BBC AMERICA Announces Season Two Greenlight Of Scripted Original Series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency

Date: November 21, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

Season One to Finale on Saturday, December 10 at 9/8c

New York, New York – November 21, 2016 – BBC AMERICA announced today the second season greenlight of original scripted series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Starring Elijah Wood and Samuel Barnett, the series is penned by Max Landis (American Ultra, Chronicle) and executive produced by Robert Cooper (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe). Adapted from the wildly popular novels by Douglas Adams (“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”), season two will return with ten episodes and premiere in 2017. The series is produced by AMC Studios. Season one will finale on December 10 at 9/8c.

Sarah Barnett, President of BBC AMERICA, commented, “Outlandishly different, Dirk Gently has hit a sweet spot with BBCA fans. With Elijah Wood and Samuel Barnett’s chemistry as oddball detective/sidekick duo, and our creators promising ever greater genius-weird cosmic mystery in the next case, we’re happy to announce more of this truly original and entertaining show.”

The series is set in the unexpected world of the hyper, absurd, eponymous detective Dirk Gently (Samuel Barnett). Dirk Gently, is a serialized comedic thriller that follows the bizarre adventures of eccentric “holistic” detective Dirk Gently and his reluctant assistant Todd (Elijah Wood), as they wend their way through one big, seemingly insane mystery a season, crossing unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and sometimes dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth.

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is a co-production of AMC Studios, IDEATE MEDIA and IDW Entertainment, with Circle of Confusion producing for BBC AMERICA. Max Landis writes and executive produces the series with Robert Cooper serving as executive producer and showrunner. Arvind Ethan David and Zainir Aminullah for IDEATE MEDIA executive produce along with Ted Adams and David Ozer for IDW and David Alpert and Rick Jacobs for Circle of Confusion.

BBC AMERICA’s robust slate of originals continue through the new year with upcoming premieres including the Doctor Who Christmas Special on December 25 and Planet Earth II on January 28. The fifth and final season of hit series Orphan Black is currently in production and will premiere in 2017.

BBC AMERICA’s New Original Series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency Debuts Saturday, October 22

Date: September 15, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

EVERYTHING. IS. CONNECTED!

Douglas Adams Adaptation Stars Elijah Wood and Samuel Barnett

New York – September 15, 2016 – “Perhaps every day before now has been for the most part humdrum and inane, your life a mundane unvarying slog through unfulfilling jobs, shallow depression and boring, BORING sex…? Then suddenly…everything changed.” So goes the life of Todd Brotzman (Elijah Wood); accurately surmised by the intrusive stranger Dirk Gently (Samuel Barnett) … a holistic detective who doesn’t really detect…or find clues…or ever really solved a case… Ok, so he’s a crazy person who’s insinuated himself into the life of a man who literally has absolutely nothing left to lose… An eight-part series penned by Max Landis (American Ultra, Chronicle), Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, adapted from the wildly popular novels by Douglas Adams (“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”), premieres Saturday, October 22 at 9/8c on BBC AMERICA.

“Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is a blast of fresh, cosmically weird air,” says Sarah Barnett, President, BBC AMERICA. “Fans of Doctor Who, Monty Python, Sherlock and Barton Fink will find things to love in this sharply original yet reverent gigantic puzzle, at the heart of which are funny messed up people you really care about. And there’s a kitten/shark. Perfect for BBCA.”

Corpses – cops – traps – cult – assassins – Pararibulitis – vampires – lottery ticket – kitten – corgi – everything is connected in this bizarre world. It all begins on the absolute worst day of Todd’s life. After his drug dealing landlord trashes his car, he trudges onto a Seattle bus to make it to his job as a bellhop. Dispatched to the hotel penthouse, the horrific scene of murdered millionaire, Patrick Spring, begets a peculiar chain of events that makes him a person of great interest…and gets him sacked from his job.

Enter Dirk Gently, the fast talking, eccentric detective hired to investigate the case. Dirk, whose philosophy hinges on the interconnectedness of all things, wholly believes he and Todd are destined to untangle the mystery together, and tries his hardest to convince Todd to embrace the madness because let’s face it, what else has he got going on… Once half-convinced, Todd’s world is infiltrated by a collection of wild and dangerous characters who further complicate his life, all because of Dirk Gently.

