FX has given a series order to the original drama series Pose created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals, it was announced today. The first season will include eight episodes. Production will begin in February in New York for a Summer 2018 debut.
The drama looks at the juxtaposition of several segments of life and society in 1980s New York: the rise of the luxury Trump-era universe, the downtown social and literary scene and the ball culture world.
The cast includes Evan Peters, Kate Mara, James Van Der Beek, MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Hailie Sahar, Angelica Ross, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Billy Porter and Dyllon Burnside.
Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany was cast in the pilot but will no longer be continuing with the series. The role was redeveloped during filming of the pilot. Charlayne Woodard (Law & Order: SVU, ER) will now play the part of a modern dance teacher.
The drama will feature the largest cast of transgender actors in series regular roles as well as the largest recurring LGBTQ cast ever for a scripted television series.
Executive producers include Murphy, Falchuk, Canals, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Alexis Martin Woodall and Sherry Marsh. FX Productions, Fox 21 Television Studios and Ryan Murphy Productions produce. The writers room will also include Our Lady J and Janet Mock.
"I am thrilled to join forces with John Landgraf and FX Networks and FXP and Dana Walden, Gary Newman and Fox 21 Television Studios to present what I think is a game-changer of a show, which at its heart is an uplifting series about the universal quest for identity, family and respect," said Murphy. "Along with being a dance musical and an affirming look at American life in the 1980s, I'm so proud that Pose and FX has made history right from the beginning by featuring the most trans series regular actors ever in an American television production. Additionally, the first season will feature 50-plus LGBTQ characters - a record in American television history. I can't wait for people to see this incredibly talented, passionate cast."
"A decade ago, Ryan brought us the groundbreaking pilot script for Glee, a show that celebrated underdogs, proudly showcased a completely diverse cast of unknown actors and led the way for new norms of inclusion and diversity on television," added Walden and Newman. "In Pose, Ryan has again, with his gifted collaborators, placed a spotlight on people who have been marginalized in society, bringing together emotional stories and a hugely talented cast in an inspirational series."
