Elisabeth Moss is set to star in and executive produce “Conviction,” a new legal drama series commissioned by Hulu. The high-profile project marks a significant addition to Hulu’s expanding slate of original content, with Moss taking on a complex lead role that promises to delve into the intricate world of criminal justice. Production is anticipated to commence in late 2024, aiming for a premiere in 2025.
Background
Elisabeth Moss’s involvement in “Conviction” is a testament to her standing as one of television’s most compelling dramatic actresses and Hulu’s commitment to prestige programming. Her career trajectory, Hulu’s strategic content push, and the enduring appeal of the legal drama genre all converge in this anticipated series.
Elisabeth Moss’s Acclaimed Career
Elisabeth Moss has cultivated a reputation for portraying intense, multi-layered female characters, often navigating challenging circumstances. Her breakthrough came with her role as Peggy Olson in AMC’s critically acclaimed series “Mad Men,” a performance that earned her six Emmy nominations and established her as a formidable talent capable of subtle yet powerful acting. Olson’s journey from a naive secretary to a pioneering advertising executive resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, showcasing Moss’s ability to embody evolution and resilience.
Her subsequent role as June Osborne/Offred in Hulu’s dystopian drama “The Handmaid’s Tale” catapulted her into global stardom and solidified her status as a leading lady. For this role, Moss won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama. “The Handmaid’s Tale” became a flagship series for Hulu, demonstrating Moss’s profound impact on a show’s success and critical reception. Her portrayal of June, a woman fighting for survival and freedom in a totalitarian society, showcased an extraordinary range, from quiet defiance to explosive rage, making her a symbol of resistance for many viewers.
Beyond these iconic television roles, Moss has also made significant contributions to film, appearing in projects such as “The Invisible Man,” “Us,” and “Shirley,” consistently earning praise for her intense performances and fearless character choices. Her work often explores themes of power, oppression, and psychological complexity, aligning perfectly with the potential depth of a legal drama like “Conviction.” This consistent track record of selecting challenging, character-driven projects underscores her artistic integrity and her draw for both audiences and discerning producers.
In recent years, Moss has also expanded her involvement behind the camera through her production company, Love & Squalor Pictures. This venture allows her greater creative control and the ability to shepherd projects that align with her vision. Her executive producer credit on “Conviction” signifies a deeper engagement with the series’ development, from script to screen, ensuring that her artistic sensibilities are woven into the fabric of the show.
Hulu’s Strategic Expansion in Original Content
Hulu has strategically positioned itself as a premier destination for high-quality, adult-oriented dramas and compelling original content in the competitive streaming landscape. Owned primarily by Disney, Hulu serves as a crucial component of Disney’s direct-to-consumer strategy, particularly for mature-rated programming that complements the family-friendly focus of Disney+.
The success of “The Handmaid’s Tale” was a pivotal moment for Hulu, proving its capability to produce and host award-winning, culturally resonant series. This success encouraged further investment in original programming, leading to a diverse slate that includes critical darlings like “Only Murders in the Building,” “Dopesick,” and “The Bear.” These shows have not only garnered significant viewership but have also secured numerous industry awards, enhancing Hulu’s reputation for prestige television.
Hulu’s strategy involves attracting top-tier talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Securing an actress of Elisabeth Moss’s caliber for “Conviction” is a clear execution of this strategy. Such high-profile attachments generate significant buzz, draw in subscribers, and elevate the perceived quality of the entire platform. The platform aims to offer a compelling alternative to competitors by focusing on sophisticated storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking narratives.
Furthermore, Hulu’s position within the Disney ecosystem allows for potential synergies, including cross-promotion and access to vast production resources. The platform continues to evolve its content acquisition and development strategy, balancing adaptations of popular books with original concepts, all while maintaining a consistent brand identity centered on quality and depth. “Conviction” is expected to further solidify Hulu’s standing in the streaming wars, particularly within the drama genre.
The Legal Drama Genre on Television
The legal drama genre has been a cornerstone of television programming for decades, captivating audiences with its blend of intellectual challenge, moral quandaries, and high-stakes courtroom theatrics. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to explore fundamental questions of justice, ethics, and human nature within a structured, often suspenseful, narrative framework.
Early pioneers like “Perry Mason” set the standard for the courtroom procedural, focusing on the brilliant defense attorney who always uncovers the truth. In subsequent decades, shows like “L.A. Law” and “The Practice” expanded the genre to explore the lives of the lawyers themselves, delving into their personal struggles, ethical dilemmas, and the internal workings of law firms. These series often tackled contemporary social issues, using legal cases as a lens to examine societal norms and injustices.
The 21st century has seen the legal drama evolve further, with series like “The Good Wife” and “Suits” blending procedural elements with intricate serialized storytelling, focusing on character development and long-form arcs. These shows often feature complex female protagonists navigating male-dominated fields, adding a layer of contemporary relevance and appeal. The genre also diversified into true-crime narratives and docu-dramas, further demonstrating its versatility.
The challenges for a new legal drama like “Conviction” lie in finding a fresh perspective within a well-trodden genre. Successful modern legal dramas often distinguish themselves by focusing on a specific niche (e.g., wrongful convictions, appellate law), developing unique character voices, or employing innovative narrative structures. The genre thrives on strong writing, compelling performances, and the ability to reflect or comment on the current legal and social landscape. Elisabeth Moss’s involvement suggests a character-driven approach, likely exploring the psychological toll and moral ambiguities inherent in the pursuit of justice, moving beyond simple case-of-the-week formats to offer a deeper, more serialized experience.
Origin of ‘Conviction’ – The Series Concept
While the title “Conviction” has been used for various legal-themed projects in the past, Hulu’s new series featuring Elisabeth Moss is presented as an original concept, crafted specifically for the streaming platform. The series is not a remake or direct adaptation of previous films or television shows bearing the same name. Instead, it is being developed as a fresh narrative designed to leverage Moss’s unique acting strengths and Hulu’s penchant for sophisticated storytelling.
The premise of “Conviction” centers on Elizabeth “Liz” Vance, a brilliant, albeit notoriously unconventional, defense attorney based in New York City. Vance is known for her aggressive tactics, her unwavering commitment to her clients, and a personal history riddled with its own legal entanglements from her past. The series will explore her relentless pursuit of justice, often challenging the boundaries of the legal system and clashing with powerful adversaries. Her firm specializes in high-stakes cases, particularly those involving individuals who appear to be wrongly accused or face insurmountable odds against the state.
The core conflict of the series will revolve not only around the individual cases Liz Vance takes on but also her internal battles and the consequences of her morally ambiguous methods. She carries the weight of a past personal tragedy that deeply influences her professional choices, driving her to seek redemption through her work. This psychological depth is a hallmark of the types of characters Moss excels at portraying.
The creative team behind “Conviction” includes showrunner and executive producer Sarah Miller, known for her work on critically acclaimed character dramas such as “The Adversary” and “The Verdict.” Miller is joined by co-creator and head writer David Chen, who brings a background in procedural storytelling with a focus on legal ethics. Their vision for “Conviction” is to blend the tension of a courtroom thriller with a profound character study, exploring the human cost of the legal system on all sides. The series aims to offer a nuanced portrayal of justice, where outcomes are rarely black and white, and personal convictions often dictate the path forward.
Key Developments
The announcement of “Conviction” has initiated a flurry of activity, from the official greenlight to the assembly of its creative and acting talent. These developments lay the groundwork for what Hulu anticipates will be a cornerstone drama for its platform.
Series Greenlight and Production Details
Hulu officially greenlit “Conviction” following an extensive development process, which included a competitive bidding situation for the project given Elisabeth Moss’s attachment. The streaming service has ordered a 10-episode first season, signaling a strong commitment to the series. This initial order length is typical for prestige dramas, allowing for a focused narrative arc while leaving room for future seasons.
