Netflix and Showtime made an unexpected show change in the manner you'd expect to see in the NFL this Friday. "Uncoupled" has been picked up from Showtime and will return for Season 2 at the channel, while "Ripley," an unaired episode of Showtime, will now premiere on Netflix.
Although the talks for the placement of both series were apparently parallel to each other, the same day the news came to light. "Ripley," which was first ordered to series in September 2019, and starring Andrew Scott, has already begun post-production on its eight-episode season, which was canceled by Netflix last month.
Sources at Netflix have confirmed to IndieWire that "Ripley" will be released on the streamer, while "Uncoupled" has been picked up by the network.
Showtime is making a major shift in strategy as part of its upcoming rebranding as "Paramount+ with Showtime." The forthcoming merger with its sister streamer has led the channel's CEO to adopt a different strategy, including removing old franchises like "Billions" and "Three Women."
"Ripley" is based on Patricia Highsmith's series of novels that revolve around the character of Tom Ripley, a con artist and serial murderer. The character was previously played by Alain Delon in 1960's "Purple Noon," and by Matt Damon in 1999's "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Scott will play the character in the film "Ripley," which also includes Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn.
Steven Zaillian directed and wrote the entire first season of "Ripley," and is executive produced by Garrett Basch, Guymon Casady, Ben Forkner, Sharon Levy, and Philipp Keel. The show is a co-production of Showtime and Endemol Shine North America in association with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights.
Michael, a New York City real estate broker, begins exploring the modern world of gay dating after his longtime partner's abrupt departure. The series was created by "Emily in Paris" and "Sex and the City" writer Jeffrey Richman. Star, Richman, Harris, and Lilly Burns executive produce the series, which is co-produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Darren Star Productions, and Jax Media.
Showtime's reintroduction of "Uncoupled" was the first to be reported by Deadline.