Apple TV+ Orders The Essex Serpent

Apple TV+ has given a series order to The Essex Serpent, a new period drama series adapted from Sarah Perry’s best-selling novel of the same name, starring and executive produced by Keira Knightley.

The Essex Serpent follows the newly widowed Cora (Knightley) who leaves an abusive marriage and relocates from Victorian London to a small village in Essex, intrigued by a local superstition that a mythical creature known as the Essex Serpent has returned to the area. Produced for Apple TV+ by See-Saw Films, The Essex Serpent will be directed by Clio Barnard, with Anna Symon serving as lead writer.

In addition to Knightley, Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Patrick Walters, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman will executive produce the show alongside Clio Barnard and Anna Symon. Andrea Cornwell will serve as producer.