J.J. Abrams is reportedly eyeing return to TV with new sci-fi/family drama

By Stephanie Topacio Long January 17, 2018

J.J. Abrams — Gage Skidmore/Flickr

J.J. Abrams’ work writing, directing, and producing high-profile films like the most recent Star Wars trilogy has kept the multihyphenate less focused on television in recent years, but that could soon change. Abrams is reportedly shopping a new script he wrote for TV that could develop into the first series he has created and written since Fox’s Fringe ended in 2013.

The co-CEO of Bad Robot Productions has penned a sci-fi drama series that focuses on a family and is attracting interest from Apple and HBO, according to The Hollywood Reporter. While no company has confirmed its interest, the still-untitled project is reportedly open to bidders. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it land somewhere soon given the success Abrams has had over the years. He has created or co-created numerous popular series over the years, including The WB’s Felicity, ABC’s Alias and Lost, and, as mentioned above, Fringe.

The new would-be series, which comes from Warner Bros. Television, reportedly centers on a two parents and their child as their lives are rocked in the extreme by a horrible car accident. The scientist mother is left in a coma, which prompts her daughter to go through her work. That leads to her being transported to another world and then her father following after her. And in case that wasn’t enough chaos for the hapless family, there is a dangerous force at work.

The fact that Abrams had time to write this script is impressive, as his list of credits is constantly growing. He is responsible for writing the upcoming conclusion to the current Star Wars trilogy, Episode IX, not to mention directing and executive producing the film. On top of that, he is an executive producer for the forthcoming films God Particle, Overlord, and Mission: Impossible 6, all due out in 2018. He also executive produces HBO’s Westworld, which is heading into its second season, as well as the upcoming Hulu series Castle Rock.

Abrams clearly doesn’t mind taxing himself, nor do viewers object to seeing his work come to screen. We’ll be keeping tabs on his latest project and hope to see it on TV in the near future.

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Stephanie Topacio Long

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Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…

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