HBO and Damon Lindelof know how to make great television together. He was behind both The Leftovers and Watchmen, two of the best series in the storied network’s history. Now they’re partnering once again. HBO has announced it has given a straight-to-series order for Lindelof’s new series based on Adrian McKinty’s novel The Chain.
Lindelof (Lost) will write, executive produce, and serve as showrunner on The Chain The eight-episode limited series is the first taking place under the new two-year deal he signed in September. It will also mark his first time working as a showrunner since he led HBO’s 2019 Watchmen series. The Chain hit bookshelves the same year.
The network’s announcement (which we first heard about at Variety) provides insight into the adaptation. It notes “Lindelof is said to be expanding the mythology of McKinty’s award-winning thriller.” The description of the award-winning, New York Times bestseller provides a general synopsis for what viewers can expect. From Mulholland Books:
When a mother is targeted by a dangerous group of masterminds, she must commit a crime to save her kidnapped daughter—or risk losing her forever…
“From the moment I heard the wild and original premise of Adrian’s book, I was shocked, surprised and angry I hadn’t thought of it myself,” said Lindelof in a statement. “I’ve always wanted to try to adapt a great thriller and this one has all the dark, weird, exhilarating touches that fire up my imagination. I feel so fortunate to reteam with Francesca, Casey and Michael, who first brought me to HBO fifteen years ago and I can’t wait to make The Chain a memorable link in their outstanding legacy.”
Lindelof, Carly Wray, and Breannah Gibson are handling the pilot story, with Lindelof and Wray writing the script. Media Res’ Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer also serve as executive producers along with Shane Salerno. McKinty will also join the show as a co-executive producer.
If history is any indication when HBO and Damon Lindelof work together, the show will be great.