FX orders political drama from Homeland creators

US cable network FX has ordered Tyrant, a political thriller from the team behind smash hit Showtime drama Homeland.

The News Corp-owned broadcaster has ordered a pilot for the series, which is created by Howard Gordon and Gideon Raff. Gordon is best known for exec producing 24, while Raff created the original Israeli version of Homeland, Hatufim (Prisoners of War). The series will be exec produced by Dirty Sexy Money showrunner Craig Wright.

Tyrant tells the story of an unassuming American family drawn into the political machinations of the Middle East. It was written by Raff.

The series will be produced by Gordon’s Teakwood Lane in association with 20th Century Fox Television, Keshet Broadcasting and Fox 21.

“We are thrilled to bring Tyrant to FX,” stated Nick Grad, EVP, original programming, FX. “The brilliant and wholly original concept just blew us all away. It’s pretty amazing when you read a script and can instantly imagine it becoming one of the best shows on television. We’re grateful to the producers for choosing to bring it to FX and look forward to continuing our partnership with our friends at Fox 21.”

“Tyrant is exactly the type of project we aim to do at Fox 21 – working with extremely talented writer/creators to create provocative material with big, breakout characters and themes,” said Bert Salke, president Fox 21. “This script has excited everyone who’s read it and it’s particularly gratifying to be back working with FX, with whom we have had such a successful partnership on the fantastic Sons of Anarchy.”