Discovery & Lionsgate Team for Vietnam War Drama

LOS ANGELES/SANTA MONICA: Lionsgate has secured a series commitment from Discovery Channel for the original scripted drama The Suck to air in 2018.

The ten-episode series is based on an unpublished memoir by Vietnam veteran and former Greenpeace International executive Stephen McCallister. The project will be helmed by Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz (Nashville, the creators of thirtysomething). Zwick, who previously directed the Academy Award-winning films Glory and Legends of the Fall, will direct the first episode.

“We are so lucky that Ed and Marshall, who have created so many indelible characters and unforgettable stories, are now taking Discovery viewers on a new journey,” said Rich Ross, the group president of Discovery, Animal Planet, Science Channel and Velocity. “It’s great that we get to partner with the Lionsgate team to bring it all to life.”

“This series brings together an incredible property, the brilliant creative team of Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz and the perfect partner in our friends at Discovery,” said Lionsgate Television Group’s chairman, Kevin Beggs. “Ed and Marshall have done a remarkable job of shepherding the success of Nashville this season, and we’re proud to bring their singular talents to the television portrayal of Stephen McAllister’s unconventional Vietnam memoir. We’re also delighted to continue growing our relationship with Discovery on this high-end premium scripted series that we expect to resonate with their viewers for years to come.”