Apple seems to have run into its first bit of (unintentional) drama with its upcoming original series starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
The show, based around the happenings at a morning TV show, was signed by Apple to a massive two-series, 20-episode deal last November. Industry trade magazine Variety describes it as Apple’s “first major swing in the premium drama arena.” However, creator and showrunner Jay Carson has now departed the series as the result of so-called “creative differences.”
Apple is reportedly closing a deal with drama veteran Kerry Ehrin, who previously served as co-creator, executive producer and showrunner of A&E’s Emmy-nominated series Bates Motel. It’s not clear what the cause of the turmoil is.
The series is based on an idea from former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg, who runs the company Media Res. It also draws on background material from CNN senior media correspondent Brian Stelter’s 2013 book Top of the Morning. That book details the rivalry between NBC’s “Today” show and ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Apple won the show after a battle with Netflix.
In addition to this show, Apple’s greenlit original scripted programming includes an Amazing Stories reboot from Steven Spielberg, a sci-fi drama from the show runner of Outlander, a show based on the life of NBA star Kevin Durant, and Are You Sleeping, a series about a Serial-style crime podcast that reopens a murder case. Apple also recently signed on for a second season of James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke show.
Although original reports suggested that Apple would spend $1 billion on original TV programming this year, the company will supposedly “blow well past that figure.”
Source: Variety
