Netflix and AMC are teaming up on Bannerman, a new drama series based on John R. Maxim’s spy novels. The series has officially been greenlit and marks the first co-production between the two companies to jointly develop and produce select original series.
Craig Silverstein will serve as showrunner, writer, and executive producer, while Shane Black co-wrote the first episode with Silverstein and will direct the first two episodes. Black is also an executive producer.
The series does not have a premiere date yet, but Netflix and AMC have already confirmed an unusual release plan that will vary depending on where you live.
Bannerman Will Have Different Release Plans Around the World
In the US and Canada, Bannerman will premiere first on AMC. Netflix will then add the complete season in those countries 90 days after the season finale airs on AMC.
Australia, New Zealand and Spain will get a different arrangement, with Netflix and AMC jointly premiering each episode. Everywhere else in the world, Bannerman will be available exclusively on Netflix.
That makes Bannerman more than another title licensed between the two companies. Netflix and AMC describe it as their first co-production developed and produced together, with AMC Studios serving as the lead studio.
What Is Bannerman About?
The series follows Paul Bannerman, a covert operative who convinces a group of highly trained assassins to leave the spy business behind and pursue something considerably more ordinary: suburban life in Connecticut.
Retirement doesn’t go according to plan. Old enemies remain a problem, the government doesn’t entirely trust them, and leaving their old habits behind proves difficult.
Paul also has a more personal complication to deal with. His girlfriend’s father, Raymond Lesko, a former NYPD officer, begins to suspect that Paul isn’t the man he claims to be.
The series is based on John R. Maxim’s Bannerman novels, which span five books and center on the former spy as he repeatedly finds himself pulled back toward the life he tried to leave behind.
Shane Black Will Direct the First Two Episodes
Craig Silverstein, whose previous credits include Nikita, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Pantheon and Percy Jackson and the Olympians, will serve as Bannerman‘s showrunner.
Silverstein and Shane Black co-wrote the first episode, with Black directing Episodes 1 and 2. Black’s credits include Lethal Weapon, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3.
Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten will also executive produce the series. AMC Studios is the lead studio.
“Bannerman is a smart, high-octane thrill ride of a series, powered by an extraordinary creative team,” AMC Global Media chief content officer and AMC Studios president Dan McDermott said in the announcement.
McDermott also described the series as the starting point for an expanded relationship between AMC and Netflix, with the companies planning to jointly develop and produce select original series for their respective platforms.
No cast has been announced for Paul Bannerman, Raymond Lesko or the other major roles, and a production timeline and premiere date have not been revealed.
FAQ
Is Bannerman coming to Netflix?
Yes. Netflix is co-producing Bannerman with AMC. Netflix will carry the series exclusively in most countries, while the release arrangement differs in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Spain.
What books is Bannerman based on?
The series is based on John R. Maxim’s Bannerman spy novels, a five-book series centered on former covert operative Paul Bannerman.
Who is making the Bannerman TV series?
Craig Silverstein is the showrunner, writer and an executive producer. Shane Black co-wrote the first episode and will direct the first two episodes. Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten are also executive producers, with AMC Studios serving as the lead studio.
Key Details
- Series: Bannerman
- Based on: John R. Maxim’s five-book Bannerman series
- Showrunner: Craig Silverstein
- Writers: Craig Silverstein and Shane Black (Episode 1)
- Director: Shane Black (Episodes 1 and 2)
- Executive producers: Craig Silverstein, Shane Black, Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten
- Lead studio: AMC Studios
- US and Canada: Premieres on AMC, followed by Netflix 90 days after the season finale
- Australia, New Zealand and Spain: Episodes will premiere jointly through Netflix and AMC
- Other territories: Netflix exclusive
- Premiere date: Not yet announced