Former Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall is set to lead a TV adaptation of his debut mystery novel, Death at the White Hart, writing and producing the upcoming series. Chibnall is best known for his work as the showrunner of Doctor Who during the series’ run where Jodie Whittaker portrayed the Thirteenth Doctor. He’s also known for creating the British crime drama Broadchurch, which starred Whittaker alongside Doctor Who alum David Tennant and former guest star Olivia Coleman. The creative is also currently working with Netflix on an upcoming miniseries adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery.
Now, Deadline has confirmed that Chibnall will be heading a TV adaptation of his debut mystery novel, Death at the White Hart, for ITV. The novel takes place in Fleetcombe, a Dorset village where a landlord’s murder leads Detective Nicola Bridge to investigate. The upcoming adaptation will be written by Chibnall and produced by his company, Imaginary Friends Productions, alongside Red Planet Pictures. ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, wanted to adapt the novel, with the author expressing satisfaction with the adaptation’s home. Check out what Chibnall had to say below:
Polly’s dynamic vote of confidence in Death At The White Hart made it a no-brainer to bring the novel to the screen with ITV. Within this cliffhanger-packed murder mystery sits a specifically British story about how people live their lives right now. There’s no better home for it than ITV.
What Chibnall’s TV Adaptation Means For Death At The White Hart
The Creator Has Already Proven Himself Great With Mystery Shows
Chibnall’s best TV shows include mysteries like Broadchurch, which proved he could craft dark, compelling crime stories filled with memorable characters. He’s also no stranger to outside-the-box storytelling, both thanks to his work on Doctor Who, and co-creating one of its spinoffs, Torchwood, alongside Russell T Davies. As for Death at the White Hart, the novel itself is part of a two-book deal for the writer, but has already proven itself of high enough quality to earn a TV adaptation.
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Nothing has been revealed about how the series will play out, with the book itself not scheduled for release until March 27, 2025. However, when it does arrive on shelves, it can offer a glimpse into what to expect from the series, including the cliffhangers Chibnall teases in the story. The series will join plenty of murder mystery TV shows in recent years, like Mare of Easttown and Only Murders in the Building, to showcase a series focused on a single crime and the investigator who tries piecing everything together.
More to come…
Source: Deadline