Peacock to Adapt French-Canadian Series 'Le Clan' into English-Language Drama 'Stoic Ridge'

by : Ta-Nehisi Coates

Peacock is set to embark on a compelling new drama, 'Stoic Ridge,' an English-language adaptation of the acclaimed French-Canadian series 'Le Clan.' Spearheaded by Robert Munic, this modern Western delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless struggle to escape one's past. The series promises a gripping narrative as a reformed criminal's meticulously built new life is jeopardized by the resurgence of his former family ties.

The upcoming series, 'Stoic Ridge,' follows the journey of Jacob Morris, who, after years under witness protection, has carved out a peaceful existence as a rancher, husband, and father in a quiet New Mexico town. However, his carefully constructed facade crumbles when his father and brother, both crime bosses, are released from prison. This forces Jacob to confront his two disparate worlds, compelling him to safeguard his new family from the very family he once betrayed, highlighting a profound conflict between past obligations and present responsibilities.

Robert Munic, an Emmy and DGA Award-nominated writer, director, and producer, will serve as the showrunner for 'Stoic Ridge.' He brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including creating and showrunning Starz’s 'Powerbook IV: Force' and A&E’s 'The Cleaner,' starring Benjamin Bratt. His impressive resume also includes credits on 'Gang Related' and 'Empire,' underscoring his capability to deliver compelling and high-quality television. The production is a collaborative effort between UCP (Universal Content Productions), a division of Universal Studio Group, and Teton Ridge Entertainment.

The original French-Canadian series, 'Le Clan,' created by Joanne Arseneau and produced by Productions Casablanca, Phare-Est Media, and Avenue Productions, garnered critical acclaim, particularly for its technical achievements. It received multiple Gemeaux Award nominations for its outstanding cinematography, sound design, and set design, indicating a strong foundation for its American counterpart. Teton Ridge Entertainment, co-producing 'Stoic Ridge,' has also recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring film and TV rights for classic Westerns such as Stanley Kramer’s 'High Noon' and the 'Lonesome Dove' franchise, alongside the life rights to iconic Western actor John Wayne. Their recent music documentary, 'Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool,' premiered on Netflix, further showcasing their diverse production interests.

Jillian Share, Jen Gorton, Guy Stodel, and Joanne Forgues are joining Munic as executive producers on 'Stoic Ridge.' Guy Stodel, a co-founder of Rosto, has a notable track record, including work on Peacock's comedy 'Bust Down' and previous first-look deals with prominent television studios like 20th Television and Blumhouse Television. Robert Munic is represented by Independent Artist Group, TFC Management, and Myman Greenspan Fox, solidifying a strong creative and production team behind this ambitious adaptation.

This adaptation promises to be a powerful addition to Peacock's programming, offering a fresh take on the Western genre with a deep exploration of family dynamics, morality, and the consequences of one's past. The series aims to captivate audiences with its dramatic tension and complex character arcs, building upon the critical success of its Canadian predecessor while infusing it with new creative energy and an English-language appeal.