James Patterson in First-Look Deal with Skydance TV

Skydance Television has secured an exclusive first-look deal with author James Patterson to develop a slate of shows based on a selection of his top-selling book series.

The partnership includes the Women’s Murder Club and Michael Bennett book series, along with Private and the soon-to-be-published books Jane Smith and Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe.

Skydance Television is also currently in production on the series Cross, based on Patterson’s Alex Cross novels, starring Aldis Hodge as the titular character, with Paramount Television Studios for Prime Video.

Women’s Murder Club follows a group of women from different professions relating to investigating crime as they work together to solve murders.

Michael Bennett follows NYPD Detective Michael Bennett as he solves crimes and raises his ten adopted children.

Private is set against a high-end private investigation agency run by former CIA agent Jack Morgan. With offices around the world, a highly experienced staff, and cutting-edge forensic technology, virtually no case is too complex or high-profile for Private to handle.

In the yet-to-be-published Jane Smith series, Jane is a brilliant defense attorney and private investigator who, on the eve of a major homicide trial, learns she has just 14 months to live.

In Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe, Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and August Poe have formed the most in-demand private investigation firm in present-day New York City. They make a formidable team with differing approaches to crime solving, and they each claim to be distantly related to three of the greatest mystery writers of all time—Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allen Poe—but who are they really?

With more than 425 million copies sold worldwide, Patterson’s catalog includes some of the most beloved characters and series of all time.

“James Patterson is one of the most successful authors in publishing of all time,” said Matt Thunell, president of Skydance Television. “He is a master of his craft, who transcends genres and crosses borders with every story he writes. The Skydance team is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring his remarkable library to television screens all around the world. And we could not ask for better partners than James, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa and their team at James Patterson Entertainment.”

“In speaking with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and the team, it quickly became clear Skydance is only interested in making quality entertainment with top talent,” said James Patterson. “This kind of partnership is exactly what we have been seeking for James Patterson Entertainment as we continue to grow our brand across every area of the business.”