Sky Atlantic and US network SHOWTIME have teamed up on a new five-part series called Melrose, with Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek, Sherlock… and frankly, if you don’t know who he is by now, what are you doing here) both starring and exec producing it has been announced.
Based on the acclaimed ‘Patrick Melrose’ series of semi-autobiographical novels written by Edward St. Aubyn, Melrose hilariously skewers the upper class as it tracks the protagonist’s harrowing odyssey from a deeply traumatic childhood through adult substance abuse, and ultimately, towards recovery. BAFTA award nominee David Nicholls (Far From the Madding Crowd, One Day) is set to write all 5 episodes of the television adaptation.
Cumberbatch will play Melrose, an aristocratic and outrageously funny playboy, who struggles to overcome the damage inflicted by an abusive father and a mother who tacitly condoned the behaviour. Asked in 2013 if he could play any literary character ever, Cumberbatch shared in a Reddit AMA that it would be Patrick Melrose.
“I’ve been a huge admirer of Edward St Aubyn’s novels for years,” commented David Nicholls “and can’t wait to bring these dark, witty, brilliant books to the screen. Benedict is the perfect Patrick Melrose.”
Melrose is part of Sky’s epic commitment to offer a new big-screen drama every month, which includes Guerrilla featuring Idris Elba, Riviera starring Julia Stiles, Adrian Lester & Iwan Rheon, Jamestown starring Max Beesley & Jason Flemyng, and their other big historical drama, Britannia. Melrose travels through South of France in the 1960s, New York in the 1980s and Britain in the early 2000s, with each episode devoted to each of the five novels.
“Bravery and distinction are core to all original drama on Sky Atlantic,” commented Anne Mensah, head of drama for Sky. “Through anti-hero Patrick Melrose, we will be offering viewers a compelling window into a world of privilege, cruelty and greed – crucially both a disturbing and a funny tale. We are so excited to welcome this amazing story and a huge thank you to Benedict, David and the whole team.”
Melrose will begin shooting in London, the South of France and New York in July. Sky Vision will own the distribution rights.
Melrose will be available on Sky Atlantic, on demand and the Sky Q and Sky Go mobile app, as well as through online streaming service NOW TV with a NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass.