Tessa Thompson’s New Hulu Series Takes Cues From the Pandemic Puzzle Boom

Like you, Tessa Thompson also turned to jigsaw puzzles during the early days of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the actor will bring a new puzzle-centered, conversation-driven series to Hulu. Inspired by shows like “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” and “Iconoclasts,” Thompson’s series will connect a pair of compelling public figures and thought leaders across different industries as they meet and get to know one another through conversation — all while assembling a jigsaw puzzle together. 

“This idea was the result of doing a jigsaw puzzle with my family and being struck with the unfettered and candid style of conversation that the activity inspired,” Thompson explained to The Hollywood Reporter. “We coined the term ‘Puzzle Talk’ and I began to think about the limitless possibilities surrounding the concept of a show with public figures and/or compelling personalities as guests and subjects while tackling a jigsaw puzzle together.” 

Thompson said the pitch was conceived pre-pandemic, but the rapid rise in jigsaw puzzles sales — ones “unmatched since the Great Depression” — served as a basis of the show, according to the actor. “I think now more than ever people are craving ways to connect, find joy, be introspective and problem solve across disparate points of view,” Thompson told THR. “I’m elated to partner with Hulu to make this singular series that speaks to these desires.”

The series is still in early development stages. No official title or premiere has been announced. Thompson will executive produce alongside Ken Druckerman and Banks Tarver. The news comes after the “Sylvie’s Love” actor launched her own production company, Viva Maude, earlier this year and inked a two-year deal with HBO and HBO Max. On top of those projects, Thompson is also set to reprise her role as Valkyrie in 2022’s “Thor: Love and Thunder.”