Amazon MGM Orders Penn Badgley Murder Mystery Series

Amazon MGM Studios has officially ordered a new series titled 'Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone,' a darkly comedic murder mystery adapted from the bestselling book series by Australian author Benjamin Stevenson. This project marks a significant acquisition for Amazon MGM Studios, signaling its continued investment in high-profile scripted content. The series will star Penn Badgley, known for his role as Joe Goldberg in Netflix's 'You,' adding a prominent name to the production. Badgley's involvement suggests a focus on character-driven narratives with a suspenseful edge, aligning with his previous successful roles.

David Hemingson, who recently garnered critical acclaim for his work as the writer and producer of the film 'The Holdovers,' is set to serve as the showrunner and executive producer for 'Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone.' Hemingson's track record indicates a capacity for crafting nuanced and engaging stories, which will be crucial for adapting Stevenson's intricate plotlines. The series is being produced by Fifth Season, a global content studio, and Made Up Stories, a production company founded by Bruna Papandrea, known for developing successful female-led stories and critically acclaimed projects. This collaboration brings together experienced production entities with a proven ability to deliver quality television.

The source material, Benjamin Stevenson's 'Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone,' has achieved bestseller status, indicating a strong existing fanbase and a compelling narrative foundation. The book series is characterized by its blend of humor and suspense, a tone that the television adaptation aims to capture. The plot typically revolves around a family with a dark secret, where each member has a history of murder, and the protagonist must navigate this complex and dangerous dynamic. The adaptation is expected to explore these themes with a sophisticated approach, appealing to audiences who enjoy mysteries with a psychological and darkly humorous twist.

While specific details regarding the production timeline and the full cast beyond Penn Badgley have not yet been disclosed, the series order from Amazon MGM Studios underscores the growing demand for sophisticated genre programming. The involvement of established talent like Badgley and Hemingson, coupled with the popularity of Stevenson's books, positions 'Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone' as a potentially high-profile addition to Amazon's streaming library. The project's success will likely depend on its ability to translate the novel's unique blend of dark comedy and intricate mystery to the screen, a challenge that the experienced production team appears well-equipped to handle.