“Dead to Me” writer and co-executive producer Rebecca Addelman has another female-led dark comedy in the works. Isla Fisher is set to topline and exec produce “Guilty Party,” a half-hour series hailing from Addelman that’s been ordered by CBS All Access. Deadline confirmed the news.
“Guilty Party” sees Fisher playing Beth Baker, “a discredited journalist desperate to salvage her career by latching on to the story of a young mother sentenced to life in prison for maiming and murdering her husband, crimes she claims she didn’t commit. In trying to uncover the truth, Beth finds herself in over her head as she contends with Colorado gun-smugglers, clickbait culture, the doldrums of marriage, and her own tarnished past,” the source details.
Addelman penned the script and is also among “Guilty Party’s” exec producers. Trent O’Donnell (“No Activity”) is directing.
“’Guilty Party’ is a wild ride fueled by Beth’s grit, passionate heart, and desperation to redeem herself,” said Julie McNamara, EVP and Head of Programming, CBS All Access. “We knew we needed a magnetic, versatile talent in the role, and Isla perfectly embodies the wholly original character Rebecca created. ”
Addelman, whose other credits include “New Girl” and “Love,” added, “’Guilty Party’ is a genre-bending show that tackles contemporary issues – the prison system, the death of print journalism, and pervasive gun culture, to name a few – but has, at its core, smart, funny, ambitious and deeply complicated female characters. It’s been an absolute joy to write and create alongside fabulous studio, network, and producing partners, and my hope is that it gives audiences a fresh take on the genre.”
Also a director, Addelman has helmed an episode of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and made her feature directorial debut with 2018’s “Paper Year.”
“Arrested Development,” “Nocturnal Animals,” and “Wedding Crashers” are among Fisher’s previous credits. She’s set to star alongside Jillian Bell in “Godmothered,” an upcoming live-action Disney+ pic directed by Sharon Maguire.
