FOX Nation, the conservative subscription streaming service, has scored a major coup by securing a partnership with Martin Scorsese, one of the world’s most celebrated and influential filmmakers, for an upcoming eight-part docudrama series. The announcement was made by Jason Klarman, FOX News Media Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, positioning the series as a significant addition to FOX Nation’s exclusive content library.
Entitled Martin Scorsese Presents: THE SAINTS, the ambitious project is slated for a November 2024 debut and promises to be a gripping and visual journey through the lives of eight remarkable individuals who embodied exceptional faith throughout history. The docudrama’s title is a nod to the Catholic concept of sainthood, and each episode will delve into the story of a different Saint, an approach that allows Scorsese to explore a diverse array of figures and eras.
The series was developed by Scorsese’s production company, Sikelia Productions, in collaboration with several other prominent firms. Lionsgate Alternative Television is contributing to the project, with Craig Piligian, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer, managing the alternative television arm. Piligian is also an executive producer on the series, alongside Scorsese, Matti Leshem, Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn, Christopher Donnelly, Yoshi Stone, and Halcyon’s Craig Piligian. The wealth of talent behind the camera includes writer Kent Jones, a frequent Scorsese collaborator, and director Elizabeth Chomko.
In a statement, Klarman emphasized the significance of having Scorsese on board, a true master storyteller, and the excitement surrounding the project’s exclusive nature is palpable. “Having the greatest storyteller tell some of the greatest stories of all time is exactly the kind of exclusive content that is driving FOX Nation’s success. It’s an honor to welcome the world-renowned Martin Scorsese to the FOX Nation platform,” Klarman said.
Scorsese, whose filmography is revered for its exploration of complex human stories and often centered around faith, said this about his passion for the project: “I’ve lived with the stories of the saints for most of my life, thinking about their words and actions, imagining the worlds they inhabited, the choices they faced, the examples they set. These are stories of eight very different men and women, each of them living through vastly different periods of history and struggling to follow the way of love revealed to them and to us by Jesus’ words in the gospels. I’m so excited that this project is underway, and that I’m working with so many trusted and talented collaborators.”
The first four episodes of Martin Scorsese Presents: THE SAINTS will premiere on Sunday, November 16th, 2024, with the remaining four set to air in May 2025, spanning the Holy season in a thoughtful and intentional release strategy. Each episode will delve into the life and impact of a different Saint, including Joan of Arc, Francis of Assisi, John the Baptist, Thomas Becket, Mary Magdalene, Moses the Black, Sebastian, and Maximillian Kolbe. The series promises to captivate audiences with these incredible figures’ extreme acts of kindness, selflessness, and sacrifice, bringing them to life in a way that only Scorsese can.
This exciting announcement adds to FOX Nation’s already impressive roster of content, drawing comparisons to “Netflix for Conservatives” by the New York Times. With nearly 10,000 hours of faith-based, historical, and entertaining programming, the platform has attracted big names like Kevin Costner, Matthew McConaughey, and Rob Lowe.
Academy Award-winner Scorsese’s involvement in the project marks a significant coup for FOX Nation, as the filmmaker is renowned for his captivating storytelling and visual prowess. His previous works, including The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Irishman, have received critical acclaim and numerous Academy Award nominations and wins. Scorsese’s latest feature film, Killers of the Flower Moon, was a critical success and further demonstrates his ability to captivate audiences with intricate storytelling.
