Entertainment
The story behind one of Atlanta’s most popular adults-only landmarks will soon be available on streaming. The STARZ network has acquired Magic City: An American Fantasy, a five-part docuseries exploring the legacy of the famous strip club and its powerful influence on Hip-Hop.
“Magic City: An American Fantasy is a riveting behind-the-curtain look at one of the most unique places in Black culture,” explained Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at STARZ in a statement. “The docuseries’ unprecedented insider access and history unveiled from those who built its empire is a perfect complement to STARZ’s slate of adult, culture-driving shows.”
“From politicians to artists, to drug kingpins, Magic City has been a home for a broad cross-section of Black Atlanta for decades. Everyone should know the unbelievable story of this institution and the man who founded it, and STARZ is the perfect partner to bring it to the world. We’re thrilled,” added
Creator and executive producer Cole Brown.
Magic City has been a legendary Atlanta institution and launchpad for countless Hip-Hop artists since 1985, raising the club’s reputation as the “Black Studio 54.” The program aims to dive deeply into its storied rise to global prominence and how it became a definitive king-maker with regular clientele including 2 Chainz, Nelly, Shaquille O’Neal, Quavo, Killer Mike, Big Boi, and more.
Magic City: An American Fantasy also tells the story of its founder, Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney as well as touching on the many lives of the women most responsible for the club’s mystique.
The documentary series first premiered to critical acclaim at the SXSW Festival in 2024 and will make its STARZ debut this summer.
“When our family became the Majority Owners of The Atlanta Hawks, the Barneys were the very first people to welcome us to the city,” shared executive producer, Jami Gertz. “They reached out to us with open arms and that great southern hospitality, not to mention the fact that Juju Barney and my sons became fast friends. I am honored to be a part of bringing their family’s story to the world. It’s a tale of tremendous heart and hustle! And a true love letter to our adopted home of Atlanta, Georgia!”
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DeMicia Inman