A&E has ordered 10 episodes of new scripted drama series The Returned, a co-production of A+E Studios and FremantleMedia North America. Carlton Cuse (Bates Motel, The Strain) wrote the first episode, and he and Raelle Tucker (True Blood) will write and executive produce the series. The announcement was made today by David McKillop, General Manager and Executive Vice President of A&E Network.
The Returned is based on the popular and International Emmy-award winning French suspense series adapted by Fabrice Gobert and inspired by the feature film, Les Revenants. The original series airs in the United States on SundanceTV.
The Returned focuses on a small town that is turned upside down when several local people, who have been long presumed dead suddenly reappear, bringing with them both positive and detrimental consequences. As families are reunited, the lives of those who were left behind are challenged on a physical and emotional level. Interpersonal relationships are examined with intrigue and depth as strange phenomena begin to occur.
"The Returned has the potential to be one of the most compelling drama series on cable, thanks to phenomenal scripts written by Carlton and Raelle," said McKillop. "We look forward to seeing their vision brought to life on screen."
Commented Thom Beers, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, "Les Revenants has proven to be both a critical and commercial success worldwide and we couldn't be more excited to partner with A&E on this adaptation. Carlton and Raelle, the creative forces behind such fantastic television as Lost and True Blood, are the perfect combination to bring this complicated and provocative family drama to US audiences."
Executive producers are Carlton Cuse, Raelle Tucker, Thom Beers, Craig Cegielski and Stefanie Berk. A+E Studios, FremantleMedia North America, Carlton Cuse Productions and Angry Annie Productions will produce.
Casting will begin shortly with production expected to start in the summer.
With A&E's pickup of The Returned, next season should prove to be very interesting when it and the second seasons of SundanceTV's The Returned and ABC's Resurrection - as well as potentially NBC's Babylon Fields - are all airing within the same time frame.
