Prime Video has commissioned new comedy-thriller series Dead Hot, created and written by Charlotte Coben (The Stranger, Stay Close, Shelter), and executive produced by Nicola Shindler (It’s A Sin, Nolly, Happy Valley, Stay Close).
Launching in 2024, Dead Hot is billed as a “compelling and twisty character-driven thriller exploring family, class, love, trauma, and identity.”
The show stars Bilal Hasna (Extraordinary, Screw) and Vivian Oparah (Rye Lane, Then You Run, I May Destroy You) as protagonists Elliot and Jess, with Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey, After Life) and Peter Serafinowicz (The School for Good and Evil, The Tick) also joining the cast.
Set in present-day Liverpool, twentysomethings Elliot and Jess are best friends united by a bond of grief at losing Peter—the first and only love of Elliot and Jess’ twin brother. It’s been five years since Peter went missing in mysterious circumstances, and still reeling from the trauma, the best friends spiral into a hedonistic lifestyle, partying to numb their grief while clinging to a small hope that they will one day find out what happened. When Elliot meets Will, he starts to think he can put the past behind him. But when Elliot learns Will has his own dark secrets, just as Jess is contacted by somebody claiming to be her brother, it sets into motion a determination for the pair to find out if Elliot’s romantically cursed—or being targeted.
Nicola Shindler, executive producer for Quay Street Productions, said: “Charlotte Coben is a clever writer and the scripts she has delivered for Dead Hot are outstanding; she’s a natural talent. I’m delighted she chose Quay Street Productions for this exciting project. Dead Hot is a unique story with heartbreak, humour, and absurdity, with two magnificent rising stars leading a brilliant cast. There are plenty of surprises along the way, and we’re delighted to be bringing this to life.”
Bilal Hasna said: “Dead Hot is a page-turner and I’m thrilled to be part of this story with such a wonderful team. It’s been such a joy collaborating on a project with so many early career creatives, both onscreen and off. I can’t wait for the world to see the wonderful, wacky world we’ve created, and to go on a journey full of adventure and heartfelt friendship in equal measure.”
Vivian Oparah added: “I’m beyond excited to be bringing this zany world to life with such a talented creative team. This story is a thrilling roller-coaster ride with a lot of funny, crazy, twists and turns that’s driven by something we can all identify with—family, both blood and chosen. I’m looking forward to everyone joining Jess and Elliot on the ride!”
Dead Hot is produced by Quay Street Productions (part of ITV Studios) and executive produced by Nicola Shindler. The series is created, written, and executive produced by Charlotte Coben. Laurie Kirkham (It’s A Sin, Finding Alice, Trust Me) is producer, with Sam Arbor (Heartstopper) as director on Block One and David Sant (Significant Other, Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything) as director on Block Two. Dead Hot is in production in and around North West England. Dead Hot is produced in association with ITV Studios, which will handle international distribution.
Charlotte Coben has previously worked with Nicola Shindler as a writer on Netflix hits The Stranger and Stay Close.
Jon Creamer
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