Dynamic Television is embarking on an exciting journey to adapt George Dawes Green’s Southern Gothic crime novel, The Kingdoms of Savannah, into a captivating TV series.
The production company has secured the rights to the book, with talented writer Sheri Holman, known for her work on George & Tammy and Palm Royale, set to pen the pilot script. In addition to her writing duties, she will serve as showrunner and executive producer, bringing her unique vision to the project.
Dan March and Carrie Stein, two prominent figures at Dynamic, will also act as executive producers. Dynamic Television has built a strong reputation for successful series, including Harry Wild, The Sommerdahl Murders, and Drops of God.
The narrative unfolds against the richly atmospheric backdrop of Georgia, where a murder and a mysterious disappearance occur one sultry Southern night at a local bar. This sets the stage for an unexpected detective: Morgana Musgrove, a formidable matriarch of Savannah’s elite. Morgana, with her demanding and cunning nature, enlists her four grown children—who are tired of her manipulative ways—to aid her in the investigation. As the family dives deeper, they unveil shocking truths that threaten to upend Savannah’s power dynamics.
The Kingdoms of Savannah has already made waves since its publication in 2022, winning the prestigious 2023 Gold Dagger Award from the Crime Writers’ Association. Its impact extended beyond fiction, sparking a real hunt for the ruins of a hidden fortress constructed by escaped slaves in the late 1700s.
Carrie Stein, President of Global Scripted at Dynamic, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The Kingdoms of Savannah hits all the right notes: unforgettable characters poised to attract top-tier talent, a layered crime narrative brimming with suspense, and a setting rich in secrets and Southern charm. We are excited to have the incredibly skilled Sheri Holman adapt this compelling story into what we hope will be multiple seasons of television.”
Sheri Holman shared her thoughts on the adaptation, saying, “George and I have been collaborating on stories for over 25 years, so adapting his extraordinary novel feels like coming home. I’m eager to work with the fantastic team at Dynamic and to introduce audiences to Morgana Musgrove, a detective as intriguing and multifaceted as the city of Savannah itself.”
Green, the author, praised Holman’s storytelling abilities, stating, “I’ve admired Sheri Holman’s richly crafted and original narratives since her debut novel, A Stolen Tongue. I couldn’t have asked for a better steward for Morgana Musgrove’s character, and I’m thrilled she’s partnering with the creative minds at Dynamic to expand this world.”
Known for novels like The Caveman’s Valentine, which featured a film adaptation starring Samuel L. Jackson, and The Juror, which was turned into a movie featuring Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin, Green continues to captivate audiences with his storytelling prowess.
Holman is currently an executive producer on the Apple TV+ series Palm Royale, alongside stars such as Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, and Carol Burnett. With accolades like the Shirley Jackson Award under her belt, her impressive portfolio also includes contributions to George & Tammy, Filthy Rich, Barkskins, and Longmire. A founding member of The Moth, the notable storytelling non-profit created by Green, Holman has firmly established herself in the industry and is represented by CAA and Marathon Management.