BBC America and BBC One have announced that they've greenlit a new six-episode 60-minute period drama called "The Living And The Dead." The drama will be co-written by BBC "Life On Mars" creators Ashley Pharoah and Matthew Graham, who will also be executive producers alongside Faith Penhale, and Katie McAleese. It is co-produced by BBC Wales Drama Production and BBC America in association with Monastic Productions for BBC One.
Details and setting from the press release:
Somerset, England, 1888. A land and a community on the edge of monumental change, on the great hinge between ancient traditional ways and an industrial, scientific future. A land of ghosts and myths, poltergeists and demons - if there was ever a time for those ghosts to rise out of the ground, this would be that time. At the heart of this small community is Nathan Appleby, a reluctant gentleman farmer who is obsessed with proving the existence of the afterlife.
In the new original drama, this complex and compelling man will investigate hauntings, paranormal happenings, and ghostly visitations, encouraged by the Society for Psychical Research. But as these terrifying investigations become ever more frequent and ever more scary, Nathan starts to see and hear disturbing things that he simply cannot have imagined. Will Nathan’s interest in the occult begin to threaten his family, his livelihood and even his sanity?
The cast of the new series has not yet been announced but according to Pharoah and Graham, “We are as excited about this show as anything since 'Life On Mars' and 'Ashes To Ashes.'" They promise scares and lots of emotional punch as well, “We want it to be moving, tender, sensual — and very, very scary.” No news on a release date but it is reported that the show will be distributed worldwide by BBC Worldwide. The release states that, "It will shoot in the West Country of England next year and casting will be announced in due course."
We'll keep you posted on when you'll be able to catch this latest scripted ghosty show from BBC.
-Larissa Mrykalo