John Grisham Shared Universe in Development at Hulu

Hulu has begun development on a John Grisham shared universe, the streamer announced on Tuesday. The first two projects in development are companion series adaptations of “Rogue Lawyer” and “The Rainmaker.”

Written and executive produced by Michael Seitzman and Jason Richman, the storylines of the two projects in what is being called “The Grisham Universe” will stand on their own, but will intersect at points and share characters. The series will be designed such that viewers can watch each season independently or bounce from the first episode of “Rainmaker” to the first episode of “Rogue Lawyer,” then back to “Rainmaker,” etc.

Published in 2015, “Rogue Lawyer” follows the unconventional street lawyer Sebastian Rudd, known for taking on the cases no one else will touch, as he’s contacted by a serial kidnapper who knows the whereabouts of the assistant chief of police’s missing daughter.

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“The Rainmaker,” first published in 1995, centers on a young man barely out of law school who finds himself taking on one of the most powerful, corrupt and ruthless companies in America — and exposing a complex, multibillion-dollar insurance scam. It was previously adapted into a 1997 film starring Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Claire Danes and Jon Voight.

Grisham will serve as an executive producer on the ABC Signature Studios production. Christina Davis of Seitzman’s Maniac Productions will also executive produce.

Hulu’s approach to the “Grisham Universe” is similar to how the streamer is adapting George R. R. Martin’s “Wild Cards” book series. Andrew Miller is on board to write and executive produce two separate series based on the sci-fi anthology, which is set in a version of the present where an alien virus has wiped out 90 percent of those it infected.

17 Shows to Watch After 'The Handmaid's Tale,' From 'Lost' to 'Leftovers' (Photos)

Hulu's hit series "The Handmaid's Tale," which takes place in a dystopian future where women have virtually no rights, has its finale Wednesday. If you're desperately going to miss the series, have no fear. We've rounded up what you should watch while you wait for Season 2.
Various
"The Walking Dead"
AMC's cult favorite just finished its seventh season. The show follows a slew of characters as they try to survive the zombie apocalypse.
AMC
"Fear The Walking Dead"
Now in its third season, "Fear" is AMC's spinoff to "The Walking Dead." It acts as a prequel and takes place along the U.S.-Mexico border.
AMC
"Twin Peaks"
While Showtime's "Twin Peaks" doesn't necessarily happen in a dystopian future, there's plenty of argument that parts occur in another dimension. If you like the weird and bizarre, you'll like "Twin Peaks."
Showtime
"Battlestar Galactica"
After 1,000 years of war, the Battlestar Galactica carries the last few remaining humans to the elusive 13th colony.
ABC
"Lost"
If you were intrigued by the more mysterious aspects of "Handmaid's," then you'll be all over ABC's science fiction hit following the survivors of a plane crash and the island they inhabit.
ABC
"Black Mirror"
Alternatively, if you like the more "WTF?" moments of "Handmaid's," then "Black Mirror" is a solid choice. The BBC series is now on Netflix, and each episode tells stand alone stories imagining how part of our modern world could go terribly wrong.
BBC
"The Man in The High Castle"
Amazon's series reimagines the world as if Hitler and the Nazis won WWII. The show was recently renewed for Season 3.
Amazon
"Mr. Robot"
If you're paranoid about constantly being watched, then you'll resonate with Elliot (Rami Malek), a hacker living in NYC.
USA
"The Leftovers"
"The Leftovers" is HBO's series about how the people left on Earth cope after 2 percent of the globe's population vanishes.
HBO
"Orphan Black"
A con artist witnesses the death of her look-alike and assumes her life. If you like conspiracies, this is a show for you. This BBC America show is available on Netflix.
BBC America
"3%"
This Brazilian dystopian thriller focuses on extreme class divisions in the future, similar to "Handmaid's." People are given a chance to go to the "better side" of their world, but only 3 percent succeed.
Netflix
"The 100"
The CW series takes place 97 years after nuclear war destroys Earth, as 100 delinquent teens are sent back to the planet from the spaceship where the few survivors now live.
The CW
"Jericho"
CBS' show imagines a small town in the aftermath of nuclear bomb in a nearby city. With information cut off, the townspeople must figure out how to survive.
CBS
"Firefly"
Although only airing for one season, "Firefly" has become a cult favorite. It takes place 500 years in the future and follows a renegade space crew as they escape the authorities.
FOX
"Hunted"
CBS' competition series has nine teams of two in a real-life manhunt. The show looks at surveillance and how we leave digital footprints wherever we go.
CBS
"Humans"
AMC's "Humans" takes place in a parallel present day, where synthetic humans are the latest gadget.But the "synths," as they're called, might be just too realistic.
AMC
"The Expanse"
Syfy's series takes place 200 years in the future. In the midst of a war between Earth and Mars, a plague breaks out and humans must come together to save the species.
Syfy

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If the Hulu finale leaves you wanting more dystopia and mystery, these are for you

Hulu's hit series "The Handmaid's Tale," which takes place in a dystopian future where women have virtually no rights, has its finale Wednesday. If you're desperately going to miss the series, have no fear. We've rounded up what you should watch while you wait for Season 2.

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17 Shows to Watch After 'The Handmaid's Tale,' From 'Lost' to 'Leftovers' (Photos)

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