In addition to Todd’s ailing sister Amanda (Hannah Marks), a former punk-chick, now a Pararibulitis sufferer, there’s Farah Black (Jade Eshete), a security officer assigned to protect the murder victim’s daughter, and friend of Dirk Gently, The Rowdy 3 (Michael Eklund, Osric Chau, Viv Leacock and Zak Santiago), Yes, a quartet of psychic vampires who constantly target Dirk Gently, Zimmerfield (Richard Schiff) and Estevez (Neil Brown Jr.), detectives assigned to investigate the same complex case Dirk Gently was hired to investigate, Gordon Rimmer (Aaron Douglas), a loser cult leader with deep secrets, who’s lost dog is tied to the case, and Colonel Riggins (Miguel Sandoval), the leader of a failed CIA secret experiment and his idiot officer, Sergeant Friedkin (Dustin Milligan) who are ordered to capture Dirk Gently.

Far away from the city, Ken (Mpho Koaho) too is having a really bad day. While minding his business of hacking into a mainframe to make a few bucks, a seemingly deranged assassin, Bartine “Bart” Curlish (Fiona Dourif) insinuates herself into his life…after she tries to murder him…because she mistook him for Dirk Gently…without actually knowing if he was Dirk Gently…because Bart is not a very thorough assassin. But she is a holistic one, that kills whomever the universe tells her to. And you guessed it, it’s told her to kill Dirk Gently.

Each week, viewers will enter the escape room-esque mystery that’ll weave these characters together through seemingly innocuous events; somehow bringing everyone closer to solving the case of the murdered millionaire. And maybe, help to rid Todd of Dirk Gently, and restore his mundane, unvarying, shallow, depressed and boring, BORING sex life…

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is an eight-part co-production of AMC Studios, IDEATE MEDIA and IDW Entertainment, with Circle of Confusion producing for BBC AMERICA. Max Landis writes and executive produces the series with Robert Cooper (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe) serving as executive producer and showrunner, and Oscar-winning director Dean Parisot (Justified, Masters of Sex) serving as executive producer and director of the series’ first two episodes. Arvind Ethan David and Zainir Aminullah for IDEATE MEDIA executive produce along with Ted Adams and David Ozer for IDW and David Alpert and Rick Jacobs for Circle of Confusion. Kim Todd serves as producer.

 

SYNOPSES

EPISODE ONE – HORIZONS – SATURDAY OCTOBER 22, 9/8c
After Todd Brotzman happens upon a murder scene, he meets self-proclaimed detective, Dirk Gently; and is drawn into a case involving the death of reclusive millionaire, Patrick Spring, and the kidnapping of his daughter Lydia. As multiple characters and storylines seem primed to converge, tangling endlessly in towards the center, it’s clear to Todd that his life will never be the same.

EPISODE TWO – LOST & FOUND – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 9/8c
Todd is drawn further into the case as they learn more about the fiends who captured Patrick Spring’s daughter, Lydia. Mysterious characters take a step closer to a collision, culminating in an absurd hostage exchange, wherein corgi is tossed off a high bridge and a determined woman enters Dirk and Todd’s life.

EPISODE THREE – ROGUE WALL ENTHUSIASTS – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 9/8c
Digging into Patrick Spring’s past, Farah and Dirk discover the first really big clue into his murder. Todd goes to the police only to learn he has no safe harbor left. Amanda must deal with a looming presence in her life, and Bart and Ken hurtle towards a violent clash with a biker gang.

 

CHARACTERS

DIRK GENTLY (Samuel Barnett)
Funny, eloquent, rude and a tiny bit presumptuous, Dirk Gently has strange psychic abilities that enable him to sense tangential connections. He’s turned these abilities into his new profession: that of a “holistic detective,” a term that reflects his belief in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. However, his abilities have condemned him to a lonely life devoid of human connection. A man with an interesting sense of style and a brusque manner that quickly annoys, Dirk exists on the assumption that everyone around him will instantly recognize his authority… even though said authority doesn’t exist, and pretty much no one ever acknowledges it, ever.

