BBC Acquires Liane Moriarty's "Apples Never Fall" for iPlayer and TV Channels

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has secured the rights to the limited drama series "Apples Never Fall", based on Liane Moriarty's #1 New York Times bestselling novel. This adaptation, poised to captivate audiences with its suspenseful and intricate storyline, will be available on BBC iPlayer and TV channels later this year.

"Apples Never Fall" features a stellar cast headlined by Annette Bening and Sam Neill. The seven-part series has been adapted for the screen by Melanie Marnich, known for her work on The OA and The Affair. The production is a collaborative effort by Heyday Television, a part of Universal International Studios under the Universal Studio Group banner.

The drama revolves around the Delaney family, seemingly perfect on the surface. Stan and Joy, former tennis coaches who have sold their thriving tennis academy, are set to enjoy their golden years with their four adult children. However, the family's tranquility is disrupted when a wounded young woman arrives at their doorstep, reigniting a sense of excitement in their lives. The plot takes a darker turn when Joy mysteriously disappears, compelling her children to scrutinize their parents' marriage and uncover hidden secrets.

Annette Bening (Nyad, American Beauty) and Sam Neill (Peaky Blinders, Jurassic Park) bring their formidable talents to the roles of Joy and Stan. They are joined by Jake Lacy (The White Lotus, How to Be Single), Alison Brie (GLOW, Mad Men), Conor Merrigan-Turner (Thai Cave Rescue, Shattered), and Essie Randles (The Speedway Murders) as their four children.

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition at the BBC, expressed her enthusiasm for the series: "Suspenseful and sinister, "Apples Never Fall" is a compelling mystery drama that will keep BBC viewers intrigued until its riveting final episode."

The series, composed of seven 45-minute episodes, is executive produced by a talented team including David Heyman (Wonka, Barbie), Gregory Jacobs, Liane Moriarty, Annette Bening, Joe Hortua, Albert Page, and Jillian Share. Direction comes from Dawn Shadforth and Chris Sweeney, with Sweeney also serving as an executive producer.

With its gripping storyline and high-profile cast, "Apples Never Fall" is set to be a major highlight of the BBC's programming schedule this year, promising viewers a thrilling exploration of family dynamics and buried secrets.