Apple Taking a Bite out of Amazing Stories
Steve Barton
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Apple is looking to get into the original production game, following in the footsteps of Hulu, Amazon, and of course Netflix. Deadline is reporting that everyone’s favorite Mac maker zeroing in on a reboot of Steven Spielberg’s “Amazing Stories” as one of its first series in its foray into original programming under Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, heads of the newly formed worldwide video programming division.
The tech giant is nearing a deal for a remake of the cult Spielberg-produced anthology series, which aired from 1985-87 series on NBC. The project, written by “Hannibal” and “American Gods‘” Bryan Fuller, was originally set up at NBC two years ago. It comes from Spielberg’s Amblin TV and Universal TV, with Amblin TV’s Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey executive producing the reboot alongside Fuller.
“It’s wonderful to be reunited with our colleagues Zack and Jamie in their new capacity at Apple,” said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment, who oversees Universal TV. “We love being at the forefront of Apple’s investment in scripted programming, and can’t think of a better property than Spielberg’s beloved Amazing Stories franchise with the genius of Bryan Fuller at the helm and more exciting creative partnerships to come.”
The original “Amazing Stories” got an initial two-season order. It did not attract wide enough audiences and was canceled but has seen developed devoted cult following, something streaming services crave. The NBC series won five Emmys, including one for guest actor John Lithgow, and earned Spielberg a directing nom for the memorable World War II-themed episode “The Mission.”
Apple has been aiming high for its entry into the crowded original scripted series arena, going for big packages with top auspices attached. It is currently in various stages of negotiations on several series.
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