Apple TV isn’t slowing down in its production of original content, as a new series is currently being developed by Gideon Raff, the Emmy-winning film and television writer best known for co-developing the series Homeland. That series was developed as an American remake of his Israeli drama series Prisoner of War. As reported by various trade outlets like Variety, the new series, titled Safe Houses, has been given an eight-episode series order with Raff serving as the showrunner. The show is in the spy-genre, with the thrilling plot synopsis that was released teasing plenty of intrigue and excitement. The official synopsis for the series reads as follows: “Safe Houses is a fast-paced espionage thriller set in the aftermath of the killing of a high-ranking CIA officer in Madrid. The series follows Sofia Jiménez, a fugitive agent accused of the crime, and the murder victim’s widow, Ambassador Elizabeth Winthrop, as they each investigate the crime from opposite sides, unraveling a vast conspiracy that could upend the balance of global power.” Apple TV has thrived on releasing thrilling series and films in the genre, and Safe Houses should be no different. The series is also inspired by the 2018 novel of the same name by Dan Fesperman. Besides Prisoners of War and its American counterpart, Homeland, which won two Emmys for Best Drama series and for a co-writing credit on the pilot, Raff has also worked on two other miniseries. Titled The Spy and Dig, both are heavily focused on espionage and spy craft, showcasing Raff’s extensive history of the genre. So, it’s unsurprising that the filmmaker has set his sights on Apple TV’s latest series as his next creative endeavor. Moreover, the idea of showing the investigation of an assassination from two completely different perspectives is an exciting concept that, if executed right, could be another hit for the streaming service.
‘Safe Houses’ Continues Apple’s Trend of Creating Thrilling Spy Shows

Apple TV

Safe Houses has already assembled a production team as well, with the series being an Apple Studios and Wiip co-production. Otto Bathurst, who is a television director known for his work on Black Mirror, Halo, and Peaky Blinders (for which he won a BAFTA for directing) will helm the first block of episodes for the series. It’s also been confirmed that Raff will also direct several episodes in the series aside from serving as an executive producer along with Adam Berkowitz. One other Spy show that Apple TV has found success with is Slow Horses, which is also based on a series of novels created by author Mick Herron. Each of the five seasons released thus far have all been based on a separate novel, with each receiving incredibly positive reviews. Should Safe Houses prove successful, there are other works in Dan Desperman’s bibliography that are also in the spy and thriller genre that Apple TV could bring to life. While there is no set cast or production date for Safe Houses, there will more than likely be more news about the upcoming production soon.

Release Date

2011 – 2020-00-00

Network

Showtime

Showrunner

Alex Gansa

Directors

Lesli Linka Glatter, Michael Cuesta, Daniel Attias, Alex Graves, Keith Gordon, Clark Johnson, Seith Mann, Tucker Gates, Michael Offer, Guy Ferland, Michael Klick, Carl Franklin, Charlotte Sieling, Jeffrey Nachmanoff, Brad Turner, Daniel Minahan, David Nutter, David Semel, Jeffrey Reiner, Jeremy Podeswa, John Dahl, John David Coles, Lodge Kerrigan

Writers

Patrick Harbinson, Debora Cahn, Ron Nyswaner, Anya Leta