In the ever-evolving landscape of television, where reimaginings of classic tales are a dime a dozen, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have embarked on a bold new venture that promises to redefine a beloved story for a new generation. Their latest project, Dorothy, a contemporary, music-infused young adult (YA) retelling of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, has already generated buzz for its innovative approach and star-studded creative team. Announced in August 2025, the Prime Video series marks the couple’s first major foray into television production together, and early indications suggest it’s a passion project that blends their musical prowess with heartfelt storytelling. Blake Shelley, never one to shy away from enthusiasm, praised his wife’s creative vision, stating, “If we keep blending music, emotion, and storytelling like this, I think the fans will go crazy.” Both stars have described Dorothy as a “modern take on a classic” that’s “creative, full of heart, and inspiring,” hinting that this could be the start of a new chapter in their collaborative journey.

For those familiar with Stefani and Shelton, the idea of them teaming up for a project like Dorothy feels both unexpected and perfectly aligned with their strengths. Stefani, the iconic frontwoman of No Doubt and a multi-platinum solo artist, has long been celebrated for her genre-blending music and vibrant storytelling. Her career, spanning ska, pop, rock, and even country influences, showcases a knack for weaving emotion into melody. Shelton, a country music titan with nine Grammy nominations and a string of chart-topping hits, brings his own storytelling expertise, honed through years of crafting songs that resonate with heartland audiences. Their chemistry, both personal and professional, has already produced beloved duets like “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere,” but Dorothy takes their partnership to new heights, merging their musical talents with a narrative rooted in one of the most enduring stories of all time.

The Dorothy series, set to premiere on Prime Video, reimagines the classic Wizard of Oz tale through a contemporary lens, with the Yellow Brick Road serving as a metaphor for the challenges and choices facing young adults today. Unlike the 1939 film’s rural Kansas setting or the fantastical Oz of other adaptations, this version transplants Dorothy’s journey to modern-day Manhattan, a bustling urban backdrop that reflects the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery in the 21st century. Created and written by Gina Matthews, known for producing romantic comedies like 13 Going on 30 and Isn’t It Romantic, the series promises to infuse the timeless story with music, emotion, and a focus on community. Matthews, a lifelong fan of Baum’s books, shared her vision for the project: “Dorothy is a symbol of strength who shows us that with a little kindness—and a lot of grit—we can achieve great things and lift up those around us.”

Stefani and Shelton serve as non-writing executive producers, joined by industry veterans Lee Metzger, Grant Scharbo, and Patrick Moran. Their involvement goes beyond mere star power; both bring a deep understanding of music’s role in storytelling, drawing on their decades of experience as performers and coaches on NBC’s The Voice. Shelton, in particular, was quick to recognize the project’s potential when Matthews pitched it to him and Metzger. “I knew right away it was something Gwen would connect with,” he said. “Her creativity and perspective are such a natural fit for this project.” Stefani echoed his excitement, describing Dorothy as a “creative and modern take on a classic” that blends her love for music with the emotional depth of Dorothy’s journey. Their shared passion for the project has fueled speculation that they may contribute original music, potentially crafting a soundtrack that could rival the cultural impact of Wicked or The Greatest Showman.

The decision to set Dorothy in Manhattan adds a fresh layer to the Wizard of Oz mythos. The urban setting mirrors the fast-paced, often overwhelming world young adults navigate today, from social media pressures to career uncertainties. The Yellow Brick Road, long a symbol of personal growth, becomes a narrative thread weaving through the city’s streets, representing the choices and obstacles that define the transition to adulthood. Early reports suggest the series will explore themes of chosen family, resilience, and self-empowerment, with Dorothy as a young woman finding her place in a world that feels both magical and daunting. The music, expected to span genres from pop to indie to urban-inspired beats, will serve as a narrative driver, amplifying the emotional stakes of each episode. Fans are already buzzing about the possibility of Stefani’s signature ska-pop flair or Shelton’s soulful country twang making an appearance in the score.

What sets Dorothy apart from other Wizard of Oz adaptations—like The Wiz, Wicked, or even the 1939 classic—is its deliberate focus on a younger demographic. Aimed at the YA audience, the series taps into the cultural zeitgeist of Gen Z and younger millennials, who crave stories that reflect their realities while offering hope and inspiration. The involvement of Stefani and Shelton, both of whom have coached young talent on The Voice, ensures that the project resonates authentically with this audience. Their experience mentoring aspiring artists has given them insight into the emotional and creative needs of young people, making them ideal stewards for a story about finding one’s voice. As Shelton put it, “We’re really excited about all the possibilities this show brings.” His confidence in the project’s appeal suggests that Dorothy could become a cultural touchstone, much like the original Wizard of Oz was for generations past.

The timing of Dorothy also aligns with Prime Video’s strategy to capture the lucrative YA market, which has proven influential in shaping viewing trends. By leveraging a beloved intellectual property (IP) with built-in recognition, the platform aims to attract both nostalgic viewers and new audiences. The series’ music-driven format, combined with the star power of Stefani and Shelton, positions it as a potential breakout hit in a crowded streaming landscape. Industry insiders have noted that the project reflects a broader trend of reimagining classic stories with modern sensibilities, ensuring they remain relevant for today’s viewers. Dorothy doesn’t just retell Baum’s tale—it reinvents it, weaving in contemporary social narratives and cultural trends, such as the integration of music as a storytelling tool and the exploration of diverse identities.

For Stefani and Shelton, Dorothy represents a new frontier in their already illustrious careers. The couple, who met on The Voice in 2014 and married in 2021, have long been a power duo in the entertainment world, but their roles as executive producers mark a shift toward creative collaboration beyond music. Their involvement in Dorothy is a testament to their shared vision and complementary strengths—Stefani’s bold, eclectic creativity and Shelton’s grounded, heartfelt storytelling. The project also builds on their previous producing ventures, with Shelton having worked on Hallmark’s Time for… to Come Home for Christmas franchise and USA’s Barmageddon, and Stefani bringing her flair for visual and musical innovation. Together, they’re poised to deliver a series that’s as emotionally resonant as it is visually and sonically captivating.

As anticipation builds for Dorothy’s release, fans are eager to see how the series will balance reverence for Baum’s original story with its modern twist. The involvement of Matthews, whose track record includes crafting relatable and heartfelt narratives, suggests that the show will stay true to the spirit of The Wizard of Oz while carving out its own identity. The casting remains under wraps, but speculation is rife about who will play Dorothy and her companions, with some hoping for fresh faces to reflect the YA focus and others dreaming of cameo appearances by Stefani and Shelton themselves. The couple’s comments about the project being “full of heart and inspiringproblems” have only heightened expectations, with early buzz suggesting that Dorothy could redefine how classic IPs are adapted for streaming platforms.

If Dorothy succeeds, it could mark the beginning of a new storytelling journey for Stefani and Shelton, potentially leading to more collaborative projects that blend their musical and creative talents. Shelton’s bold prediction that “fans will go crazy” reflects their confidence in the series’ ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. For now, the Yellow Brick Road lies ahead, promising a journey filled with music, heart, and the timeless magic of finding one’s way home. As Dorothy prepares to click its heels on Prime Video, it’s clear that Stefani and Shelton are ready to take viewers somewhere over the rainbow—and into a world that’s uniquely their own.