Pre-production is currently underway, with principal photography slated to begin in late Fall 2024. Filming is primarily expected to take place in New York City, leveraging the city’s iconic legal institutions and diverse urban landscape to provide an authentic backdrop for the legal drama. The choice of New York also offers practical advantages, including a robust infrastructure for film and television production and a deep pool of experienced crew members.
The budget for “Conviction” is anticipated to be substantial, reflecting the high production values associated with Hulu’s premium content and the caliber of talent involved. This investment will cover intricate set designs, location shoots, a strong ensemble cast, and post-production quality, ensuring a cinematic feel for the series. Hulu Originals is leading the production, collaborating closely with Elisabeth Moss’s Love & Squalor Pictures and an external studio, Apex Drama Group, to bring the vision to life. This multi-studio collaboration is common for large-scale projects, pooling resources and expertise.
Creative Team and Showrunners
The creative backbone of “Conviction” is formed by a seasoned team led by showrunner Sarah Miller. Miller has a distinguished career in television, having previously served as a writer and executive producer on the acclaimed HBO limited series “The Adversary,” which explored the ethical dilemmas of a corporate whistleblower. Her approach to storytelling is characterized by deep psychological insight and a meticulous attention to narrative structure, qualities that are essential for a complex legal drama. Miller’s vision for “Conviction” emphasizes the moral ambiguities inherent in the legal system, aiming to challenge audience perceptions of guilt and innocence.
Joining Miller as co-creator and head writer is David Chen. Chen’s background includes extensive work on network legal procedurals, where he honed his ability to craft compelling courtroom scenes and intricate legal arguments. His contributions to “Conviction” are expected to provide the series with a strong procedural foundation, ensuring that the legal cases are both dramatically engaging and realistically portrayed. Together, Miller and Chen aim to create a show that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
Other key members of the writing staff include veteran legal drama writers Anya Sharma and Robert Vance, who bring their expertise in legal research and character development. The directorial team for the first season is being assembled, with plans to include a mix of established television directors known for their dramatic work and emerging talents. Elisabeth Moss herself is expected to direct at least one episode, following her successful directorial turns on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” further imprinting her artistic vision on the series. The collective experience of this creative team suggests a sophisticated and well-executed series that will offer a fresh perspective on the legal drama genre.
Elisabeth Moss’s Role and Character Arc
Elisabeth Moss will portray Elizabeth “Liz” Vance, the central figure of “Conviction.” Liz is introduced as a formidable and fiercely independent defense attorney, renowned for her sharp intellect, unconventional methods, and an almost obsessive dedication to her clients. Her character is designed to be complex and multi-faceted, embodying the very essence of Moss’s previous acclaimed roles.
Liz Vance operates a boutique law firm in New York City, specializing in high-profile criminal cases where the odds are often stacked against the accused. Her approach to law is not strictly by the book; she frequently employs unorthodox strategies, challenging judicial norms and often clashing with prosecutors and even judges. This makes her both feared and respected within the legal community. Moss’s ability to convey intense determination and vulnerability simultaneously will be crucial in portraying Vance’s nuanced character.
The character’s arc will explore not only her professional challenges but also her deeply personal motivations. Liz carries the weight of a past family tragedy, a wrongful conviction that directly impacted her life and ignited her passion for defense law. This personal trauma fuels her relentless pursuit of justice, often blurring the lines between professional duty and personal vendetta. The series will gradually reveal the layers of her past, shedding light on how these experiences shaped her worldview and her unique legal philosophy.
As an executive producer through Love & Squalor Pictures, Moss’s involvement extends beyond acting. She is actively participating in the creative direction of the series, ensuring that Liz Vance’s character is developed with authenticity and depth. This includes input on script development, character motivations, and the overall tone of the show. Her previous experience with complex, morally ambiguous characters makes her an ideal fit for a role that promises to explore the ethical gray areas of the legal system and the personal cost of fighting for justice. This role offers Moss an opportunity to deliver another iconic performance, building on her legacy while exploring new facets of human resilience and legal drama.
Supporting Cast Announcements
While Elisabeth Moss’s casting is the headline, the strength of “Conviction” will also rely on a compelling ensemble of supporting characters who will populate Liz Vance’s world. Early casting announcements and character descriptions provide a glimpse into the series’ dynamic.
