In the streaming world, Netflix and Amazon get most of the attention for their original programming. But Hulu may finally be jumping into the game as a major player.
Hulu has announced that it has given a straight-to-series order for “11/22/63,” based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The project was originally optioned for television last year by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, which will produce the nine hour “event series” for Hulu.
First published in 2011, “11/22/63” follows Jake Epping, a high school teacher who discovers a portal to the past that allows him to go back in time and attempt to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. But even if Jake can stop Lee Harvey Oswald from taking the President’s life, there are major consequences for his actions in the past.
Bridget Carpenter (“Friday Night Lights”) is slated to write the pilot script and executive produce the series alongside Bryan Burk and King. Warner Bros. TV will also produce “11.22.63” as part of its overall deal with Bad Robot.
Related: J.J. Abrams Eyes Stephen King’s ‘11/22/63’ For TV
In a statement, Hulu’s Head of Content, Craig Erwich said “J.J. Abrams and Stephen King are two of the most celebrated storytellers of our time, and we are excited to be working with them and Warner Bros. Television to bring this unique take on one of the most seminal historic events of the 20th century to Hulu. 11/22/63 already resonated with audiences as a best-selling novel, and we are looking forward to bringing the riveting story to the screen.”
King added that If I ever wrote a book that cries out for longform, event TV programming, 11/22/63 is it. I’m excited that it’s going to happen, and am looking forward to working with J.J. Abrams and the whole Bad Robot team.”
Hulu has previously run original programming, but “11/22/63” is the biggest order that Hulu has placed to date. Potentially, this could represent a shift in Hulu’s programming strategy as it competes against Netflix and Amazon.
A start date for “11/22/63” was not announced.
