Mystery-Thriller Zombie Series ‘The Returned’ in Development, A&E Network Announces

A&E Network has announced that the A+E Studios and FremantleMedia drama series co-production “The Returned,” is in development.

“The Returned” is based on Fabrice Gobert’s popular French series “Les Revenants” adapted from the 2004 film of the same name. The series focuses on a small town turned upside down by the sudden reappearance of people long presumed dead. Unaware of their supposed deaths, the new locals readjust to their lives post-mortem in a town steadily unraveling in a wave of mystery and murder. A&E Network General Manager and Executive Vice President David McKillop described the show as “part mystery, part thriller,” and its creative direction as signaling, “an incredibly unique approach, filled with suspense and twists and turns, to the subject of the living dead.” FremantleMedia North America CEO Thom Beers imparted his confidence in the show’s success, noting for one that “The Returned” is “a fascinating series with a unique premise,” and that “having seen Fabrice Gobert’s original version and the success the series has had in France, we’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at A+E to bring this enigmatic thriller to U.S. audiences.” 

A+E Studios is set to distribute the series in the U.S. and Canada with FremantleMedia distributing it internationally.