Rebecca Cutter
Courtesy of Matt Sayles/Starz; Courtesy of Penguin Random House
Starz, which just dropped four of its original scripted series, is adding to its lineup.
The Lionsgate-backed premium cable network has picked up an eight-episode series order. Hunting wives, thriller based on the book of the same name by May Cobb.
HightownRebecca Cutter will serve as showrunner for the series. Hunting, which follows Sophie O’Neill and her family’s move from the East Coast to deep red East Texas, where she succumbs to the charms of socialite Margot Banks and finds her life consumed by obsession, seduction and murder.
Erwin StoffSnake Queen) will executive produce the series alongside Cutter. The series is produced by Lionsgate and 3 Arts Entertainment.
“Hunting wives “This is a juicy, tense and sultry thrill ride,” said Catherine Busby, president of original programming at Starz. “We are thrilled to continue working with Rebecca and Erwin on this dynamic series, which perfectly complements Starz’s slate of edgy, female-centric premium content.”
Pickup for Hunting will be released a week after Starz closes Heels, rule the world And Blind spot after two seasons each and decided to give it up Veneria by Samantha Bird before its premiere. The final series, which was set to star Katherine Langford, was in the middle of production before being canceled due to the writers’ strike. All four series were also produced by Lionsgate. Samantha Bird co-production with Paramount Television.
Other Starz scripted originals include BMF, Shining Valley, Hightown, Outlander, Pea Valley and serial Power franchise, etc.
Starz didn’t respond to Hollywood Reporterrequest for comment on the decision to cancel three series and abandon another that was halfway through production, only to have it picked up. Hunting, which has yet to be cast or written.