Everyone thinks they can make it on the small screen these days. Once the home of fallen stars who couldn't make it on the big screen, TV is enjoying a golden age of quality programming thanks to higher budgets and a wider array of platforms to tell short-form and long-form stories that wouldn't work with a limited run-time. The latest star to make the leap is Arnold Schwarzenegger. One of the biggest stars of all time, Arnold will produce and star in a new spy series for Skydance TV, marking the action icon's first major scripted TV series role.
Produced by Nick Santora, writer and producer of Scorpion, The Sopranos, Lie To Me, and Law & Order amongst other shows, the series is set to center on a father (played by Schwarzenegger) and his daughter caught up in a global adventure. Skydance looks to shop the series to different streaming platforms shortly which could mean a major bidding war is on the horizon. My advice to networks and streamers is to gear up for what's sure to be a fierce competition indeed.
Santora is currently executive producing and showrunning Amazon Prime's upcoming Jack Reacher series. While casting is underway for the role of Schwarzenegger's daughter, this could be the perfect project for the former Governor of California. After the disappointing performance of TERMINATOR: DARK FATE, Arnold is in need of a big boost if he plans to keep headlining projects. The 73-year-old still has a lot left in the tank and the small screen may be the best place for him to enjoy being an action star while transitioning to a more supporting role in his projects.