USA Network Picks Up Jessica Biel Anthology Series

PASADENA: USA Network has snapped up The Sinner, a new anthology series starring Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman.

The first installment of the close-ended series follows a young mother (Biel) who commits an act of violence when she’s overcome by an inexplicable fit of rage. The driving force behind the crime thriller is discovering her motivation as an investigator, played by Pullman, becomes obsessed with uncovering the woman’s motive. Together they delve into the depths of her psyche and the violent secrets hidden in her past.

The pilot was written by executive producer Derek Simonds (When We Rise) and is based on Petra Hammesfahr’s book of the same name. Charlie Gogolak (This Is Us) serves as executive producer along with Antonio Campos (Christine), who also directed the pilot. Biel is also executive producing the project.

“We are pleased to announce The Sinner as our first series pickup of 2017,” commented Chris McCumber, the president of USA Network. “The series’ unique perspective intrigued us from the very beginning, and Universal Cable Productions, Jessica Biel and the entire team behind and in front of the cameras have delivered something very special.”

“My partner, Michelle Purple, and I are so honored and excited to be producing powerful, raw material like The Sinner,” Biel said in a statement. “We strive to tell humanistic and emotionally moving stories; especially ones that put women at the epicenter. I have been lucky, as both actor and producer, to work with our immensely talented writer/creator Derek Simonds and can’t wait to see what the collaboration brings throughout the series. Mostly, I’m thrilled to introduce the world of The Sinner to audiences with the tremendous support of our bold partners, Universal Cable Productions and USA.”

“From the moment Dawn [Olmstead] brought in this provocative thriller, we knew that only an exceptional creative team would realize its full potential,” added Jeff Wachtel, the president and chief content officer at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “Jessica, Bill, Derek and Antonio take us on an unforgettable ride.”