TODD BROTZMAN (Elijah Wood)
A frustrated loser and fallen punk rock front man, Todd’s life is a dead-end. But when he stumbles into a bizarre murder scene, everything drastically changes. A random encounter with the eccentric detective, Dirk Gently, draws him into a web against his will. As Todd reluctantly joins Dirk, he quickly discovers he’s just flat out better at detecting and pretty much everything else than Dirk. He always attempts to solve matters with the fewest steps possible. But despite being a compassionate, smarter-than-average man with biting wit, Todd often finds himself at a moral crossroads. His bad habits of lying and stealing have dire consequences that he won’t be able to avoid forever. He’s not a bad person… he’s just not a good person, but he’ll get there. Maybe. Hopefully?

AMANDA BROTZMAN (Hannah Marks)
Amanda always wanted to be in a band like her brother Todd. Her spunky, smart, wild and impulsive personality defines who she is… or at least who she was. Sidelined by Pararibulitis – a hereditary disease that turns everything around her into a potentially agonizing physical hazard – she’s remained isolated, leaning on her brother for support. She’s deeply connected to her brother but a number of issues in their relationship are slowly being triggered, and Amanda will find herself drawn towards the dark forces converging on Todd’s life.

FARAH BLACK (Jade Eshete)
A neurotic, bad-ass security officer to a millionaire, Farah has brooding, nervous energy and an easy snarl that’s triggered at the slightest provocation. A tactical prodigy, Farah is a dominant figure who is also a bit odd… much more than she’s prepared to accept. She subconsciously talks to herself and if provoked, unleashes a biting deadpan sarcasm. After her boss is killed and his daughter kidnapped, Farah is determined to solve the case alongside Dirk and Todd without the help of police. She makes every attempt to keep the group safe, even if she herself isn’t so sure she’s capable of doing so.

KEN (Mpho Koaho)
A nerdy, friendly-faced tech trapped in increasingly difficult and bloody circumstances, Ken’s side job as a hacker lands him face-to-face with some odious characters, including Bart, a self-identified holistic assassin.

BARTINE (BART) CURLISH (Fiona Dourif)
Bart is a terrifying, homicidal, deranged, fearless, and nearly invincible self-identified “holistic assassin.” Like Dirk, she is a causality psychic. Bart doesn’t determine who she kills or when and how she kills them. It’s all instinctual. Drawn towards people who kill or endanger others, she feels a second nature urge to eliminate them, which she can do with very little effort. She’s rough, rude, kind of gross and an upsetting person, but there’s a complex sweetness to her. Bart is comfortable with who she is and unlike Dirk, she’s found peace with her power.

THE ROWDY 3 (Michael Eklund, Osric Chau, Viv Leacock and Zak Santiago)
The Rowdy 3 – all four of them – composed of the aloof Martin, the manic Vogel, the ever-stoic Gripps and the deranged Cross, are vampires. Not the night walking bloodsucking kind, but rather something much stranger…if that’s possible. They feed on emotion and the electrical energy of the human mind, which they extract in blasts of crackling electricity. Ex-test subjects, the Rowdy 3 have tried to make a life for themselves out in the real world, forever hunting Dirk Gently; deliberately entering his life in moments where it will cause him the most emotional terror.

GORDON RIMMER (Aaron Douglas)
Rimmer is an enigmatic loser with an impressive series of horrible secrets. A high ranking member of a cult called Men of the Machine, Rimmer is by nature, a perpetually scrambling, unreliable, egomaniacal agent of the Brotherhood’s intent. Rimmer loves giving orders and whenever possible, remind his fellow brothers of his seniority within the cult.

ESTEVEZ AND ZIMMERFIELD (Neil Brown Jr. and Richard Schiff)
Estevez and Zimmerfield are missing person’s detectives operating increasingly off book as they follow the trail of a complex and mystifying case. As bizarre events continue to converge around one person, they find themselves more and more flummoxed by the investigation.

