Alex Cooper, Matt Kaplan and Unwell sign representation deal with CAA

By Daniel Okafor

What does the CAA agreement cover?

Creative Artists Agency said it has signed Alex Cooper, Matt Kaplan and Unwell for representation, a company valued at $500 million in August following a strategic investment.

The move had been in discussions for weeks, according to CAA.

The investor was Patrick Whitesell’s investment firm, WTSL.

CAA will work with the duo to expand Unwell’s business and support growth and the development of original intellectual property (new programming and related projects).

Unwell was founded in 2023 and now focuses on media and entertainment for Gen Z women.

Unwell aims to develop original programming, cultivate emerging talent, and create entertainment and experiences for younger audiences.

Who runs Unwell?

Over the past year, Cooper and Kaplan expanded Unwell’s leadership team with five senior appointments alongside Chief Marketing Officer T.J. Marchetti as the company builds out its television, talent and revenue operations.

According to Unwell, the appointments are:

• Joanne Bradford serves as President. Unwell describes her as a media and technology veteran.
• Samir Sama is Head of Ventures and Corporate Development. He previously worked at the NFL and Raine Group.
• Mina Lefevre is Chief Content Officer and Head of Television. She previously held roles at Meta and Disney.
• Lagen Nash is Executive Vice President of Revenue. He previously worked at Misfits Gaming and Fox Networks Group.
• Olivia Owen is Head of Talent. She is a former CAA agent.

Marchetti continues as Chief Marketing Officer.

The appointments place senior operators across revenue, ventures, content, television and talent.

What is the podcast powering the company?

Since Cooper launched “Call Her Daddy” in 2018, the podcast has become known for candid conversations with leading figures across entertainment, politics, sports and the wider culture.

Unwell said a partnership with SiriusXM distributes the show and powers the Unwell audio channel on SiriusXM’s satellite radio service.

The channel gives Unwell a second route on SiriusXM.

The company’s model is clearest here: one established talk show sits at the center of a larger media business.

Unwell describes Kaplan as an entrepreneur and film and television producer.

According to Unwell, his projects include “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “The Perfect Date” and “Spontaneous.”

That producer background now sits inside a company pursuing original programming and screen projects.

What is on the screen?

Unwell’s current slate, according to the company, includes Hulu’s “Call Her Alexc” documentary, a “Hannah Montana” anniversary special for Disney+, and the Netflix property “Let’s Marry Harry.”

Unwell also lists Netflix adaptations of the novels “Icebreaker” and “Deep End” among upcoming projects.

The Unwell Network launched seven new programs in 2026, according to Unwell.

Its YouTube programming includes “Unwell Winter Games” and “Unwell Summer Games,” two reality competition series.

Seven new programs in one year is brisk output for a company founded in 2023.

The announced slate spans Hulu, Disney+, Netflix and Unwell’s own channels.

Who handles the legal representation?

Cooper, Kaplan and Unwell continue to use attorneys Matt Thompson and Emily Zipperstein at Sidley Austin LLP, James Feldman at Lichter Grossman Nichols Feldman Rogal Shikora & Clark, and Shaun Gordon at Weintraub Tobin.

The legal teams remain in place.

CAA will handle business representation under the new agreement.

Unwell now has agency representation, a senior internal team and outside counsel.

The next test is whether Unwell can turn “Call Her Daddy”’s audience into television, games and original programming under CAA’s representation. CAA supplies representation. Execution must supply the rest.