Netflix and AMC Studios develop Bannerman spy drama
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Netflix and AMC Studios are co-producing "Bannerman," a new drama series based on John R. Maxim's spy novels, marking the first collaboration of its kind between the two companies. The show centres on Paul Bannerman, a covert operative who persuades a group of assassins to abandon their profession for suburban life in Connecticut, only to find retirement complicated by old enemies and a suspicious government. The project brings together an unusual writing pairing, with screenwriter Shane Black and TV veteran Craig Silverstein co-writing the first episode.
Craig Silverstein, known for AMC's "Turn: Washington's Spies" and "Pantheon," will showrun, while Shane Black, celebrated for films including "The Nice Guys" and "Iron Man 3," will direct and take his first-ever TV writing credit. Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten also serve as executive producers, with AMC Studios leading production. Under the distribution deal, "Bannerman" will air first on AMC in the US and Canada before reaching Netflix there 90 days later, while the two platforms will premiere it jointly in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, with Netflix handling all other territories exclusively.
- Netflix and AMC co-produce "Bannerman," based on John R. Maxim's spy novels
- Shane Black and Craig Silverstein co-write; Black directs, Silverstein showruns
- Series airs on AMC first, then Netflix 90 days later in US/Canada
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Netflix and AMC have announced they are working together on "Bannerman," a new TV drama, marking the first time the two companies have teamed up in this way. Netflix is one of the world's largest streaming services, while AMC Studios is a US production company behind shows such as "Breaking Bad" and "The Walking Dead." The series is based on a set of spy novels by John R. Maxim, and follows a former intelligence operative who tries to help retired assassins settle into ordinary suburban life, only for their past to catch up with them.
The project brings together two well-known figures from different corners of the entertainment industry: Craig Silverstein, an experienced television writer and producer who has run AMC series before, and Shane Black, a Hollywood screenwriter and director best known for action and comedy films. Their pairing is notable because Black has never previously written for television, making this a departure from his usual film work.
The arrangement also matters because of how the show will be distributed. Rather than sticking to one platform, it will first appear on AMC in the US and Canada before later moving to Netflix there, while the two services will release it together in a handful of other countries. This kind of shared release deal between a traditional cable-linked studio and a global streaming giant is unusual, reflecting how the streaming industry increasingly relies on cross-company partnerships to fund and distribute new shows.
More coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter — Netflix, AMC Studios Team for ‘Bannerman’ Spy Thriller From Shane Black, Craig Silverstein
- Deadline — Netflix & AMC Studios Forge Co-Production Agreement With Shane Black’s ‘Bannerman’ As First Series
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Originally published by Variety as “Netflix, AMC Team for ‘Bannerman’ Series Based on John R. Maxim Spy Novels, Shane Black and Craig Silverstein to Write”.