Copyright Variety
Netflix has dropped the puck on a new high school hockey series from “White Lotus” star Michelle Monaghan and producer Shawn Levy. The untitled, eight-episode drama takes place in the working class Minnesota town of South Dorothy, where the high school hockey squad has been sending players to the NHL and winning championships under the legendary Coach “Sully” Sullivan for decades. When a bus crash kills Sully and several of his players, the town turns to his widow, Harper Sullivan (Monaghan), to coach a new team of broken young men. “What unfolds is the hopeful and unforgettable story of an underdog team who comes together to galvanize their town, reclaim their way of life, and turn their shared grief into an unstoppable superpower,” per the logline. The series is created by Nick Naveda (“Words on Bathroom Walls,” “My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward”) and will be showrun by Bridget Bedard (“Love Life,” “Ramy,” “Transparent”). It’s described as heartwarming and emotional — perhaps in the vein of “Friday Night Lights” on ice. Levy (“Stranger Things,” “Deadpool & Wolverine”) executive produces alongside Dan Levine and Robert Atwood for Levy’s 21 Laps banner. Trey Edward Shults (“Waves”) also executive produces and will direct the first two episodes. Moera Ainai is a producer. The project falls under 21 Laps’ overall deal with Netflix. “I’ve carried South Dorothy and its people in my heart for as long as I can remember,” Naveda said in a statement. “To finally bring that world to life with my Grizzly family at 21 Laps and Netflix is nothing short of a dream come true. Big love and gratitude to my partners for this opportunity, and for all their unyielding support over the years.” Levy added: “This show has long-been a 21 Laps favorite and one of the best pieces we have had the privilege of developing and supporting. Nick and Bridget have built a world and ensemble of characters that are rooted in authenticity and huge heart which, not surprisingly, attracted such great talent with our director Trey Edward Shults and lead Michelle Monaghan. With its visceral sports backdrop and a story grounded in deep humanity, we cannot wait to bring this show to a global audience.” Monaghan is repped by Gersh, Anonymous Content and Sloane Offer.
