**New Original Productions Announced Amid Controversies: Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan Unveil Upcoming Projects**
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On 13 May 2026, Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan made a notable appearance at YouTube’s TV Upfronts in New York City, announcing four new productions from their company, Unwell Network. This joint appearance comes at a time when the couple is under scrutiny due to reports of workplace tensions within their umbrella company, Trending.
At the event, Cooper detailed an exciting lineup that will extend through spring 2027, comprised of various original shows. Among them is the highly anticipated competition series, *Unwell Games*, set to launch in late summer. The programme aims to gather prominent creators and reality television stars who will compete for both power and cash prizes.
Following this, Cooper introduced *Pot Stirrer*, a two-part miniseries premiering over the Thanksgiving weekend. The show features a tumultuous Thanksgiving gathering that is described as a “high-stakes social experiment,” where contestants face off in a chaotic environment filled with both reality stars and online personalities.
Additionally, *Holiday Hard Launch* will make its debut during the winter months. This microdrama revolves around a love story between two strangers who embark on a fake relationship for the festive season, only to find the boundaries of their act blurring as emotions come into play. Finally, the docuseries *Before The Steps* is set to launch in spring 2027, focusing on the lives of celebrities during the intense lead-up to the prestigious Met Gala.
During her presentation, Cooper expressed the significance of Unwell Network in today’s media landscape, particularly in regard to women’s representation. She commented on the history of legacy media, stating, “Legacy media spent decades deciding who we should watch. Their problem is this generation stopped asking for permission.” She highlighted the authenticity of today’s audience, emphasising that they choose to engage willingly, rather than being dictated to by traditional networks.
However, the timing of the announcement comes just weeks after an explosive report from Bloomberg News, revealing troubling dynamics within Trending. The article, published on 20 April, allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Kaplan, relating to his management style. It claimed that Kaplan had frequently raised his voice at staff and threatened careers during the production of *Unwell Winter Games*. Reports surfaced that one crew member was so distressed by his behaviour that they broke down in tears on set.
Representatives for Cooper have yet to comment on the allegations made against Kaplan, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the environment at Trending. As this controversy looms, the couple’s partnership in both their personal and professional lives continues to be tested.
In addition to navigating workplace challenges, Cooper is also dealing with a rivalrous situation involving fellow influencer Alix Earle. Earle previously hosted the podcast *Unwell* from 2023 until 2025, but since then, public tensions have surfaced between the two creators. In April, Cooper addressed the feud via TikTok, urging Earle to be more transparent about their conflicts.
Despite Cooper’s call for openness, Earle has steered clear of directly addressing their disagreements. On 12 May, during an appearance on the Today Show, she chose to remain diplomatic, saying, “We don’t actually have that much time here, honestly, and also, it’s like, why ruin such a good day with something not so great. Let’s keep the positive vibes going.”
In light of the recent controversies, it remains to be seen how Cooper and Kaplan will navigate the challenges ahead. Their joint appearance at the YouTube event reflects both their aspirations for Unwell Network and the ongoing complexities of their professional and personal intertwining. With new programmes on the horizon, the couple aims to capture the attention of modern audiences, all while grappling with their current hurdles.
As the productions unfold, many are left wondering whether the courtroom dramas behind the scenes will overshadow the success of their new ventures. Cooper’s determination to reshape the narrative surrounding female representation in media signifies a bold step forward, yet it is clear that the path is fraught with obstacles that must be addressed head-on.