Apple TV+ today unveiled a first look at both Shantaram, a new drama series starring Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy), and the kids and family series Life By Ella.
Based on the internationally best-selling novel (See on Amazon) by Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram is a hopeful cinematic love story coupled with a thrilling epic adventure that follows one man’s journey to redemption through a country that changes his life.
Shantaram will make its global debut with the first three episodes of its 12-episode first season on Friday, October 14, 2022, followed by one new episode weekly every Friday through December 16, 2022, on Apple TV+.
The series follows a fugitive named Lin Ford (Charlie Hunnam) looking to get lost in vibrant and chaotic 1980s Bombay. Alone in an unfamiliar city, Lin struggles to avoid the trouble he’s running from in this new place.
After falling for an enigmatic and intriguing woman named Karla, Lin must choose between freedom or love and the complications that come with it. The series also stars Shubham Saraf, Elektra Kilbey, Fayssal Bazzi, Luke Pasqualino, and Antonia Desplat.
The cast is rounded out by Alyy Khan, Sujaya Dasgupta, Vincent Perez, David Field, Alexander Siddig, Gabrielle Scharnitzky, Elham Ehsas, Rachel Kamath, Matthew Joseph, and Shiv Palekar.
Shantaram is co-created, written, and executive-produced by Steve Lightfoot, who also serves as showrunner. Bharat Nalluri directs and executive produces.
Andrea Barron, Nicole Clemens, Steve Golin, and Justin Kurzel also executive produce along with Eric Warren Singer, who co-created the series. Shantaram is produced for Apple by Paramount Television Studios and Anonymous Content’s AC Studios.
Apple TV+ today also revealed the trailer for the new kids and family series Life By Ella, premiering globally on Friday, September 2. You can watch the trailer using the player below.
Life By Ella follows Ella as she returns to school with a brand new perspective, excitement for what the future holds, and a major “seize the day” mentality following her stint with cancer. With her best friend by her side, she is ready to tackle everything she was too afraid of before and determined not to let the minutiae of fake friends and social media status distract her.
Life By Ella was created, written, and executive produced by Jeff Hodsden (Bunk’d) and Tim Pollock (Bunk’d), with the first episode directed by Emmy Award nominee Linda Mendoza (Ugly Betty, Harlem).
The series stars Lily Brooks O’Briant (The Big Show Show, The Tick), Artyon Celestine (Drama Club, Claws), and Vanessa Carrasco (Irreplaceable You).
The cast also includes Kevin Rahm (Madam Secretary, Mad Men), Mary Faber (Parks and Recreation, Kidding), Aidan Wallace (You, The Kids Are Alright), Kunal Dudheker (Better Things, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), and Maya Lynne Robinson (The Connors, The Unicorn).
Are you looking forward to either series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.