“Dad TV” has recently seen a notable resurgence in streaming, withPrime Video enjoying the majority stakethrough hits likeReacher,Jack Ryan,Bosch, andThe Terminal List. Now, AppleTV+, known primarily for its prestige comedies and dramas, is making a serious play for the genre. The streamer already has some major holdings in the space with acclaimed British thrillers likeSlow HorsesandCriminal Record, but it’s showing more hunger for a bigger slice of the Dad TV market with its upcoming adaptation of the acclaimedLars Keplercrime novels that will shift focus stateside. The untitled series has just snapped a new cast member inRory Culkin, who becomes the latest powerhouse to join the series, making it clear just how big AppleTV+ is aiming for with this one.
Culkin joinsan already stacked cast sheetthat includes names that have excelled within the crime thriller space. The show will be led byRay DonovanstarLiev Schreiber,who stars as the protagonist, Jonah Lynn. Jonah is an ex-soldier turned homicide detective who, tired of working the tough streets of Philadelphia, moves to a small town in Western Pennsylvania for a quiet life. The show has also castStephen Graham(Adolescence) as the antagonist Jurek Walker, described as a diabolically cunning serial killer who becomes a terrifying menace on the town, and Jonah must rise to protect all that he holds dear. “When the desperate search for Jurek’s last missing victim forces Jonah to send his adopted daughter, FBI Agent Saga Bauer (played by Marvel starZazie Beetz) up against Jurek, how far will Jonah go?,” the synopsis teases.
Culkin has been cast to play Karl, “a nervous young idealist who joins the staff of a high-security psychiatric institute with good intentions, when he is assigned to care for one of its most dangerous inmates.” Though better recognized forhis roles in horrortitles, Culkin has proven to be acapable and versatile performer. Some of his recent TV performances have come in notable projects like the miniseriesUnder the Banner of Heaven, andSwarm, as well as the anthology seriesBlack Mirror. Culkin will next be seen in the movieSkinemax,oppositeParis Jackson.
AppleTV+’s Lars Kepler Series Adaptation Begins Filming Soon
The project was first announced in May, and production appears to be progressing speedily. The series will be show-run byRowan JoffeandJohn Hlavin, who also double as executive producers alongside series stars, Schreiber and Beetz.Tim Van Pattenalso executive produces and will direct episodes one and two. According to reports, filming is set to kick off later this summer in Pittsburgh.
There’s no release date yet for the project, but as production kicks off soon this summer, more details should surface soon. In the meantime, you can check out AppleTV+’s recenttop-rated crime thriller show,Criminal Record, starringPeter CapaldiandCush Jumbo, which is currently streaming on the platform. Stay tuned for future updates.
