Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha's Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland, an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge's death is questioned by Tal's sister, Mariah, a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.
Sherman Payne developed the drama, with Damian Marcano set to direct multiple episodes. They will executive produce with John Wells, Shukree Tilghman and Erin Jontow. Warner Bros. Television and John Wells Productions will produce.
"Emperor of Ocean Park is much more than a murder mystery," said Michael Wright, Head of MGM+. "While it is an engrossing whodunit in its own right, it also explores important themes of middle-and-upper-class Black identity, making it an outstanding addition to MGM+'s slate of engaging and thought-provoking original series."
"Stephen L. Carter's best-selling novel set a new standard for stories about power, race, politics, and wealth," added Payne. "It's exceedingly rare to see Black people depicted in these settings and I believe viewers of all backgrounds will be entertained by our portrayal of the extraordinary Garland clan and the intrigue that engulfs them. I'm overjoyed to partner with John Wells Productions, Warner Bros., and MGM+ to bring this remarkable mystery to the screen."
