime stories continue to pop up on every network and every streaming service. As the stories get weirder and more bizarre, the tales become more and more sensational. Some of the stories are ones that were big news when they happened while others fell under the radar until they get retold in a limited series format. Welcome to Chippendales hits all of the boxes for what a true crime story needs to be but adds in the fun of a retro look at the 1980s as well as dramatic turns from actors we have come to see in comedic roles.
Welcome to Chippendales follows Somen ‘Steve’ Banerjee (Kumail Nanjiani) as he opens a nightclub that evolves into the first all-male strip club that became famous around the world. With the input of Paul Snider (Dan Stevens) and his wife, Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten (Nicola Peltz), Banerjee meets his future wife Irene (Annaleigh Ashford) and choreographer Nick De Noia (Murray Bartlett). When things between Steve and Nick become contentious, the series devolves into a story of jealousy, hitmen, murder, and suicide. It is a crazy story about sex, drugs, and strippers that you have to see to believe.
I got the chance to talk about the series with stars Kumail Nanjiani, Annaleigh Ashford, and Murray Bartlett. Kumail Nanjiani told me about the challenge of playing his most dramatic role to date and how the chemistry between him and Annaleigh helped drive the story. Annaleigh Ashford was excited to play this role and told me what she thought of playing another true character after her great turn in Impeachment: American Crime Story. Murray Bartlett talked about his experiences with this series after his awesome turn in The White Lotus as well as another 1980s set series, Physical. Check out the full interviews in the embed above. Read our review here!
Welcome to Chippendales premieres on November 22nd on Hulu.
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