Another Netflix original series could be coming our way, courtesy of George Clooney.
Clooney, along with Matt Charman and Grant Heslov, are reportedly working on a limited series about the Watergate scandal, which resulted in the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.
Netflix hasn’t yet commented on this news, but reports say that Clooney, Charman, and Heslov hope to develop eight episodes to encompass the story.
Variety reports that Clooney and Heslov will executive produce, while Charman, who co-wrote the screenplay for Bridge of Spies with the Coen brothers, would write the series. It’s also reported that Clooney could direct some of the Watergate series, but there’s no word on whether he would also look to act in it.
If this series moves forward, it would fall under the “first look deal” that Clooney and Heslov’s “Smokehouse Pictures” signed with Sonar Entertainment.
One downside of this project is that it has an inherent lack of sequel potential. However, limited series’ surrounding real life events, such as The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story have been becoming more common, and usually enjoy widespread fan and critical acclaim, along with coveted awards. That alone, along with Clooney’s involvement, could be enough to make Netflix jump at this chance.
If the Watergate series goes well, one possible way to generate sequel potential would be to explore other political scandals, in future seasons.