USA Network Picks Up ‘Briarpatch’ From Mr. Robot’s Sam Esmail Starring Rosario Dawson
USA Network has given a series order to new anthology drama ‘Briarpatch‘ which is exec produced by ‘Mr. Robot’ creator Sam Esmail and stars ‘Luke Cage’s Rosario Dawson.
Based on based on the Ross Thomas novel of the same name, Season 1 of ‘Briarpatch’ follows Allegra Dill (Dawson), a dogged investigator returning to her border-town Texas home after her sister is murdered. What begins as a search for a killer turns into an all-consuming fight to bring her corrupt hometown to its knees. The season celebrates the beloved genres represented by Thomas’ book – a stylish blend of crime and pulp fiction – while updating his sense of fun, danger and place for a new generation.
The season also stars Jay R. Ferguson (‘Mad Men’, ‘The Romanoffs’), Brian Geraghty (‘Chicago P.D.’, ‘Ray Donovan’), and Edi Gathegi (‘StartUp’). The first season will shoot in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The series is written for television by Andy Greenwald (‘Legion’), who will executive produce, along with ‘Mr. Robot’ creator Sam Esmail through his production company Esmail Corp, and Anonymous Content’s Chad Hamilton. Ana Lily Amirpour (‘Castle Rock’, ‘Legion’) directed the pilot and also served as an executive producer. In addition to her starring role, Dawson will serve as a producer on Briarpatch. UCP and Paramount Television serve as the studios.
“When we were first introduced to the anthology by Andy Greenwald, UCP and Paramount Television, we were immediately struck by the show’s unique tone and captivating story,” commented Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “And Sam Esmail’s incomparable vision and style, coupled with Rosario Dawson’s tremendous performance as Allegra Dill, will no doubt leave audiences buzzing.”
Esmail has been busy since it he announced ‘Mr Robot’ would be coming to an end later this year. Along with ‘Briarpatch’, he also directed and exec produced Amazon’s Golden Globe award nominated ‘Homecoming’, and is developing a limited series based on Fritz Lang’s epic sci-fi classic ‘Metropolis’.
As ‘Briarpatch‘ has only just been picked up by USA Network, it’s way too early for a UK broadcaster, but we’ll let you know when we hear something more.
