Starz Greenlights Sweetbitter to Series

Starz has ordered six half-hour episodes of the scripted drama Sweetbitter straight to series.

Sweetbitter is based on the best-selling novel of the same name written by Stephanie Danler. It was previously announced as a development project for the network in July. Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

Danler has now written the script for the first episode. Stu Zicherman (The Americans, The Affair, Six Degrees) joins Danler, and both will serve as executive producers along with Plan B Entertainment. Donna Bloom will serve as producer on the six-episode freshman season.

“This has already been a thrilling ride, and I can’t wait for everyone to see how we expanded the world and characters beyond the book,” said Danler. “I’ve been working with the most brilliant and generous people, and am extremely grateful. It’s an honor to show up to work every day.”