SundanceTV is taking on divorce. Today, the network announced they are co-producing a new drama series with BBC One titled The Split.
From The Hour‘s Abi Morgan, the six-episode drama “examines the fast-paced world of high-powered female divorce lawyers through the lens of three sisters – Hannah, Nina and the youngest, Rose.”
Jessica Hobbs (Broadchurch) is attached to direct The Split, which is slated to begin production in the UK later this year.
From SundanceTV:
PASADENA, CA AND LONDON – JANUARY 13, 2017 – SundanceTV today announced from the Television Critics’ Association (TCA) Press Tour a co-production partnership with BBC One for a new drama series “The Split,” from Emmy(R) Award-winning writer Abi Morgan (“River,” “Suffragette,” “The Hour”) and produced by Jane Featherstone’s (“Broadchurch, “River,” “Humans”) Sister Pictures, and Lucy Dyke (“Black Mirror”). The six-episode series is slated to go into production in the UK later in 2017 and will be directed by Jessica Hobbs (“River,” “Broadchurch”). Following its finale on SundanceTV, “The Split” will be available for streaming exclusively in the U.S. on Sundance Now, the AMC Networks-owned streaming service featuring the best in independent film, documentaries, TV and original programming.
“The Split” examines the fast-paced world of high-powered female divorce lawyers through the lens of three sisters – Hannah, Nina and the youngest, Rose. Hannah and Nina are leading divorce and family law lawyers working for rival firms, while Rose is still searching for her place in life. The lives of the sisters and their mother, face disruption when their estranged father/husband Oscar returns after a 30-year absence.
Set in London, the capital of international high profile divorces, “The Split” sees personal and professional lives intertwine through surprising cases, scandalous affairs and big-figure settlements, as the drama examines the very fabric of 21st century marriage, the meaning of commitment and the nature of the ever-changing idea of family.
“The remarkable creative team of Abi Morgan, Jane Featherstone, and Jessica Hobbs have tapped into an incredibly original, witty, poignant and compelling look at the world of divorce -in this case, through the lens of a family. We’re very excited to be back in partnership with the BBC to bring this new drama to Sundance TV and Sundance Now,” said Joel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and SundanceTV.
Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama said, “I am thrilled SundanceTV will co-produce ‘The Split’ with BBC One. This Abi Morgan original tells a powerful and contemporary story which will have universal appeal. I’m delighted it will be seen by a global audience.”
“I couldn’t be happier that Sundance have come on board ‘The Split’ as this feels like the perfect home for this emotional and entertaining exploration of love, marriage and divorce with Abi bringing her trademark wit, insight and truth to our brilliant and strong women fighting to try and work out how to survive modern life.”
In addition to Abi Morgan who is lead writer on the series, Jane Eden (“The Dumping Ground”) and Louise Ironside (“River City”) are on board to pen an episode. Jessica Hobbs (“River,” “Broadchurch”) will direct. The series will be executive produced by Sister Pictures Founder Jane Featherstone, creator Abi Morgan and Jessica Hobbs with Lucy Richer for the BBC. It will be produced by Lucy Dyke.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of legal dramas? Will you watch The Split?