COLONEL SCOTT RIGGINS AND SERGEANT HUGO FRIEDKIN (Miguel Sandoval and Dustin Milligan)
Beleaguered CIA head of a defunct secret bureau investigating the paranormal called Black Wing, Riggins used to be a bright-eyed West Point grad. A born optimist with a cheery demeanor, Riggins is a true believer: Aliens? Yes. Psychics? Yes. Demons? Magic? Past lives? Yes, yes and yes. He’s hoping to rebuild Black Wing but gets stuck with Friedkin, an unpredictable, wildly ambitious and dangerous moron. Though he supports Colonel Riggins in his quest to peacefully achieve his goal, his boneheaded nature may derail the Colonel’s plans altogether.

 

CAST AND PRODUCTION CREDITS

Dirk Gently ….. Samuel Barnett (Penny Dreadful, The History Boys)
Todd Brotzman ….. Elijah Wood (Wilfred, Cooties)
Amanda Brotzman ….. Hannah Marks (The Amazing Spiderman)
Farah Black ….. Jade Eshete (Deadbeat)
Ken ….. Mpho Koaho (Falling Skies)
Bartine (Bart) Curlish ….. Fiona Dourif (True Blood)
Martin (Rowdy 3) ….. Michael Eklund (Wynonna Earp)
Colonel Riggins ….. Miguel Sandoval (Bad Judge)
Sergeant Friedkin ….. Dustin Milligan (Schitt’s Creek)
Gordon Rimmer ….. Aaron Douglas (iZombie)
Estevez ….. Neil Brown Jr. (Straight Outta Compton)
Zimmerfield ….. Richard Schiff (Ballers)
Vogle (Rowdy 3) ….. Osric Chau (Supernatural)
Gripps (Rowdy 3) ….. Viv Leacock (Kong, King of the Apes)
Cross (Rowdy 3) ….. Zak Santiago (The 100)
Dorian ….. Ty Olsson (War for the Planet of the Apes)

Writer/Executive Producer
Max Landis (American Ultra, Chronicle)

Showrunner/Executive Producer
Robert Cooper (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe)

Directors
Dean Parisot (Eps 1-2)
Michael Patrick Jann (Eps 3-4)
Tamra Davis (Eps 5-6)
Paco Cabezas (Eps 7-8)

Executive Producers
Arvind Ethan David
Zainir Aminullah
Ted Adams
David Ozer
David Alpert
Rick Jacobs
Dean Parisot (Eps 1-2)

Producer
Kim Todd

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is an eight-part co-production of AMC Studios, IDEATE MEDIA, IDW Entertainment and Circle of Confusion producing for BBC AMERICA.

New Teaser and World Premiere Time Revealed for BBC AMERICA’S Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency

Date: August 24, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

NEW BBCA PROGRAMMING STUNTS ANNOUNCED AS LAUNCH PAD FOR DIRK GENTLY’S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY

Original Star Trek Uncut Remastered Marathon to Launch Exactly 50 Years Since First Broadcast
Full season runs of Into The Badlands, Humans and Sherlock on Saturdays counting down to Dirk Gently

New York, NY – August 24, 2016 – Today, BBC AMERICA released a new teaser for the network’s next original series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, starring Elijah Wood and Samuel Barnett, which also confirms the series will premiere at 9:00pm ET on October 22. In addition, the network has announced a series of programming stunts, including an original Star Trek anniversary celebration, to premiere in the build up to the new series launch.

Sarah Barnett, BBC AMERICA President, commented, “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is unlike any other show we can think of – though there are some unique and genius shows that live in adjacent, equally skewed, fantastical worlds, and we want to surround Dirk with this interconnected brilliance. We hope BBCA fans will enjoy our eclectic, energetic, supernatural-ish fall.”

In September, BBC AMERICA, the home of groundbreaking series Doctor Who and Orphan Black, will take a moment to celebrate one of the most iconic sci-fi series ever with a special uncut marathon of the original Star Trek series. Launching on Thursday, September 8, 8:30pm ET, exactly 50 years from its original premiere on NBC, BBCA will present a marathon of uncut digitally remastered HD versions of the original episodes of seasons one and two – running through Sunday, September 11.

On Saturdays leading up to Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’s premiere, BBCA is running the two first seasons of sister network AMC’s hit series Into The Badlands and Humans. Into The Badlands season one is currently airing and Humans season one will start on September 30, 11:00pm ET. Award-winning limited-series Sherlock also returns for an encore on BBCA, with network premieres of “A Scandal in Belgravia”, “The Hounds of Baskerville” and “The Reichenbach Fall” airing three straight Saturdays, starting on October 1, 8:00pm ET.

