‘Grapes of Wrath’ Series Adaptation Set as First Season of AMC Anthology ‘Great American Stories’

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AMC is creating a fresh anthology TV show, starting with a rendition of the renowned John Steinbeck book “The Grapes of Wrath” as its inaugural season.

Ahead of their pitch to advertisers in New York on April 9, AMC Networks unveiled plans for a new anthology series titled “Great American Stories.” This series will delve into various significant works, historical events, or individual tales that embody and accentuate the essence of the American spirit.

Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, has announced that after over a year of searching, they have finally discovered the ideal tale to kick off their next major television series. This compelling story is none other than ‘The Grapes of Wrath,’ which remains as pertinent today as it did when it was first published in 1939. Given our nation’s rich history of significant and dramatic events, stories of heroism and valor, renowned novels, short stories, and untold chronicles, this is the franchise we were meant to bring to life on television. As a network that originated as American Movie Classics, it’s only fitting that we present this timeless narrative to our audience.

Rolin Jones will take on the task of adapting “Grapes of Wrath” for Season 1, and subsequently manage the entire franchise for AMC, collaborating with fresh creative minds for each subsequent season. Additionally, Mark Johnson has been enlisted to executive produce this project, with his current role involving supervision over AMC’s Anne Rice series such as “Interview with the Vampire” and “Mayfair Witches.” Both Jones and Johnson hold overall agreements with AMC Studios.

Jones mentioned that they’re considering ‘Great American Stories’ similar to those iconic auto factories in Michigan, where you gather visionary artists, provide them with a line of exceptional talent to construct their masterpiece, then step back and let them do their magic. Dan McDermott’s ambitious move at AMC is likened to a powerful baseball swing with a bat; he has brought me on board to create a masterpiece annually. I hope this will be the only job I ever need for the remainder of my career.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve been fortunate enough to earn three Emmy nominations: one for outstanding writing in a drama series for “Friday Night Lights,” another for outstanding drama series for the same title, and yet another for outstanding comedy series for “Weeds.” I’m currently spearheading the development of “Interview with the Vampire” for television as its showrunner. Previously, I was responsible for developing and overseeing HBO’s “Perry Mason” series, and have contributed to shows such as AMC’s “Low Winter Sun,” CBS’ “Life in Pieces,” and HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.

He is repped by UTA, The Shuman Company, and Johnson Shapiro, Slewett & Kole.

Johnson expressed that he has never experienced greater professional stress than when he took on the task of adapting iconic American tales for television. He is deeply appreciative to AMC for extending this opportunity and feels profoundly indebted to Rolin for his faith in him. This is an awe-inspiring challenge!

First published in 1939, “The Grapes of Wrath” is a novel that chronicles the journey of the Joad family. As victims of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, they decide to migrate westward towards California, hoping for a brighter future. Later on, it was brought to life as a movie by director John Ford, featuring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, Russell Simpson, among others. Both the book and the film are regarded as enduring American masterpieces, earning two Academy Awards.

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2025-04-07 17:18