AMC to Adapt Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath

AMC is developing a new anthology series, the first season of which will be an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s iconic novel “Grapes of Wrath.” The announcement was made by AMC Networks ahead of their pitch to advertisers in New York on April 9. The anthology series, titled “Great American Stories,” will focus on “another iconic work, historical moment or individual narrative that celebrates and highlights the American spirit,” according to the official description, Variety has reported.

“For over a year, we’ve searched for the perfect story to launch our next great television franchise, and we’ve found it in “Grapes of Wrath,” which is as timely and relevant today as it was when it was published in 1939,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. “Our country is built on so many unforgettable historical and dramatic moments, stories of bravery and courage, classic novels, short stories and chronicles, both well-known and never before told. As a network that began life as a Classic American Cinema, this is a franchise that we were destined to bring to the screen.”

Grapes of Wrath Adapted as Series

Rolyn Jones will adapt “Grapes of Wrath” for Season 1 and will oversee the franchise for AMC, working on new creatives related to each new season. Mark Johnson also serves as executive producer, and Johnson currently oversees such Anne Rice shows as “Interview with the Vampire” and “The Mayfair Witches.” Both Jones and Johnson have overall deals with AMC Studios.

“We think of ‘Great American Stories’ as one of those determined car factories in Michigan — bring in visionary creators, give them an assembly line with unique talent to build a thing, hand them the keys and get out of the way,” Jones said. “This is a big, bold move by Dan McDermott at AMC. He hired me to kick a hottie out of the factory every year. I hope I never have another job for the rest of my career.” Jones has been nominated three times for an Emmy — once for outstanding writing for a drama series for “Friday Night Lights,” once for outstanding drama series for “Friday Night Lights,” and a third time for outstanding comedy series for “Weeds.” Jones developed “Interview with the Vampire” for television and serves as showrunner. He previously developed and produced HBO’s Perry Mason and worked on AMC’s Low Winter Sun, CBS’s Life in Pieces and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.

American classic John Steinbeck

“I have never felt more professional pressure than to accept this challenge to help translate some of America’s most iconic stories to the television screen,” Johnson said. “I am incredibly grateful to AMC for this invitation and sincerely grateful to Rollin for his faith in me. What a terrific opportunity!”

First published in 1939, The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of the Joad family. Forced to leave their Oklahoma farm due to the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, they set out for California in search of a better life. It was later adapted into a film directed by John Ford, starring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, Russell Simpson and others. Like the book, the film is considered an American classic and won two Academy Awards.