HBO Maxis hoping to replicate Netflix’sBaby Reindeersuccess bysigning its creator, Richard Gadd, for a new series. The cable network is partnering with the BBC to produceLions, an episodic drama that Gadd will write and executive produce. Gadd is also expected to star, although that was not announced officially. The BBC first announced the project in February, but in the months that followed, Gadd became a household name with the success of his Netflix seriesBaby Reindeer, his “based on a true story” drama thatbecame a pop culture phenomenon. With the participation of HBO in the production, the series will be available on one of America’s most popular streaming services.
Lionsis described as adrama exploring the relationship of two brothers over a number of decades. A press release fromHBO Max Spainincluded this description of the series (translated from the original Spanish):
“When Ruben, Niall’s estranged ‘brother,’ shows up at his wedding, an explosion of violence occurs that catapults us through their lives. Covering almost forty years, from the 1980s to the present day, this ambitious series will cover the ups and downs of the relationship between the brothers, from the time they met as teenagers to their adult disagreement…(It will) try to get to the bottom of the difficult question…‘What does it mean to be a man?'”
Baby Reindeer
A seemingly innocent interaction with a customer turns into a chaotic journey as the life of aspiring comedian Donny spirals out of control and brings up the past.
In the release, Gadd honored theprior successes of HBO, includingThe SopranosandThe Wire, saying:
“Ordering an HBO boxset ofThe Sopranos,The Wire, orOzand watching it from start to finish were some of the happiest moments of my childhood. Since then, it has always been a dream of mine to work with HBO and be part of their iconic roster of shows…I cannot wait to get started.”
The Success & Controversy Surrounding Baby Reindeer
Having Richard Gadd attached to the series will bring significant attention toLions, but Gadd also brings with him some significant controversy. The success ofBaby Reindeertriggered criticism that the story it is based onis not entirely true. In addition, shortly after the show’s April premiere, internet sleuths figured out that Scottish attorney Fiona Harvey was the inspiration for the stalker character Martha, played in the series by Jessica Gunning.
Once Harvey’s name became public online,she sued Netflix, claiming the streamer engaged in the “biggest lie in television history” by promoting the series’ plot as a true story. She claims that, not only is the story untue, she is now being stalked and harassed, and has received death threats. She is seeking $170 million in damages. Netflix has denied her claims and says it will vigorously defend itself.
The Wild True Story Behind Netflix’s Baby Reindeer and Martha Scott
For Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd, reality truly is stranger than fiction.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding Gadd, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, voiced her eagerness to work with him, saying:
“We are delighted that HBO are joining us to bring Richard Gadd’s exquisiteLionsscripts to the screen," she said in a press release. “This is bold, brilliant, one-of-a-kind storytelling and we can’t wait for viewers to see it.”
Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck (Netflix’sUndercover) have signed on to direct episodes. Mam Tor Productions will produce, with Tally Garner, Morven Reid, Gaynor Holmes, and Gavin Smith will serve as executive producers. The series will total six episodes, and an premiere date was not announced.
Baby Reindeeris currently streaming onNetflix. You can watch the trailer forBaby Reindeerbelow.