 

About BBCA’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency:

When the bizarre murder of a millionaire thrusts loner Todd (Wood), into the orbit of Dirk Gently (Barnett), an eccentric detective who believes they’re destined to solve the mind-bending mystery together, his life will never be the same. They’ll cross unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth. From the studio of The Walking Dead, the BBCA original series is an adaptation of the novels from Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Doctor Who) – with Max Landis (Chronicle) as writer and executive producer and Robert Cooper (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe) as showrunner. Oscar-winning director Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest, Justified, Masters of Sex) has directed the series’ first two episodes.

Note: The below is a snippet from the BBC America Press Release where DIRK GENTLY is mentioned. To read the full Press Release, click HERE.

 

BBC AMERICA Introduces Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency And Bids Farewell To Fan-Favorite Orphan Black At San Diego Comic-Con 2016

Date: June 28, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

Following BBC AMERICA’s announcement that award-winning original series Orphan Black has been renewed for a fifth and final season, the network announced today Orphan Black will return to San Diego on Friday, July 22 for a final Comic-Con farewell panel with fans. In addition, BBCA’s first ever panel for its next original series, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, will be held on Saturday, July 23, with stars Elijah Wood, Samuel Barnett, Hannah Marks, Jade Eshete, lead writer and executive producer Max Landis and showrunner Robert Cooper. The series’ world premiere is set for October 22 on BBC AMERICA.

DIRK GENTLY’S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY PANEL
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency – BBC AMERICA

Saturday, July 23
4:00pm
Room # 6BCF

Join stars Elijah Wood (Wilfred), Samuel Barnett (Penny Dreadful), Hannah Marks (The Amazing Spiderman), Jade Eshete (Dead Beat), lead writer and executive producer Max Landis (Chronicle, American Ultra), showrunner Robert Cooper (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe) and moderator Tim Leong of Entertainment Weekly for a first look at BBC AMERICA’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, a new original series from the producers of The Walking Dead, premiering October 22. An adaptation from famed author of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams – Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency follows the bizarre adventures of eccentric detective Dirk Gently (Barnett) and his reluctant assistant Todd (Wood), as they wend their way through an insane mystery; crossing unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth. BBCA’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is an eight-part co-production of AMC Studios, IDEATE MEDIA and IDW Entertainment with Circle of Confusion producing. @DirkGentlyBBCA #DirkGently

According to the below BBC AMERICA press release, Aaron Douglas’ new tv show DIRK GENTLY will premiere on October 22, 2016.

 

Note: The below is a snippet from the BBC America Press Release where DIRK GENTLY is mentioned. To read the full Press Release, click HERE.

 

BBC AMERICA Announces Original Scripted Development Projects And Upcoming Summer And Fall Premiere Slate

Date: May 31, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

New Development Projects from Amy Poehler, Natasha Lyonne, Neal Baer, and the Producers of Top of the Lake, Among Others

New Original Series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency to Premiere on October 22nd

New York, NY – May 31, 2016 – Off the heels of the premiere of the newest season of Top Gear, and in advance of the July premiere of The Hunt, BBC AMERICA made a series of announcements today which include: a new slate of original scripted development projects, premiere dates for original series including Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency – the new series from Max Landis and the producers of The Walking Dead – Planet Earth II, Ripper Street S4, The Living and the Dead, Undercover and new special David Beckham: For the Love of the Game.

Sarah Barnett, BBC AMERICA President, commented, “Our brand and shows stand out despite the huge volume of TV content right now. BBCA shows are a little different from the mainstream, even if they sometimes end up shaping it. From Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency to Planet Earth II to Top Gear to our new work in development, this is television that US audiences become fanatical about because of its unabashed commitment to an entertaining vision and strong point of view.”

Upcoming premiere dates on BBC AMERICA include Ripper Street S4 on July 28th, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency on October 22nd, Undercover on November 17th, The Living and the Dead in Fall 2016, and Planet Earth II coming in Winter 2017. The channel’s slate also includes the previously announced premiere of The Hunt on July 3rd.