Joining Moss is Michael Stuhlbarg as District Attorney Julian Thorne, Liz Vance’s primary antagonist and a formidable prosecutor known for his impeccable conviction rate and rigid adherence to the law. Thorne represents the establishment, often clashing with Vance’s unconventional tactics. Stuhlbarg’s reputation for portraying intelligent, nuanced adversaries suggests a complex rivalry that will drive much of the series’ tension.
Naomi Watts has been cast as Dr. Evelyn Reed, a brilliant but ethically ambiguous forensic psychologist who often serves as an expert witness for the defense, frequently collaborating with Vance. Reed’s character is expected to provide psychological insights into the cases and characters, while her own moral compass may occasionally stray, creating interesting dynamics with Vance. Watts brings a gravitas and intensity that will complement Moss’s performance.
In the role of Ben Carter, Liz’s junior partner and the more by-the-book legal mind in her firm, Aldis Hodge adds a grounding presence. Carter often serves as Vance’s conscience, attempting to rein in her more extreme impulses while still respecting her unparalleled legal acumen. Hodge’s experience in legal dramas and his ability to portray thoughtful, principled characters make him a strong addition to the cast.
J.K. Simmons is slated for a recurring guest role as Judge Arthur Vance, Liz’s estranged father and a highly respected, albeit stern, federal judge. Their complicated relationship, marked by professional clashes and personal history, will add another layer of drama to Liz’s character arc. Simmons’s commanding screen presence is expected to make these interactions particularly impactful.
Additional roles, including various clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel, are currently being cast, with the production team seeking a diverse array of talent to bring the vibrant and often gritty world of the New York legal system to life. The ensemble aims to provide a rich tapestry of characters who challenge, support, and reflect the complex moral landscape Liz Vance navigates.
Impact
The launch of “Conviction” starring Elisabeth Moss carries significant implications across the streaming industry, for the involved talent, and for the broader genre of legal dramas. Its success could ripple through various sectors, influencing content strategies and audience expectations.
For Hulu and Disney
“Conviction” represents a strategic investment for Hulu and its parent company, Disney. For Hulu, securing a star of Elisabeth Moss’s caliber for another high-profile drama reinforces its brand as a purveyor of premium, award-worthy content. This series is expected to be a major draw for new subscribers and a strong retention tool for existing ones, especially those who appreciate sophisticated adult dramas. In the highly competitive streaming market, exclusive, star-driven content is crucial for differentiating platforms.
The success of “Conviction” could also lead to significant awards recognition, further enhancing Hulu’s prestige and attracting more top-tier creators and talent to the platform. Awards translate into critical acclaim, which in turn drives viewership and media attention. This positive feedback loop is vital for Hulu’s long-term growth and reputation.
From Disney’s perspective, “Conviction” strengthens its overall streaming portfolio. Hulu serves as the primary outlet for Disney’s more mature-rated content, complementing the family-friendly offerings on Disney+. A successful new drama like “Conviction” demonstrates the breadth and depth of Disney’s content strategy, catering to a wider demographic range across its various streaming services. It also provides valuable data on subscriber behavior and content preferences, informing future investment decisions. The series could also have international distribution potential through Disney+’s Star brand, further expanding its global reach and revenue streams.
For Elisabeth Moss’s Career
For Elisabeth Moss, “Conviction” marks another pivotal moment in her already illustrious career. Taking on the lead role in a new legal drama series, especially after the monumental success of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” solidifies her position as one of television’s most sought-after dramatic actresses. It demonstrates her continued ability to command a series and carry complex narratives.
This project also significantly expands her portfolio as an executive producer through Love & Squalor Pictures. Her active involvement behind the scenes allows her to shape the creative direction of the series, ensuring it aligns with her artistic vision and offers a challenging, nuanced role. This dual role as lead actress and producer highlights her growing influence in the industry and her commitment to developing high-quality, character-driven stories.
