Netflix Acquires Sam Laybourne's Comedy Spec 'Wingmom'
Netflix has preemptively bought the spec script 'Wingmom' from writer Sam Laybourne for a high six-figure sum. The R-rated comedy centers on a single mom who tries to teach her 25-year-old son how to date. Jeff Robinov and Tabitha Shick will produce.
The preemptive acquisition marks Laybourne’s second feature sale in recent months, following his spec *The Wedding Exorcist* at Amazon. His television credits include co-executive producer roles on CBS sitcoms *Ghosts* and *DMV*, as well as showrunning *Acapalco* for Apple TV+. The script’s R-rated tone and premise—a mother coaching her adult son through dating—echo early Judd Apatow hits, positioning it as a potential star vehicle. Producer Jeff Robinov brings studio experience, while Tabitha Shick’s Talking Pictures adds indie sensibility. Laybourne’s career began on *Arrested Development*, and he is repped by UTA and Kaplan/Perrone.
This deal could signal continued appetite for high-concept, star-driven comedies on streaming platforms, particularly those with a female lead. If cast successfully, *Wingmom* may resonate with audiences navigating modern dating dynamics and parent-child relationships, potentially sparking conversations about generational differences in romance. The film’s commercial prospects could also influence how studios evaluate similar specs, though its impact depends on execution and casting.