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
From the producers of The Walking Dead and penned by Max Landis – the mind behind cult classic Chronicle – BBCA’s new original series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is a comedic thriller that follows the bizarre adventures of eccentric “holistic” detective Dirk Gently (Samuel Barnett) and his reluctant assistant Todd (Elijah Wood), as they wend their way through one big, seemingly insane mystery a season, crossing unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and sometimes dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth. The series is an adaptation of Douglas Adams’ (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Doctor Who) wildly successful comic novels, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, and is set in the unexpected world of the hyper, absurd, eponymous detective Dirk Gently.

Today is the first day of production on Aaron’s new tv series DIRK GENTLY. Below is the BBC America Press Release. I’ve highlighted the mention of Aaron in it.

 

BBC AMERICA Begins Production On Original Series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Starring Elijah Wood And Samuel Barnett

Date: May 24, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE CAST ANNOUNCED

Vancouver, BC – May 24, 2016 – BBC AMERICA announced today the start of production on its highly anticipated new series, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Penned by Max Landis and from the producers of The Walking Dead, the series is a comedic thriller that follows the bizarre adventures of eccentric “holistic” detective Dirk Gently (Samuel Barnett) and his reluctant assistant Todd (Elijah Wood). This season, Dirk and Todd wend their way through one big, seemingly insane mystery, crossing unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and sometimes dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth. The series is an adaptation of Douglas Adams’ (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) wildly successful comic novels, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, and is set in the unexpected world of the hyper, absurd, eponymous detective. Filming in Vancouver runs through August and the series premieres Fall 2016 on BBC AMERICA.

“Douglas Adams might have said we ended up with the cast we were meant to have. I’d add we’re extremely happy about it,” said showrunner Robert Cooper.

The series also stars Hannah Marks as Todd’s sister Amanda, a former rebellious punk riot grrl, now sidelined and housebound by a painful genetic disorder.

The latest additions to the cast include: Jade Eshete as Farah Black, the athletic, self-doubting, bad-ass, hyper competent but utterly anxious Security Officer to a billionaire; Mpho Koaho as Ken, a nerdy, friendly-faced tech trapped in increasingly difficult and bloody circumstances; Fiona Dourif as Bart Curlish, the terrifying, homicidal, deranged, fearless and nearly invincible self-identified “Holistic Assassin”; Michael Eklund as Martin, violent ring leader of the Rowdy 3 with an inexplicable sensitive side; Miguel Sandoval as Colonel Scott Riggins, beleaguered CIA head of a defunct secret bureau investigating the paranormal; Dustin Milligan as Sergeant Hugo Friedkin, Riggin’s subordinate, unpredictable, wildly ambitious and dangerous moron; and Aaron Douglas as Gordon Rimmer, an enigmatic loser with an impressive series of horrible secrets. Also joining the inaugural season is Neil Brown Jr. as Estevez and Richard Schiff as Zimmerfield, missing person’s detectives operating increasingly off book as they follow the trail of a complex and mystifying case. Additional casting for the series will continue over the course of production. ‎

When asked about casting, show creator Max Landis responded: “I couldn’t be happier. We got such wonderful actors, it’s really a shame we’re killing so many of the characters.”

In addition to Max Landis and Robert Cooper, Dirk Gently’s executive producers include Ted Adams and David Ozer for IDW; David Alpert and Rick Jacobs for Circle of Confusion and Zainir Aminullah and Arvind Ethan David for IDEATE MEDIA. Oscar-winning director Dean Parisot will direct the series’ first two episodes.

Dirk Gently is the newest addition to BBCA’s scripted slate including Doctor Who, Orphan Black, Thirteen, Undercover, The Living and The Dead, London Spy, Luther and Class.

Samuel Barnett Cast In Title Role Of BBC AMERICA’s Dirk Gently

Date: March 29, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

ROBERT COOPER NAMED SHOWRUNNER; DEAN PARISOT TO DIRECT FIRST TWO EPISODES

New original series is based on Douglas Adams’ comic novels

New York, NY – March 29, 2016 – BBC AMERICA announced today that stage, television and film actor Samuel Barnett (Twelfth Night, The History Boys, Penny Dreadful) has been cast in the title role of the network’s new original scripted series Dirk Gently, set to premiere in Fall 2016. The announcement comes on the heels of Elijah Wood (The Trust, Cooties, Wilfred) being cast in the role of “Todd”.

