EXCLUSIVE: Inside the making of ICONS–A new Comedy series set to push the boundaries of representation

Toronto’s comedy scene is about to get a bold new addition with ICONS, a satirical series set in the chaotic world of a fictional tabloid, The Buzz Room. Created by Taylor Patterson, a familiar face in the city’s media landscape, the show is more than just entertainment—it’s a sharp critique of viral fame and clickbait culture, wrapped in humour and social commentary. With an all-Black cast and a mission to spark conversations around race, fame, and media double standards, ICONS promises to be both groundbreaking and thought-provoking. As Patterson leads the charge with Justin Wu (one of our VIBE cover star alumni) on board as the producing director, this series is set to redefine what inclusivity looks like on TV.

Comedy with a mission

The idea for ICONS was born out of Taylor Patterson’s (who you may recognize from BlogTO) experiences working in Los Angeles, where he witnessed firsthand the extremes of celebrity culture. “There is a huge culture shock moving to Los Angeles… working for a production company, I realized their main goal was to find celebrities and use them to extract a dollar in any way they could,” Patterson recalls. It was an eye-opener that made him question the ethics behind clickbait journalism and media’s obsession with celebrities.

After returning to Toronto, Patterson was further inspired by the rapid rise of a controversial local publication. While the outlet garnered attention by amplifying marginalized voices, it was also known for problematic content. “I realized, wow, this publication is a three-dimensional character waiting to be shared with an audience,” Patterson says. This mix of inspiration led him to develop ICONS, a show that blends satire and realism to comment on the state of media and representation today.

Embracing authenticity: the importance of representation

For both Patterson and Wu, ICONS isn’t just about making a TV show—it’s about challenging the status quo and shifting the conversation around representation in media. “It’s a full Black cast, which is amazing… not a lot of shows have that, especially in Canada,” Patterson explains. Each character in the show embodies a different facet of the Black experience, aiming to break away from the monolithic portrayal often seen on screen. “We’re not just talking about race in a binary sense; we’re exploring double standards, stereotypes, and even the nuances of being biracial,” he adds.

Wu shares a similar sentiment. “Being part of ICONS is such a joy because it’s not just a great TV show idea—it’s a celebration of diversity and inclusivity in the most fun, unapologetic way,” Wu says. For Justin Wu, who is a proudly openly queer Asian-Canadian tv and film director, the series aligns perfectly with his passion for telling stories that “break boundaries and uplift underrepresented voices.” He emphasizes that ICONS shows how diverse narratives don’t have to be heavy or serious—they can be upbeat, relatable, and still carry a powerful message.

Redefining “mainstream” and expanding boundaries

The show’s approach to satire extends beyond just poking fun at digital culture; it’s about using humour to redefine what “mainstream” really means. “As a queer person of colour in the industry, I believe the beauty of storytelling lies in its ability to reflect the diversity of human experience,” Wu explains. “Instead of seeing tension, I see an opportunity to expand the boundaries of what ‘mainstream’ means, making space for voices that have traditionally been underrepresented.”

Patterson agrees that the show’s humor serves as a gateway to tackle big topics, from the ethics of media to the portrayal of race and fame. “We talk about why certain people get platforms or how they got them. There’s an episode where we explore how media portrays Black athletes differently compared to their white counterparts,” he notes. By using satire, ICONS doesn’t just reflect on these disparities—it challenges viewers to think critically about them.

The road ahead: bringing ICONS to life

While ICONS is still in development, both Patterson and Wu are optimistic about its future. Patterson envisions the series evolving to include cross-platform elements, such as TikTok content or YouTube shorts, to better reflect the fast-paced digital landscape it critiques. “I think the idea for it not to have some sort of TikTok counterpart would feel inauthentic,” Patterson says. The potential for cameos and guest appearances, including Canadian celebrities, adds another layer of excitement. “There’s an ongoing joke in the show where my character keeps asking, ‘Did Drake call?’ I’d love for him to actually make a cameo someday,” Patterson says with a grin.

The cast of ICONS with Shawn Desman behind the scenes, on set. (Photo: Courtesy)

Behind the scenes of the Shawn Desman’s cameo on ICONS. (Photo: Courtesy)

Cast behind the scenes of the making of ICONS. (Photo: Courtesy)

Tresor Gray on set of ICONS. (Photo: Courtesy)

Behind the scenes (BTS) the making of ICONS. (Photo: Courtesy)

BTS shot of monitor on set, for a scene of Taylor. (Photo: Courtesy)

For Wu, the opportunity to be part of a series like ICONS is about more than just the work itself—it’s about what the project represents. “The show really embraces the idea that our differences are what make us iconic, and it reflects that through humour, heart, and bold storytelling,” Patterson shares. The project is an embodiment of his dedication to pushing conversations forward while having fun along the way.

Shaking up Canadian TV: why ICONS matters

In a media landscape that often lags behind in representing marginalized voices, ICONS stands out as a fresh and necessary addition to Canadian TV. By centreing Black narratives and tackling issues that resonate across different communities, the show doesn’t just aim to entertain—it seeks to educate and inspire. As Patterson puts it, “We’re discussing what it means to be Black. Is it cultural? Is it visual? Is it something else? That conversation needs to happen.”

Justin Wu, who has known Patterson for a few years, speaks highly of the show’s creator, noting his ability to capture the spirit of a generation. “Taylor is also a great collaborator that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for a few years. He truly embodies that generation and spirit so well,” Wu shares. “To bring his experiences and his vision to life is a dream. I’m certain it’ll connect with all audiences around the world and bring people together.”

With its heart, humour, and sense of community, ICONS highlights the best of what Toronto has to offer while pushing the boundaries of representation. As Wu emphasizes, “It’s about contributing to a richer, more inclusive narrative for everyone,” demonstrating the show’s potential to resonate far beyond Canadian borders.

Here’s an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek at a pre-released clip of the ICONS TV series:

For updates on the series, keep your eyes peeled right here, and on Taylor Patterson and Justin Wu’s social channels for updates. Hit us up on the DMs to let us know what you think, over @viewthevibe.