The Kaipher Editorial Team 
Apple TV+ has officially greenlit “The Off Weeks,” an eight-episode limited series starring Ben Stiller and Jessica Chastain, marking another high-profile acquisition for the streaming platform as it continues expanding its award-winning slate following record Emmy success (Apple Insider).
Plot and Star Power
The series will star Stiller as Gus Adler, a recently divorced writing professor struggling to maintain stability during custody weeks with his children while becoming dangerously infatuated with Stella West, portrayed by Chastain, during his off weeks. Both actors will serve as executive producers on the project, which explores themes of obsession, parenthood, and fractured relationships (The Futon Critic).
Creative Team and Production
Michael Showalter will direct and executive produce through his Semi-Formal Productions, having developed the project alongside showrunner Alissa Nutting, known for “Made for Love” and “Teenage Euthanasia.” The series represents a rare return to acting for Stiller, who has primarily focused on directing and producing in recent years, including his Emmy-winning work on “Severance” (9to5Mac).
Interestingly, Stiller was initially considered for an acting role in “Severance” when Apple ordered the series in 2019, but ultimately chose to remain behind the camera. “The Off Weeks” will be produced by Apple Studios and Wiip.
Apple TV+’s Emmy Momentum
The announcement comes just two days after Apple TV+’s best-ever Emmy performance, with the platform securing 22 wins at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. Apple’s comedy series “The Studio” made history as the most-winning freshman comedy ever with 13 Emmy victories, while “Severance” led as the year’s most-winning drama with 8 awards. The platform now boasts 622 total awards and 2,816 nominations since its 2019 launch (Forbes).
Building Star Relationships
For Chastain, “The Off Weeks” strengthens her growing relationship with Apple TV+. She stars in the upcoming Apple thriller “The Savant” debuting September 26 and is attached to another Apple series “The Dealer” alongside Adam Driver. This multi-project collaboration reflects Apple’s strategy of building long-term relationships with A-list talent.
Strategic Context
Despite critical success, Apple TV+ holds just 8% market share in the U.S. streaming wars, trailing Netflix (20%) and Amazon Prime Video (21%). The premium content strategy, exemplified by projects like “The Off Weeks,” aims to drive subscriber growth through quality over quantity, though no release date has been announced as filming has not yet begun.