The network has announced that Robert Cooper (Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe) has been named series’ showrunner and Oscar-winning director Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest, Justified, Masters of Sex) has signed on to direct the series’ first two episodes.

Penned by Max Landis – the mind behind cult classic Chronicle – Dirk Gently is an eight-part co-production of AMC Studios, IDEATE MEDIA and IDW Entertainment with Circle of Confusion producing.

“Dirk Gently’s characters are complete originals,” said Sarah Barnett, President and General Manager of BBC AMERICA. “Sam Barnett and Elijah Wood – who represent genius talent from both sides of the Atlantic – will brilliantly play these unique roles. Plus, with Robert Cooper and Dean Parisot joining Max Landis, the Dirk Gently creative team is now tremendously interconnected through great experience and thrilling vision.”

Dirk Gently is a comedic thriller that follows the bizarre adventures of eccentric “holistic” detective Dirk Gently and his reluctant assistant Todd, as they wend their way through one big, seemingly insane mystery a season, crossing unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and sometimes dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth.

Dirk has strange, psychic abilities that enable him to sense invisible tangential connections. He’s taken these strange abilities and has invented a new profession for himself: that of “holistic detective,” a term that reflects his belief in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. However, his abilities have condemned him to a life very much alone – this master of universal interconnectedness has spent a life ironically without human connection.

The series is an adaptation of Douglas Adams’ (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Doctor Who) wildly successful comic novels, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency and is set in the unexpected world of the hyper, absurd, eponymous detective Dirk Gently.

Samuel Barnett is a Tony and Olivier Award nominated English actor who has performed on stage, film, television and radio. His numerous credits include: Twelfth Night; The History Boys (a BBC Films/Fox Searchlight production); and a role in the upcoming season of the television series, Penny Dreadful.

Robert Cooper is an acclaimed writer and producer best known for his work on the Stargate franchise. He was formerly an executive producer of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe. He also co-created both Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe with Brad Wright. Cooper has written, produced and directed many episodes of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe.

Dean Parisot is an Oscar-winning American film and television director. He won the 1988 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for The Appointments of Dennis Jennings, which was co-written and starred comedian Steven Wright, with whom he shares the award. Among his television credits are episodes of Monk (including the two-hour pilot “Mr. Monk and the Candidate”), Masters of Sex, Northern Exposure and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

In addition to creator, Max Landis, executive producers include Ted Adams and David Ozer for IDW; David Alpert and Rick Jacobs for Circle of Confusion and Zainir Aminullah and Arvind Ethan David for IDEATE MEDIA.

Dirk Gently is the newest addition to BBCA’s scripted slate including Orphan Black, Doctor Who, Undercover, Thirteen, London Spy, The Living and The Dead, Luther and Class.

Elijah Wood Cast In BBC AMERICA’s Dirk Gently

Date: March 22, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

New original series written by Max Landis

New York, NY – March 22, 2016 – BBC AMERICA announced today Elijah Wood (The Trust, Cooties, Wilfred) has been cast as “Todd” in the network’s new original scripted series Dirk Gently, set to premiere in Fall 2016. Penned by Max Landis – the mind behind cult classic Chronicle – the (8 x 60) series is a co-production of AMC Studios, IDEATE MEDIA and IDW Entertainment with Circle of Confusion producing.

Dirk Gently is a comedic thriller that follows the bizarre adventures of eccentric “holistic” detective Dirk Gently and his reluctant assistant Todd, as they wend their way through one big, seemingly insane mystery a season, crossing unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and sometimes dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth.

He’s not a sidekick. Todd’s just flat out better than Dirk at a lot of things. He always attempts to solve matters with the fewest steps possible; despite being a compassionate, sweet, smarter-than-average man with biting wit, Todd often finds himself at the intersection of morally gray crossroads. Thus, his bad habits of lying and stealing have dire consequences that he can’t put off forever, even though he tries. Todd’s not a bad person. He’s not a good person yet, either, but he’ll get there.

