VoD service Hulu is making its first major move into original commissioning with a nine-hour adaptation of Stephen King’s novel 11/22/63 produced by Lost creator JJ Abrams.

The US streaming platform has ordered original series before including stoner comedy Deadbeat and it coproduces BBC comedy The Wrong Mans in the US but this is its first big-budget move as it competes with the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

The 9 x 60-minute adaptation is produced by Warner Bros Television, which will distribute the series internationally, and Abrams’ Bad Robot. The commission comes after Hulu hired former Warner Bros Horizon executive Craig Erwich as senior vice president and head of content.

11/22/63 tells the story of a time traveller who attempts to prevent the assassination of President John F Kennedy.

“Part thriller, part love story, 11/22/63 is a fascinating story that goes beyond the concept of time travel,” said Erwich.

While the series, which is exec produced by Bridget Carpenter, is a standalone season, it is possible that King and Abrams will apply the concept to other historical events.

Topics