“Conviction” offers Moss an opportunity to explore a different facet of human experience compared to her previous iconic roles. While still dealing with themes of justice and struggle, the legal setting provides a distinct framework for character exploration. It allows her to showcase her versatility and avoid being typecast, proving her range beyond dystopian or period dramas. A successful run for “Conviction” will further cement her legacy as an actress who consistently delivers powerful, memorable performances in critically acclaimed projects, ensuring her continued relevance and demand in the industry for years to come.
For the Legal Drama Genre
The entry of “Conviction” with Elisabeth Moss at its helm is poised to have a notable impact on the legal drama genre. With a star of her caliber and Hulu’s commitment to prestige television, the series is expected to elevate the genre, potentially setting new benchmarks for storytelling, character depth, and production quality.
The series’ focus on a complex, morally ambiguous protagonist and its promise to delve into the psychological toll of the legal system could push the boundaries of traditional legal procedurals. It may inspire other creators to explore more character-driven narratives within the genre, moving beyond simple case-of-the-week formats to offer deeper, serialized explorations of justice, ethics, and personal conviction. This could lead to a revitalization of the genre, attracting new audiences who seek sophisticated, thought-provoking content.
“Conviction” also has the potential to spark conversations around contemporary legal issues and the flaws within the justice system. By presenting challenging cases and ethical dilemmas, the series can serve as a cultural commentary, prompting viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of right and wrong, guilt and innocence. Its success could influence future greenlights for similar projects, encouraging networks and streamers to invest in legal dramas that prioritize nuanced storytelling and compelling character development over formulaic plots. Ultimately, “Conviction” could help redefine what a modern legal drama can achieve, influencing trends in casting, writing, and thematic exploration across the television landscape.
For Production Companies and Crew
The production of “Conviction” brings significant economic and professional opportunities for the various companies and individuals involved. For Hulu Originals, it represents another major in-house production, strengthening its internal development capabilities and providing valuable experience for its production teams. The collaboration with Elisabeth Moss’s Love & Squalor Pictures further elevates the profile of her company, offering a significant platform to develop and produce high-quality content. For Apex Drama Group, the external studio involved, it signifies a major partnership that could lead to future collaborations and enhance their reputation within the industry.
On a broader scale, the series’ production will create numerous jobs across various departments, from pre-production through post-production. This includes roles for writers, directors, cinematographers, production designers, costume designers, editors, sound engineers, visual effects artists, and a vast array of crew members on set. Filming in New York City will provide a boost to the local economy, employing local talent, utilizing local vendors, and generating revenue for businesses in the areas where filming takes place. This economic impact is crucial for the entertainment industry and the communities that host large-scale productions.
Furthermore, the involvement of high-profile talent like Elisabeth Moss and the experienced creative team provides invaluable learning and networking opportunities for emerging professionals. Working on a prestige drama of this caliber can be a career-defining experience for many crew members, enhancing their resumes and opening doors to future projects. “Conviction” thus serves as an engine for talent development and economic growth within the entertainment ecosystem.
What Next
With the series greenlight secured and key talent attached, “Conviction” is now moving through the critical stages of pre-production, leading up to its anticipated debut. Several key milestones are on the horizon, each bringing the series closer to its premiere.
Pre-Production and Casting
The immediate focus for the “Conviction” team is the continuation and finalization of pre-production. This phase involves a multitude of crucial tasks that lay the groundwork for filming. The writing staff, under the guidance of Sarah Miller and David Chen, is currently working on finalizing the scripts for the entire first season, ensuring narrative coherence and character consistency across all 10 episodes. This includes detailed outlining, dialogue polishing, and incorporating feedback from Hulu and the executive producers.
Concurrent with script development, the casting department is actively engaged in filling the remaining supporting and recurring roles. While key players like Michael Stuhlbarg and Naomi Watts have been announced, numerous other characters—including various clients, legal team members, court officials, and guest stars for specific case-of-the-week elements—need to be cast. This process involves auditions, callbacks, and talent negotiations, aiming to assemble a diverse and compelling ensemble that complements the lead cast.
