The Sinner: USA Picks Up Anthology Series Starring Jessica Biel
Carissa Pavlica
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USA Network has a slate of new pilots they're currently sorting through, and they've found a winner.
The Sinner, produced by and starring Jessica Biel, has been picked up to series. Bill Pullman will co-star in the series alongside Biel.
This will mark Biel's first series regular role since she played Mary Camden on 7th Heaven from 1996-2006. She has since been focusing on movies other than a small voice role on Family Guy.
Pullman's last series regular role was a comedy as the President of the United States on 1600 Penn during the 2012-13 television series.
Costarring Jenna Elfman and Josh Gad, that series only lasted 13 episodes.
Two other pilots, Damnation and The Tap, have been completed are awaiting their fate.
All three of the completed projects come from Universal Cable Productions, as does a fourth still in the casting phase.
That pilot, titled Unsolved, will tackle the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.
The Sinner is based off a bestselling German book by Petra Hammesfahr. The script was penned by Derek Simonds and the pilot directed by Antonio Campos.
“We are pleased to announce The Sinner as our first series pickup of 2017,” said USA Network president Chris McCumber.
“The series’ unique perspective intrigued us from the very beginning, and Universal Cable Productions, Jessica Biel and the entire team behind and in front of the cameras have delivered something very special.”
The first installment of the close-ended series follows a young mother (Biel) who, when overcome by an inexplicable fit of rage, commits a startling act of violence and to her horror has no idea why.
The event launches an inverted and utterly surprising crime thriller whose driving force is not the “who” or the “what” — but the “why” — as an investigator (Pullman) finds himself obsessed with uncovering the woman’s buried motive.
Together they travel a harrowing journey into the depths of her psyche and the violent secrets hidden in her past.
“From the moment Dawn [Olmstead] brought in this provocative thriller, we knew that only an exceptional creative team would realize its full potential,” said Jeff Wachtel, President, Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
“Jessica, Bill, Derek and Antonio take us on an unforgettable ride.”
USA Network has been concentrating on darker fare as of late, and this should fit right in with the likes of Mr. Robot, Colony, Queen of the South and Shooter.
Similarly, two series which just ended their seasons, Eyewitness (another anthology) and Falling Waters, also have a dark tone.
Does this sound like something you'll watch? What about Biel and Pullman returning to television?
Drop us a note in the comments!
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
