Inspired by the life of Erin Brockovich, the drama revolves around Annie "Rebel" Bello (Sagal), a blue-collar legal advocate without a law degree. She's a funny, messy, brilliant and fearless woman who cares desperately about the causes she fights for and the people she loves. When Rebel applies herself to a fight she believes in, she will win at almost any cost.
In addition to Sagal, the drama stars John Corbett, James Lesure, Tamala Jones, Ariela Barer, Lex Scott Davis, Kevin Zegers, Sam Palladio and Andy Garcia.
Krista Vernoff (Grey's Anatomy) wrote the premiere, with Tara Nicole Weyr set to direct. They will executive produce with Brockovich, Alexandre Schmitt, John Davis, John Fox and Andrew Stearn. ABC Signature, Sony Pictures Television, Davis Entertainment and Trip the Light Productions will produce.
"The work that Erin Brockovich does in this world is so powerful and so important that it almost defies description," said Vernoff. "Erin works tirelessly for social, legal and environmental justice despite the lack of a formal degree. She inspires everyone she meets to become their own heroes, and somehow, she also keeps us laughing. It has been a tremendous honor to get to know Erin and to create a show inspired by her. I am thrilled to be working with a dream cast led by the extraordinary Katey Sagal with the incredible Tara Nicole Weyr directing. I could not be more excited about the series order for Rebel, and I'm so grateful for the support of Dana Walden, Karey Burke, Craig Hunegs, Jonnie Davis and all my partners at Walt Disney Television and ABC."
"Erin Brockovich has never stopped the extraordinary work she does fighting for her clients like they're family, and Krista Vernoff's take on her life today in Rebel is undeniable," added Karey Burke, President, ABC Entertainment. "Katey Sagal is a powerhouse as Rebel and with Andy Garcia, John Corbett and the rest of the phenomenal cast, viewers are going to fall in love with these characters and the world Krista has created for them."
"Rebel is not just my story, it is all of our stories," added Brockovich. "There is a hero that exists in all of us, and I am so excited for Krista Vernoff and ABC to bring their visionary storytelling to this series. The name 'Rebel' oozes self-empowerment, courage and rising above, even in the worst of circumstances. I cannot think of anyone better to play this role than the indomitable Katey Sagal, who is such a force, as well as the rest of this extraordinary cast."
