As the final season of You, the psychological thriller that became a cultural phenomenon, conquers Netflix’s charts, Greg Berlanti finds himself at the precipice of a new creative era. With You ending its run, Berlanti, the prolific creator behind some of the most successful and enduring television projects of the past decade, is already in motion on not one, but three new high-profile series. These shows—Stillwater, Foster Dade, and an as-yet-untitled project for Max—are poised to define his next chapter, where the writer-producer is returning to his roots as a creator and co-writer for each of them.
Over the past few months, Berlanti has taken a step back from the whirlwind pace of producing to focus on the development and writing of these new series. All three projects, which are being produced through Berlanti Productions in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television, have been eagerly anticipated in the entertainment world. His new shows signal a shift in the kind of storytelling he’ll be exploring, combining genres and emotional depth in ways that will likely surprise both fans and critics.
A Prolific Career in Television: Berlanti’s Past Successes
Greg Berlanti’s career in television spans nearly two decades, and in that time, he has become one of the most influential creators in Hollywood. With credits including Dawson’s Creek, Everwood, Arrow, and The Flash, Berlanti helped shape the modern television landscape. However, it’s his work on the Arrowverse—a collection of interconnected superhero series based on DC Comics characters—that solidified his place as a powerhouse in TV production. Under Berlanti’s creative vision, the Arrowverse expanded into an interconnected world of shows, cementing his status as a driving force behind the comic book TV genre.
But it’s not just superheroes that Berlanti excels at. He’s also made a significant mark with complex dramas and thrillers. His psychological drama You, which premiered in 2018 and quickly became a global hit on Netflix, showcased his ability to tap into darker, more provocative themes. The show, which follows Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley), a charming but dangerously obsessive man, hit the perfect balance between psychological horror and romantic obsession, making it an instant hit with viewers.
As You wraps up its final season, Berlanti is pivoting away from the well-established genre conventions that have defined much of his recent work. His next slate of shows promises to expand his creative horizons, introducing new and ambitious ideas to the small screen.
Stillwater: A Mind-Bending Horror Thriller on Amazon
In a major win for Amazon, the streaming platform has picked up Stillwater, a mind-bending horror thriller based on the Skybound comic book series by Chip Zdarsky and Ramón K. Pérez. The series, which has already generated significant buzz, marks a bold new direction for Berlanti, who is stepping into the world of supernatural horror for the first time.
Stillwater takes place in a small town where the rules of reality don’t always apply, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and dread. The show, co-written by Berlanti and Carly Wray (known for her work on Watchmen), will bring the twisted world of the comic to life, with Skybound Entertainment—famous for its work on The Walking Dead—producing. The premise centers around a mysterious, isolated town where the residents are forced to confront their darkest fears and desires. It’s a fresh and unsettling take on the horror genre, one that fuses psychological elements with supernatural intrigue.
Berlanti’s partnership with Wray, who has become renowned for her sharp writing and ability to craft compelling, high-stakes narratives, is a particularly exciting one. Wray’s success in adapting complex stories for television will add a layer of gravitas to Stillwater, making it a show to watch for genre enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The success of shows like Stranger Things has made supernatural horror a prominent feature in the television landscape, and Stillwater has all the ingredients to be a standout in this growing trend. With its dark, moody atmosphere and intricate plotting, the series will likely appeal to viewers who enjoy mind-bending thrillers like The Twilight Zone and Twin Peaks.
Foster Dade: A Mystery for the Next Generation on Hulu
In addition to Stillwater, Berlanti has also teamed up with writer Bash Doran (known for Life After Life) to adapt the 2023 novel Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos by Nash Jenkins into a series. The book, a mystery set at a prestigious boarding school, is a mix of coming-of-age drama and psychological thriller—two genres that Berlanti has excelled at in the past.
Foster Dade centers on the titular character, a student at a mysterious school where nothing is quite as it seems. The novel blends elements of young adult fiction with darker, more complex themes, and the TV adaptation is expected to take those themes even further. Berlanti and Doran are co-writing the pilot, with Berlanti Productions overseeing the project.
The mystery genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with shows like Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects dominating the airwaves. Foster Dade promises to add a unique twist to the genre, combining elements of psychological tension with a setting that recalls both the classic boarding school drama and modern mystery storytelling. Hulu’s decision to fast-track the pilot speaks to the platform’s confidence in Berlanti’s ability to craft a compelling, unpredictable narrative.
As audiences continue to crave more content with sophisticated storytelling and rich character development, Foster Dade could become a standout series that attracts both young adult audiences and adult viewers looking for a gripping new mystery.
The Max Project: Berlanti Returns to His Roots
Alongside Stillwater and Foster Dade, Berlanti is also working on a project for Max, the new streaming platform created by Warner Bros. Discovery. While details about the Max project are scarce, it is expected to be another ambitious, high-profile series that showcases Berlanti’s talent for creating emotionally resonant and genre-bending narratives.
