If you can't get enough of Benedict Cumberbatch in hard-hitting TV dramas, we have some good news for you! Showtime has just placed an order for Melrose, a 5-part series that will be produced by and star Cumberbatch. Based on the series of semi-autobiographical novels written by Edward St. Aubyn, the story follows that of Patrick Melrose and growing up in a highly dysfunctional upper-class English family, dealing with the deaths of both parents, alcoholism, drug addiction and all other sorts of hardships that life tends to throw our way. David Nicholls (FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD) is writing all 5 episodes of the series that will shoot in New York, London, and France in August.
While there's still no matching the spectacle of feature-film, TV is now home to some of today's best stories and drama. Given Cumberbatch's success on the medium, it's no surprise that he'd seek out another project that suits his needs. Judging from the synopsis, it sounds like Melrose could prove to be a well-rounded and fascinating character study. Showtime looks to have a hell of a mini-series on their hands come next year!
The 5-part mini-series, Melrose, will shoot this August.