‘Orphan Black’ Co-Creator Set as ‘Snowpiercer’ Showrunner for TNT

Graeme Manson takes over for Josh Friedman, who exited the reboot after creative differences.

TNT has found its new conductor for Snowpiercer.

Orphan Black co-creator Graeme Manson has been tapped to take over the recently ordered series as showrunner. He replaces Josh Friedman, who developed the drama and wrote the pilot that led to the pickup. Friedman exited in January when the Turner-owned cable network ordered Snowpiercer to series over what TNT described as creative differences. (Friedman has said he was pushed out as the cabler was looking for a showrunner who would be more “compliant.”)

“Graeme’s extensive background in the sci-fi genre coupled with his brilliant work behind Orphan Black made him the perfect choice for this series,” said Sarah Aubrey, executive vp originals at TNT. “He is the best conductor to navigate the thought-provoking and delicate themes of the series while bringing this frozen, futuristic world to life.”

Tony winner Daveed Diggs (Hamilton) stars in the reboot alongside Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind). Based on the 2013 film starring Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton, Snowpiercer is set seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland and centers on the remnants of humanity who inhabit a gigantic, perpetually moving train that circles the globe. The series explores class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival. Alison Wright (The Americans) co-stars.

Manson co-created BBC America’s Tatiana Maslany starrer Orphan Black, which wrapped its five-season run last year. He is repped by CAA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, the Jennifer Hollyer Agency and Jackoway Tyerman.

Snowpiercer is a co-production of Tomorrow Studios and Turner’s Studio T, along with CJ Entertainment. Scott Derrickson directed the pilot, which was written by Friedman. Tomorrow Studios’ Marty Adelstein (Prison Break) and Becky Clements (Good Behavior) and the original film’s Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook, Lee Tae-hun and Dooho Choi executive produce. Friedman will continue to be credited as an exec producer despite having left the series.

A premiere date for Snowpiercer has not yet been determined.

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