As Todd describes himself to Dirk Gently: “I am not your Watson, asshole. I am not available for side-kicking on something I am not involved with. I am my own messed up person with my own messed up problems.”

The series is an adaptation of Douglas Adams’ (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Doctor Who) wildly successful comic novels, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency and is set in the unexpected world of the hyper, absurd, eponymous detective Dirk Gently.

In addition to creator, Max Landis, executive producers include Ted Adams and David Ozer for IDW; David Alpert and Rick Jacobs for Circle of Confusion and Zainir Aminullah and Arvind Ethan David for IDEATE MEDIA.

Dirk Gently is the newest addition to BBCA’s scripted slate including Orphan Black, Doctor Who, Undercover, Thirteen, London Spy, The Living and The Dead, Luther and Class.

BBC AMERICA Announces Greenlight of New Original Scripted Series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency

Date: January 8, 2016
Source: BBC America Press Release

Adapted from Douglas Adams’ Bestselling series of Novels

Pasadena, California – January 8, 2016 – BBC AMERICA announced today the greenlight of new original scripted series Dirk Gently. The series is an adaptation of Douglas Adams’ (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Doctor Who) wildly successful comic novels, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency and is a set in the unexpected world of the hyper, absurd, eponymous detective Dirk Gently. The straight to series order includes eight one-hour episodes. Penned by Max Landis – the mind behind cult classic Chronicle – the series is a co-production of AMC Studios, IDEATE MEDIA and IDW Entertainment with Circle of Confusion producing.

Sarah Barnett, President of BBC AMERICA, commented, “Dirk Gently is a very original series, fresh and unlike anything else. The novels have legions of fans, and with Max Landis’ brilliant and audacious take on this material we are excited to bring Dirk to life for our BBCA super-fans.”

Dirk Gently, is a serialized comedic thriller that follows the bizarre adventures of eccentric “holistic” detective Dirk Gently and his reluctant assistant Todd, as they wend their way through one big, seemingly insane mystery a season, crossing unlikely paths with a bevy of wild and sometimes dangerous characters, each episode landing them a few random steps closer to uncovering the truth.

In addition to creator, Max Landis, Executive producers include Ted Adams and David Ozer for IDW; David Alpert and Rick Jacobs for Circle of Confusion and Zainir Aminullah and Arvind Ethan David for IDEATE MEDIA.

Today’s announcement underscores BBC AMERICA’S commitment to infectious, smart, culturally relevant original content. The network has a robust slate of originals ahead. Beginning on January 21, London Spy is a provocative and transfixing mystery-drama lead by all-star cast including BAFTA-winner Ben Whishaw, Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent and legendary actress Charlotte Rampling. Two new co-productions, Undercover and Thirteen, will also premiere in 2016, alongside the eagerly anticipated return of Top Gear starring Chris Evans, and landmark natural history series The Hunt presented by Sir David Attenborough. Season four of phenomenon Orphan Black continues production and will return in Spring 2016.

Note: The below is a snippet from the BBC America Press Release where DIRK GENTLY is mentioned. To read the full Press Release, click HERE.

 

BBC AMERICA Announces Two New Original Scripted Series And Original Scripted Development Slate

Date: July 31, 2015
Source: BBC America Press Release

Beverly Hills – July 31 2015 – BBC AMERICA today announced two new co-productions – the first co-developed series under the wide-ranging, creative partnership between BBC Worldwide and AMC Networks that was announced late last year.

Speaking at the Television Critics Association in Los Angeles, Sarah Barnett, President and General Manager, BBC AMERICA, also announced the first tranche of an extensive original scripted development slate including:

* Dirk Gently, an adaptation of Douglas Adams’ (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) wildly successful comic novel, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, is an anthology series set in the unexpected world of the hyper, absurd, ridiculous Dirk Gently. With an utterly fresh, comically self-aware tone, this series is equally sincere in its danger, humor, violence and drama. Penned by Max Landis – the mind behind cult classic Chronicle – this series is produced by IDW, Circle of Confusion and Ideate for BBC AMERICA.