Showtime has today announced a premiere date for its upcoming original limited series Patrick Melrose starring Emmy winner Benedict Cumberbatch - opening a new night of original programming for the premium cable channel.
The five-part limited series will launch on Saturday, May 12 at 9/8c. Showtime has typically only programming Sunday nights with its original scripted programming. The move to Saturday is a part to expand its programming slate.
"As the size of our programming slate continues to grow, it makes sense for Showtime to offer another night of premieres - allowing us the opportunity to eventize series like Patrick Melrose," said David Nevins, President, Showtime Networks. "Offering original content on Saturdays not only enables us to fully service our subscribers with diverse offerings, it gives viewers enough time to enjoy them all. And a series with the ambition and quality of Patrick Melrose is the perfect place to start."
Skewering the upper class, the drama tracks Patrick Melrose's (Cumberbatch) harrowing odyssey from a deeply traumatic childhood through adult substance abuse and, ultimately, toward recovery. Patrick Melrose is an aristocratic and outrageously funny playboy who struggles to overcome the damage inflicted by a horribly abusive father and the mother who tacitly condoned the behavior.
The cast also includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hugo Weaving, Anna Madeley, Allison Williams and Blythe Danner.
David Nicholls developed the drama based on the book series. He executive produces with Cumberbatch, Adam Ackland, Michael Jackson and Rachel Horovitz. Sky Atlantic, SunnyMarch Television and Two Cities Television produce.
