Paramount+ scores with Damian Lewis, Cristiano Ronaldo football comedy Day 1s

Damian Lewis previously starred in Showtime drama Billions

David Gennard/Showtime

Paramount+ has commissioned a series set in the world of English football, with Damian Lewis (Homeland, Billions) starring and a lineup of executive producers including Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry.

The comedy series, titled Day 1s, comes from UR-Marv Studios, the production banner launched by Ronaldo and Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman). Also producing is DoubleD Sports in association with Archery Pictures.

It follows a gifted young football player who realises his dream of plating in the Premier League when he signs for Brentford FC, and brings along friends who were with him before fame and money.

Dan Mazer, whose credits include Borat, will serve as showrunner. In addition to Ronaldo, Henry, Mazer and Vaughn, exec producers include Lewis, Doug Ellin and Kris Thykier.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be working with [HBO’s] Casey [Bloys], Sarah [Aubrey], Amy [Gravitt] and the team at Paramount+ on a show that Darren conceived and pitched to me,” said Vaughn.

“It’s the perfect project for Cristiano and I to start our company with – and to say he is a friend and a partner is a true honor. I’m sure the man who has broken every record in football will soon be doing the same in film and TV.”

Ronaldo added: “As a producer, I’m proud to help bring a different side of the game to life, through a story that I believe can connect with audiences far beyond football. To take this first journey in the industry alongside my partner and friend Matthew Vaughn and having a superb former player and a great person like Thierry Henry on board makes this all even more special.”