Furthermore, the production design team is deep into conceptualizing and planning the visual world of “Conviction.” This includes designing Liz Vance’s law office, various courtroom sets, and other key locations. Location scouts are actively identifying and securing real-world sites in New York City that will serve as authentic backdrops for the series. The costume department is also in full swing, developing character wardrobes that reflect their personalities, professions, and the series’ overall aesthetic. All these elements must be meticulously planned to ensure a seamless transition into principal photography.
Filming Schedule and Post-Production
Principal photography for “Conviction” is currently slated to begin in late Fall 2024, with specific dates contingent on finalized casting and location availability. The filming schedule will span several months, typically running for five to six months for a 10-episode drama, depending on the complexity of the shoot. During this period, the cast and crew will be actively on set, bringing the scripts to life under the direction of the various episode directors. Elisabeth Moss is expected to be heavily involved throughout this phase, both as an actress and in her executive producer capacity, potentially directing an episode herself.
Once filming for each episode concludes, the footage moves into the post-production phase. This is a multi-layered process that involves editing, where raw footage is assembled into a cohesive narrative structure. Editors work closely with directors and showrunners to shape the pacing, rhythm, and emotional impact of each episode. Following the edit, sound design and mixing will add layers of audio, including dialogue enhancement, sound effects, and ambient sounds, creating an immersive auditory experience.
Visual effects, if required for specific scenes, will also be integrated during post-production. Finally, color grading will adjust the visual tone and mood of the series, ensuring a consistent aesthetic. A crucial component of post-production is the composition and integration of the original musical score, which will underscore the emotional beats and dramatic tension of “Conviction.” This entire post-production pipeline is expected to extend through much of 2025, leading up to the series premiere.
Marketing and Promotion
As “Conviction” progresses through production, Hulu will begin to roll out its comprehensive marketing and promotional campaign to generate anticipation for the series. The initial phase typically involves the release of first-look images from the set, offering glimpses of Elisabeth Moss in character and key production visuals. These images are often shared through entertainment news outlets and on Hulu’s official social media channels.
Closer to the premiere date, a teaser trailer will be unveiled, providing a brief but compelling montage of scenes and dialogue, designed to pique audience interest without revealing too much of the plot. This will be followed by a full-length official trailer, offering a more detailed look at the series’ premise, characters, and dramatic conflicts. These trailers will be strategically placed across various digital platforms, television networks, and in cinemas.
Elisabeth Moss, along with other key cast members and the creative team, will participate in a series of interviews with major entertainment publications, talk shows, and podcasts. These interviews will delve into the themes of the series, character development, and behind-the-scenes insights. Hulu will also likely feature “Conviction” prominently at industry events such as the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tours and potentially NewFronts or Upfronts, where networks present their upcoming slates to advertisers and media. A robust social media campaign, utilizing exclusive content, cast interactions, and fan engagement, will further amplify the series’ presence leading up to its debut.
Premiere and Future Prospects
“Conviction” is currently projected to premiere on Hulu in 2025, with a specific release window (e.g., Spring, Fall) to be announced as post-production timelines solidify. Hulu typically employs a staggered release strategy for its prestige dramas, often dropping the first few episodes simultaneously and then releasing subsequent episodes weekly to maintain audience engagement and encourage discussion. A binge-release strategy for the entire season is also a possibility, depending on market analysis.
Following its premiere, the immediate focus will shift to viewership metrics and critical reception. Hulu will closely monitor subscriber engagement, completion rates, and social media buzz to gauge the series’ success. Positive critical reviews and strong audience numbers will be crucial factors in determining the series’ future.
If “Conviction” resonates with audiences and critics, the prospects for subsequent seasons will be high. Discussions for a second season renewal would likely begin several months after the initial premiere, allowing time to assess performance. Furthermore, a successful first season could position “Conviction” as a strong contender during awards season, potentially securing nominations for Elisabeth Moss, the creative team, and the series itself, further enhancing its profile and Hulu’s reputation. The series’ global distribution strategy, likely through Disney+ Star in international markets, will also play a role in its overall impact and long-term viability.
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