Apple TV has lined up a new original series, ‘Beat the Reaper’, a darkly comic dramedy starring and executive produced by Will Poulter (Black Mirror, The Bear), with Breaking Bad and Preacher veteran Sam Catlin on board as showrunner.
Based on the novel of the same name by Josh Bazell, ‘Beat the Reaper’ centres on Dr. Peter Brown, a junior doctor slogging through brutal shifts at what is politely described as Boston’s worst hospital. Brown is brilliant at medicine, deeply cynical about the job, and carrying around a past he would very much like to stay buried.
That plan goes out the window when a patient recognises him from his former life. Over the course of a single, increasingly chaotic shift, Brown finds himself dodging mob hitmen, government agents, dangerously unqualified surgeons and more than a few literal dead bodies, all while trying to stay alive long enough to finish his rounds.
The series will be adapted for television by Sam Catlin, who also executive produces under his overall deal with Apple TV. Will Poulter takes the lead role while also serving as executive producer. Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan and Natalie Lehmann executive produce for New Regency, with Apple Studios and New Regency co-producing.
Tonally, this looks very much in Apple TV’s sweet spot. A high-concept character drama with sharp humour, escalating tension and morally questionable decisions feels like a natural home for Catlin, while Poulter continues a strong run of complex, slightly unhinged roles.
‘Beat the Reaper’ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on Apple TV in the UK and worldwide. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
Login to Geektown