David E. Kelley to Adapt Nightshade for HBO Max
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- David E. Kelley announced the adaptation of Michael Connelly’s 2024 bestseller Nightshade into a series titled Welcome To Catalina for HBO Max.
- HBO Max is developing the series under its drama procedural model, which aims to produce sizable yearly orders at moderate cost and was first used by the Emmy‑winning medical drama The Pitt.
- Welcome To Catalina will follow Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Stilwell, exiled to Catalina Island, who investigates a body found in the harbor.
- David E. Kelley will serve as executive producer alongside Matt Tinker (President of David E. Kelley Productions), Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson of A+E Studios, Ross Fineman, and author Michael Connelly.
- The series is a co‑production between HBO Max (lead studio) and A+E Studios (co‑studio), continuing Kelley’s partnership with A+E on previous Connelly adaptations and other projects.
- David E. Kelley Productions currently has a slate that includes The Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix), Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV), Presumed Innocent (Apple TV), Big Little Lies (HBO), and the upcoming Myron Bolitar series (Netflix).
Why it matters: HBO Max gains a cost‑effective, high‑volume drama anchored by Kelley's proven ability to deliver 20‑plus episode seasons, while Connelly’s novel receives a new TV home, reinforcing the streamer’s procedural model that aims for yearly sizable orders at moderate cost and could draw new subscribers.
