Netflix is stepping into the world of vertical video through one of its latest features, “Clips.” Minimum Wage, from the creators of the viral short series American High Shorts, has been ordered by Netflix for 28 episodes. The original cast of the series will return to reprise their roles alongside newly added cast member Randall Park, who plays the eccentric boss of the pizza shop. The completed series is set for release later in 2026. Here’s everything we know so far about Minimum Wage on Netflix as of August 2026 following the news that Randall Park has joined the cast.
Minimum Wage is an upcoming Netflix Original comedy series based on the viral short-form series American High Shorts, which gained popularity on social media, garnering over 30 million views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube since May 2024.
Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps are the showrunners of the series and will also write and executive-produce with Axelle Azoulay. The seven leads of the series have also been confirmed for the writers’ room.
In a statement upon the series’ announcement, Garelick and Phelps shared their excitement: “The cast of American High Shorts shot the original sketches on their phones, in an abandoned high school. Now they’re series regulars on Netflix. That’s the American High model. Find the funniest kids in the room, hand them the keys, and get out of the way. We’re making coming-of-age comedies in the spirit of John Hughes for the generation that grew up on a screen, and we’re honored Netflix is letting us do it at this scale”.
The series is part of Netflix’s attempt to move into the “vertical video” space with the launch of Clips, its new mobile feature, which is designed to mimic the likes of Instagram’s Reels and TikTok, with the goal of driving engagement and discovery towards Netflix content.
The show was shot in Liverpool, New York—in the Syracuse area where Garelick’s American High production company is based.
What is the plot of Minimum Wage?
Netflix has released an updated logline for Minimum Wage:
“Based on the American High shorts series of the same name, this ensemble workplace series is set inside a chaotic local pizza shop. It follows a group of teenage employees battling power-tripping managers, an unhinged rush, and the slow grind of service-industry burnout. The stakes are low. The pressure is immense”
Who are the cast members of Minimum Wage?
The core cast of Minimum Wage will consist of the same actors from the American High Shorts:
- Aidan Micho
- Grace Reiter
- Hyde Healy
- Julia Dicesare
- Luke Burke
- Ryan Micho
- Tommy Armstrong
Joining the original ensemble is Randall Park, who is making his return to a Netflix workplace comedy after starring in the streamer’s swiftly canceled series Blockbuster. He will be playing the eccentric boss of the pizza shop.
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What is the episode count?
It has been confirmed that there will be 28 episodes in total. While the production sheet lists a 15-minute runtime, official reports note that each episode will have a running time closer to 12.5 minutes. This confirms that the new series will emulate American High Shorts’ “signature rapid-fire, short-form rhythm and comedy style”.
Are you looking forward to watching Minimum Wage on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
