MGM+ moves forward with ‘Emperor Of Ocean Park’

Michael Wright

Amazon-owned streamer MGM+ is moving forward with Emperor Of Ocean Park, an adaptation of Stephen L Carter’s novel of the same name.

The 10-part thriller, which was first announced as being in development in January, is being written and executive produced by Sherman Payne and produced by John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland, a 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.

“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.”

Last month, Amazon announced plans to relaunch MGM+ internationally, stocking the streamer with shows including Mad Men, the Power franchise and Black Sails after striking a deal with Lionsgate.

MGM+, which rebranded from Epix and relaunched in the US in January, will roll out in Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain and The Netherlands, and include a raft of Lionsgate and Starz shows and films.

The streamer, which became part of Amazon along with its studio parent following the retail giant’s $8.5bn acquisition last year, is currently available in 25 countries across Europe, Australasia, Latin America, and Canada.