Amanda Seyfried is gearing up to headline Peacock’s upcoming limited series Long Bright River, a suspense thriller that promises to blend gritty storytelling with a deep dive into one of America’s most pressing issues: the opioid crisis. Based on Liz Moore’s bestselling novel of the same name, the series is set to unfold in Philadelphia, where Seyfried will take on the role of a police officer confronting both a wave of murders and the shadows of her own past.
In Long Bright River, Seyfried plays Mickey Fitzpatrick, a patrol officer working the beat in a neighborhood battered by the opioid epidemic. The stakes rise when a string of murders erupts in her district, leading Mickey to suspect that the case may be tied to her personal history. The series, described as a taut exploration of addiction, family ties, and resilience, aims to deliver a narrative that’s as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful.
Fresh off her Emmy-winning turn in The Dropout, Seyfried is clearly drawn to complex, layered roles—and Long Bright River looks to be no exception. “I’m thrilled to be part of Long Bright River,” Seyfried said in a statement. “It’s a powerful story that sheds light on the devastating impact of the opioid crisis while also delving into the complexities of family and personal history.” Her involvement goes beyond acting; she’s also stepping up as an executive producer, signaling her deep investment in bringing this story to life.
The creative team behind the series is equally impressive. Liz Moore, who penned the source material, teams up with showrunner Nikki Toscano (The Offer, Hunters) to adapt the novel for the screen. Toscano, no stranger to crafting high-stakes drama, shared her enthusiasm for the project: “Liz and I are honored to bring this story to the screen. Amanda Seyfried is the perfect actress to embody Mickey’s strength and vulnerability.” The duo’s collaboration sets the stage for a series that balances authenticity with the kind of tension that keeps viewers hooked.
Behind the scenes, Long Bright River boasts a robust production lineup. Sony Pictures Television and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, are producing the series, with a slate of executive producers that includes Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and Amanda Lewis of Original Film, alongside Amy Pascal of Pascal Pictures. Seyfried joins them in the EP ranks, rounding out a team with a proven track record of delivering compelling television.
Peacock has slated Long Bright River for a March 13, 2025, premiere, with all eight episodes dropping at once—perfect for viewers who prefer to binge their thrillers in one gripping sitting. The series’ debut comes at a time when streamers are increasingly leaning into limited-run projects that combine star power with socially relevant themes, and Long Bright River fits that bill to a tee.
With Seyfried leading the charge, a top-tier creative team in place, and a story that tackles the opioid crisis head-on, Long Bright River is shaping up to be a standout addition to Peacock’s lineup. Mark your calendars—this is one thriller you won’t want to miss.
