What Happened to Marc Cherry?

Marc Cherry, born March 23, 1962, established himself as a significant voice in American television, particularly for his ability to craft complex female characters and darkly comedic narratives. His career began with writing and producing for iconic shows like "The Golden Girls" in the 1990s, followed by co-creating sitcoms such as "The 5 Mrs. Buchanans" and "The Crew."

His breakthrough came with the creation of "Desperate Housewives," which premiered in 2004 on ABC. The show became a global phenomenon, running for eight seasons until 2012, earning critical acclaim, numerous awards, and solidifying Cherry's reputation. The series was lauded for its blend of drama, comedy, and mystery, set against the backdrop of suburban life. Following this success, Cherry created "Devious Maids," which aired on Lifetime from 2013 to 2016, continuing his signature style of exploring the lives of women with secrets and societal pressures.

In 2019, Cherry ventured into the streaming landscape with "Why Women Kill," an anthology dark comedy series that premiered on CBS All Access (later Paramount+). The show, which depicted events leading to deaths caused by women across different eras, garnered a strong following. It was renewed for a third season in December 2021, a testament to its growing audience engagement on Paramount+. However, in a surprising turn of events, Paramount+ reversed its decision and canceled the third season in July 2022, before production could begin. The streamer cited a "difficult decision" but did not elaborate further on the reasons for the cancellation.

Since the cancellation of "Why Women Kill," Cherry has remained active in development. In September 2025, it was reported that he is developing a new Charleston-set family drama series for Netflix. This project, described as a soapy drama focusing on four couples from powerful legacy families in Charleston, marks his continued collaboration with major streaming platforms. Additionally, in November 2024, Cherry expressed interest in a potential "Desperate Housewives" spinoff set in the 1960s, indicating a desire to revisit the iconic Wisteria Lane setting with new characters. While a direct sequel to "Desperate Housewives" with the original cast is not anticipated, a separate, inspired series titled "Wisteria Lane" by Natalie Chaides is reportedly in development for 2027, though Cherry is not directly involved in that specific project.

As of August 2026, Marc Cherry continues to be a creative force in television, with his Netflix drama in development representing his most current known endeavor. He is recognized for his unique storytelling perspective, consistently focusing on nuanced and complex female characters within compelling, often scandalous, narratives.