The Discovery Channel is getting into the mini-series business, just like every other network in Hollywood. On Thursday, it was reported that the network is working with Lionsgate to produce North and South, a new adaptation of the John Jakes books about friends fighting on opposite sides in the Civil War.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jakes’ book trilogy covers the story of the Pennsylvania Hazard family and the Main family in the South. The families are linked by George Hazard and Orry Main, who meet as young cadets at West Point. Just as the families get close, the Civil War breaks out and the friends have to fight against each other.
If the story sounds a bit familiar, it should, since the books were the basis of a popular six-part ABC series that’s still one of the highest-rated mini-series in TV history, notes Deadline. The star-studded cast included Patrick Swayze and James Read as the two friends. Elizabeth Taylor, Kirstie Alley, Hal Holbrook, Gene Kelly and Robert Mitchum had supporting roles.
Jakes has signed on to executive produce.
Discovery previously announced Klondike, its first scripted mini-seires. Its second will be an adaptation of The Wallace and The Bruce Trilogy by Nigel Tranter.
image: Amazon