“Emperor of Ocean Park” News Thriller Series for MGM+

Emperor of Ocean Park, based on the best-selling novel by author and law professor Stephen L. Carter, has been given a 10-episode series order by MGM+. The show comes from Sherman Payne (Charm City Kings, Shameless), John Wells Productions (JWP), and Warner Bros. Television. Multiple episodes will be directed by Damian Marcano (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty).

What is Emperor of Ocean Park about

The series follows Talcott Garland, an Ivy League law professor whose life is turned upside down by the sudden death of his father, Judge Oliver Garland, from what is believed to be a heart attack. The show is set in Washington, D.C., the halls of academia, and the shores of Martha’s Vineyard. Tal’s journalist sister Mariah is convinced that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play and doubts the official cause of death.

Quotes from creatives Sherman Payne and John Wells

“Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel set a new standard for stories about power, race, politics, and wealth,” said Sherman Payne, showrunner and executive producer. “It’s exceedingly rare to see Black people depicted in these settings and I believe viewers of all backgrounds will be entertained by our portrayal of the extraordinary Garland clan and the intrigue that engulfs them. I’m overjoyed to partner with John Wells Productions, Warner Bros., and MGM+ to bring this remarkable mystery to the screen.”

“We’re tremendously excited to be producing Sherman Payne’s thrilling adaptation of Emperor of Ocean Park, and to be associated with his talented team,” said John Wells, executive producer. “Bringing Stephen Carter’s novel to television has been a dream of ours, and we’re thankful to Michael Wright, Nancy Cotton, and everyone at MGM+ for giving us the opportunity to introduce audiences to the dangerous world of Judge Garland and his complicated, extraordinary family.”

Who is making Emperor of Ocean Park

Emperor of Ocean Park is produced by JWP in association with Warner Bros. Television, where JWP is under an overall deal. John Wells, Sherman Payne, Damian Marcano, Shukree Tilghman, and JWP’s Erin Jontow will serve as executive producers. Payne, who will also serves as showrunner, wrote the first episode, which will be directed by Marcano. Payne is represented by WME, Entertainment 360, and McKuin Frankel Whitehead. Carter and the novel are represented by Lynn Nesbit from Janklow & Nesbit, and Bob Bookman. Marcano is represented by Rothman Brecher Ehrich Livingston and Joel VanderKloot.