Berlanti’s long-standing partnership with Warner Bros. Television has produced some of his most iconic projects, and his return to the studio for a Max series is likely to result in something big. Whether it’s a drama, a thriller, or something entirely new, fans can expect Berlanti to bring his trademark style—rich character development, compelling plots, and unexpected twists—to whatever genre he decides to tackle next.
Berlanti’s Shift: From Producer to Writer
One of the most significant aspects of Berlanti’s upcoming slate of projects is his decision to co-write each of them. While he’s always had a hand in shaping the direction of his shows, Berlanti has traditionally been more of a producer and showrunner, with a team of writers working under his supervision. This shift marks a return to his roots as a writer, a role he began his career in before moving into producing.
Writing each of these series himself will allow Berlanti to exert more creative control over the final product. For fans of his work, this is an exciting development. Berlanti’s writing has always been one of the strongest aspects of his shows, with his ability to create complex characters and plot twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. By co-writing all three of these projects, he’ll be able to ensure that each series reflects his unique voice and vision.
This change also signals a broader shift in Berlanti’s career. As the television landscape continues to evolve, with streaming platforms increasingly dominating the market, showrunners are taking on more responsibility for the creative direction of their projects. Berlanti’s decision to return to writing shows that he is willing to embrace this new reality and take on even more creative challenges.
The Streaming War: Why Amazon, Hulu, and Max Matter
Berlanti’s upcoming shows will premiere on some of the biggest streaming platforms in the world: Amazon, Hulu, and Max. These platforms are in the midst of a fierce battle for subscribers, with each one vying for dominance in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive.
For Amazon, Stillwater represents an opportunity to solidify its presence in the horror and thriller genre, a space that has proven to be highly lucrative. With shows like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Amazon has already established itself as a platform that takes risks on unconventional and genre-defying content. Stillwater will likely fit into this mold, appealing to viewers who are looking for something dark and innovative.
Hulu, on the other hand, has made a name for itself with high-quality drama series like The Handmaid’s Tale and Little Fires Everywhere. Foster Dade, with its mix of mystery and coming-of-age elements, seems like a natural fit for the platform’s audience. By fast-tracking the pilot, Hulu is signaling that it sees big potential in Berlanti’s vision for the show.
Max, the rebranded streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, is still finding its footing in a crowded market. However, with Berlanti’s upcoming series, the platform has the chance to make a statement and attract new subscribers. As more viewers turn to streaming for their entertainment, Max’s investment in high-profile talent like Berlanti could prove to be a game-changer.
What’s Next for Berlanti Productions?
With three major projects in the works, it’s clear that Greg Berlanti is not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, these new series are just the tip of the iceberg. Berlanti has built a highly successful production company, Berlanti Productions, which has numerous projects in development across film and television.
Berlanti’s ability to consistently produce high-quality, high-profile content makes him a sought-after talent in the industry. Whether it’s creating new TV series, adapting books into shows, or developing original films, Berlanti’s work continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new series is Greg Berlanti working on?
Greg Berlanti is working on three new series: Stillwater (a horror thriller on Amazon), Foster Dade (a mystery on Hulu), and an untitled project for Max.
What is Stillwater about?
Stillwater is a supernatural horror thriller set in a mysterious town where reality and nightmares blur, based on a comic by Chip Zdarsky and Ramón K. Pérez.
What is the plot of Foster Dade?
Foster Dade is a mystery set at a boarding school, blending coming-of-age themes with a psychological thriller. It’s based on the novel Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos by Nash Jenkins.
Why is Greg Berlanti returning to writing for these new projects?
Berlanti is returning to writing to have more creative control over his shows and to shape the narratives more personally.
Where will the new Berlanti series premiere?
Stillwater will premiere on Amazon, Foster Dade on Hulu, and the Max project will premiere on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform.
When will Stillwater, Foster Dade, and the Max project be released?
Release dates are not confirmed yet, but Foster Dade has already been fast-tracked for a pilot order.
Is Stillwater based on a comic book series?
Yes, Stillwater is based on the Skybound comic book series by Chip Zdarsky and Ramón K. Pérez.
What other shows has Greg Berlanti created or worked on?
Berlanti has worked on You, Arrow, The Flash, Dawson’s Creek, Riverdale, and more.
How does Greg Berlanti’s style differ from other showrunners in Hollywood?
Berlanti blends genres like drama, mystery, and romance, focusing on complex characters, unexpected twists, and emotionally rich storytelling.
Why are platforms like Amazon, Hulu, and Max interested in Greg Berlanti’s new projects?
Berlanti’s reputation for creating hit series and his ability to blend genres makes him a highly valuable creator for these platforms.
How successful has Greg Berlanti been in the past?
Berlanti has created some of TV’s biggest hits, including You and the Arrowverse, and has shaped modern television with his innovative approach to storytelling.
What can we expect from Berlanti’s future shows?
Expect genre-defying, emotionally driven stories with complex characters, unexpected twists, and high-stakes narratives.
Conclusion
As Greg Berlanti wraps up his work on You and transitions to his next projects, the world of television is watching closely. With Stillwater, Foster Dade, and his Max project, Berlanti is poised to once again shape the future of television with bold, ambitious storytelling.
