A&E Network has given the greenlight to ten episodes of the new original scripted drama series The Returned, a co-production of A+E Studios and FremantleMedia North America. Carlton Cuse (Bates Motel) wrote the first episode, and he and Raelle Tucker (True Blood) will write and executive produce the series. Casting will begin immediately. The announcement was made today by David McKillop, General Manager and Executive Vice President of A&E Network.The Returned is based on the popular and International Emmy-award winning French suspense series adapted by Fabrice Gobert and inspired by the feature film, Les Revenants, directed by Robin Campillo. The Returned focuses on a small town that is turned upside down when several local people, who have been long presumed dead suddenly reappear, bringing with them both positive and detrimental consequences. As families are reunited, the lives of those who were left behind are challenged on a physical and emotional level. Interpersonal relationships are examined with intrigue and depth as strange phenomena begin to occur.
Sundance Channel announced today that it has acquired US broadcast rights to the second season of acclaimed supernatural drama THE RETURNED from Zodiak Rights. Season one of the French series premiered on Sundance Channel to universal critical acclaim and was hailed by many as one of the best new series of 2013. The Wall Street Journal called it "a superbly stylish and scary French drama with no equal in its genre," Entertainment Weekly described it as "eerie, tense and highly addictive" and The Hollywood Reporter stated "one of the most intriguing, utterly original offerings of the year." The eight-episode second season is currently in development and will air on Sundance Channel in late 2014.