Former House star Hugh Laurie has been rehired as a doctor. He’ll star in the upcoming psychological thriller Chance, which has been picked up for two 10-episode seasons on Hulu according to Deadline. The streaming TV series based on Kem Nunn’s novel of the same name delves into the life of a forensic neuropsychiatrist (Laurie) who gets wrapped up in a world of “mistaken identity, police corruption, and mental illness.” Lenny Abrahamson of the Golden Globe-nominated film Room will direct.
Set in California’s Bay Area, Laurie’s Dr. Eldon Chance becomes intimately acquainted with Jaclyn Blackstone, who is suffering from a dissociative identity disorder. Between his relationship with Blackstone, whose ex-husband is a “violent and jealous” Oakland homicide detective, and his new friend D, described as a “streetwise philosopher,” Dr. Chance’s life becomes much more confusing, dangerous, and thought-provoking than he could’ve anticipated.
The show marks Laurie’s first starring TV role since his eight-season run on Fox’s House, which earned him two Golden Globes, ended in 2012. The actor had been “heavily pursued” to join a new series, but previously turned down every offer he received according to Deadline. And even for his starring role on Chance, he was pursued for 18 months before signing on to the show. But now it sounds like Laurie’s invested in his new character. “Hugh has very strong feelings, and he will be involved in every aspect of production,” said Fox 21 TV studios, which produced the show, exec Bert Salke.
Nunn and Alexandra Cunningham (Desperate Housewives, Aquarius) wrote the TV adaptation of the novel and will executive produce with Abrahamson, Michael London (Milk), and Brian Grazer (Empire). The show’s production is likely to begin in the spring.
Also upcoming on Hulu is the J.J. Abrams’ miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s 11.22.63, which is set to premiere on February 15.
