Paramount+ has greenlit the Premier League-set comedy series Day 1s, starring Damian Lewis and featuring soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry as executive producers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Damian Lewis Stars in Paramount+ Soccer Comedy Series
- Damian Lewis will star in the new Paramount+ soccer comedy series Day 1s, playing alongside a narrative centered on the English Premier League.
- Soccer icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry join the project as executive producers, with Ronaldo and Matthew Vaughn launching new venture UR-MARV Studios with the series.
- Matthew Vaughn directed the pilot episode, while Dan Mazer serves as showrunner for the production.
Paramount Plus Greenlights Soccer Comedy
Paramount+ is teaming with a couple of soccer legends in its latest series pickup. The streamer greenlit a comedy called Day 1s set in the world of the English Premier League. The program features Billions actor Damian Lewis in a starring role, with soccer legends Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo serving among the executive producers.
Matthew Vaughn of the Kingsman franchise directed the pilot episode, and Dan Mazer of Borat will serve as showrunner. Day 1s marks the first production for UR-MARV Studios, a joint venture Vaughn and Ronaldo recently launched. DoubleD Sports, led by Darren Dein, also produces in association with Archery Pictures.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be working with Casey [Bloys], Sarah [Aubrey], Amy [Gravitt] and the team at Paramount+ on a show that Darren conceived and pitched to me,” Vaughn said in a statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
“It’s the 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,” Vaughn told The Hollywood Reporter.
Day 1s Follows a Footballer Signing for Brentford FC
According to the show’s logline, Day 1s centers on a talented young soccer player who fulfills his aspiration of competing in the Premier League by signing with Brentford FC, accompanied by his loyal friends who supported him long before fame, money, and success arrived — his Day 1s. Operating as a genuine Premier League organization situated in West London, Brentford currently holds the eighth position for the 2026-27 season.
| Role / Function | Key Talent | Associated Project / Company |
|---|---|---|
| Star | Damian Lewis | Billions / Day 1s |
| Director (Pilot) / EP | Matthew Vaughn | Kingsman / UR-MARV Studios |
| Executive Producer | Cristiano Ronaldo | UR-MARV Studios |
| Executive Producer | Thierry Henry | DoubleD Sports |
| Showrunner / EP | Dan Mazer | Borat |
“I’ve spent my entire life in football, and I know that some of the most powerful stories happen away from the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement shared by The Hollywood Reporter.
“Football is about dreams, ambition, loyalty, sacrifice and the people who believe in you from day one. That’s what makes Day 1s special,” Ronaldo told The Hollywood Reporter.
Veterans from Comedy and Sports Executive Produce the Series
The series is executive produced by Vaughn, Dein, Ronaldo, Henry, Mazer, Lewis, Doug Ellin of Entourage, and Kris Thykier. The creative team brings together veterans from both high-end television comedy and international sports.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Day 1s as an executive producer and to be working with Paramount+, Matthew Vaughn, Damian Lewis and such an incredible cast and crew,” Henry said in a statement.
“This is a project with real heart and I’m excited for audiences to see it. It’s also a welcome change to finally be on the same team as Cristiano after so many battles on the pitch,” Henry told The Hollywood Reporter.
Added Lewis, “Day 1s is a show about friendship and football. I’m excited to be in the starting line-up. Can’t wait for kick-off.”
