Jalen Rose Ventures into Scripted Television with “South West High” on Tubi
Basketball legend Jalen Rose is stepping into the world of scripted television with his debut series, South West High. Set to premiere on Tubi on February 23, 2026, this five-episode drama marks a significant milestone for Rose’s Detroit-based production company, Same Page Entertainment, as it unveils its first major original release.
The series centres on Nolan Thomas, a former professional basketball player who returns to his alma mater, a school facing considerable challenges. As principal, Thomas grapples with the immense task of revitalising the institution while navigating leadership pressures, the expectations of the community, and the personal sacrifices demanded by his role. Each hour-long episode will be released weekly, promising a compelling narrative arc.
Rose himself co-created South West High and takes on the leading role of Nolan Thomas. The fictional narrative draws deep inspiration from the real-world impact of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, the Detroit charter school he established in 2011.
“This series is fiction, but the spirit behind it is very real,” Rose stated. “I’ve had a front-row seat to the determination, resilience, and ambition of young people in Detroit.” He further elaborated that the series aims to showcase stories of students who are “believing in a future full of possibility.”
The ensemble cast features a diverse group of talents, including Dawn Halfkenny, Towanda Braxton, Christina Cooper, and former NFL linebacker Stevie Baggs Jr. Social media personality Brooklyn “Queen” Oates and actor Don Brumfield Jr. also contribute to the cast. The series will also feature guest appearances from veteran actress Anna Maria Horsford and Detroit rapper Sada Baby, adding further star power.
Behind the scenes, Rose collaborated with Ty Mopkins and filmmaker Dennis Reed II, who served as director and co-writer for the series. The musical score for South West High was meticulously overseen by renowned Detroit rapper Royce 5’9” in partnership with producer Denaun Porter, ensuring an authentic and impactful soundscape.
The release of South West High signifies Same Page Entertainment’s inaugural scripted television series. The company is actively building a robust slate of content across film, television, and digital media, with a notable documentary focused on the McDonald’s All-American Games also in development.
Same Page Entertainment: A Detroit-Centric Vision for Global Storytelling
Jalen Rose, alongside Tom Gores, formally launched Same Page Entertainment on February 17, 2026. Gores, the chairman and founder of Platinum Equity and owner of the Detroit Pistons, brings a wealth of business acumen and a deep commitment to the city of Detroit to this venture.
Operating from Detroit, this multimedia company is poised to produce a wide range of content, encompassing both scripted and unscripted film, television, and podcast projects. Their guiding philosophy, described as a “By Detroit, For the World” approach, underscores a commitment to amplifying local talent and narratives for a global audience.
The company has outlined an ambitious pipeline of projects currently in development. These include the aforementioned television drama, South West High, a documentary delving into the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Games, a narrative feature film, and a new podcast hosted by Jalen Rose himself.
“Jalen has always been an innovative storyteller and one of Detroit’s biggest champions, and our city is filled with unique and powerful voices that deserve to be heard,” Gores commented. “With Same Page Entertainment, we’re creating a platform to amplify Detroit’s creative talent and drive new economic opportunity.”
He further emphasised the company’s ethos, stating, “Our goal is to back people who have the courage to bet on themselves and who refuse to be limited by others’ expectations.”
Same Page Entertainment is firmly rooted in Detroit for its initial slate of productions, with multiple projects slated for release throughout 2026. This strategic localisation aims to harness the rich creative energy of the city and project it onto the international stage, fostering a new era of storytelling that is both authentic and globally resonant. The company’s commitment to supporting emerging and established talent from Detroit is a cornerstone of its mission, promising to bring fresh perspectives and compelling stories to audiences worldwide.
