Grapes of Wrath series to lead off AMC franchise

AMC Networks has unveiled a new drama anthology franchise that will give a nod to classic American stories, with John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath set as the first instalment.

The Great American Stories franchise “will be devoted to a different celebrated work, historical moment, or individual narrative celebrating and highlighting the American spirit,” AMC said.

The company’s adaptation of Steinbeck’s seminal novel is being adapted by Rolin Jones (Friday Night Lights, Boardwalk Empire), who will also manage the overall franchise.

Jones will work with creative talent connected to each individual series, with TV and film producer Mark Johnson (Better Call Saul, Donnie Brasco) assisting with the launch.

Each series is to be available via streamer AMC+ and the network, with shows being produced by AMC Studios. The company has made a name for its franchise successes, with hit titles such as Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and the Walking Dead universe.

“For more than a year we have been searching for the perfect story to launch our next big television franchise, and we found it in The Grapes of Wrath, which is as timely and relevant today as it was when first published in 1939,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks.

“Our country is built upon so many unforgettable historic and dramatic moments, tales of bravery and courage, classic novels, short stories, and chronicles well known and never-before-told. As a network that began its life as American Movie Classics, this is the franchise we’re destined to bring to the screen.”

Jones added: “We’re thinking about Great American Stories like one of those resolute car factories in Michigan – bring in visionary creators, give them an assembly line of singular talent to build the thing, hand them the keys and get the hell out of the way.

“This is Dan McDermott’s big, bold, torpedo bat swing at AMC. He’s hired me to roll a beauty off the factory floor every year. I hope to never have another job for the rest of my career.”

“Never have I felt more professional pressure than in accepting this challenge to help translate some legendary American stories to the television screen,” said Johnson, who is looking after the Anne Rice Immortal Universe for AMC and AMC+.

Johnson added: “I am utterly grateful to AMC for this invitation and truly indebted to Rolin for his trust in me. What a terrifying opportunity.”