FormerDoctor Whoshowrunner Chris Chibnall is set to lead a TV adaptation of his debut mystery novel,Death at the White Hart,writing and producing the upcoming series.Chibnall is best known for his work as the former showrunner ofDoctor Whoduring the series' run where Jodie Whittaker portrayed the Thirteenth Doctor. He’s also known for creating theBritish crime dramaBroadchurch, which starred Whittaker alongsideDoctor WhoalumDavid Tennant and former guest star Olivia Coleman. The creative is also currently working with Netflix on an upcoming miniseries adaptation of Agatha Christie’sThe Seven Dials Mystery.
Now,Deadlinehas confirmed thatChibnall will be heading a TV adaptation of his debut mystery novel,Death at the White Hart,for ITV.The novel takes place in Fleetcombe, a Dorset village where a landlord’s murder leads Detective Nicola Bridge to investigate. The upcoming adaptation will be written by Chibnall and produced by his company, Imaginary Friends Productions, alongside Red Planet Pictures. ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, wanted to adapt the novel, with the author expressing satisfaction with the adaptation’s home. Check out what Chibnall had to say below:
Polly’s dynamic vote of confidence inDeath At The White Hartmade it a no-brainer to bring the novel to the screen with ITV. Within this cliffhanger-packed murder mystery sits a specifically British story about how people live their lives right now. There’s no better home for it than ITV.
What Chibnall’s TV Adaptation Means For Death At The White Hart
The Creator Has Already Proven Himself Great With Mystery Shows
[T]he novel itself is part of a two-book deal for the writer, but has already proven itself of high enough quality to earn a TV adaptation.
Chibnall’s best TV showsinclude mysteries likeBroadchurch, which proved he could craft dark, compelling crime stories filled with memorable characters.He’s also no stranger to outside-the-box storytelling, both thanks to his work onDoctor Who, and co-creating one of its spinoffs,Torchwood, alongside Russell T Davies. As forDeath at the White Hart, the novel itself is part of a two-book deal for the writer, but has already proven itself of high enough quality to earn a TV adaptation.
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Nothing has been revealed about how the series will play out,with the book itself not scheduled for release until June 23, 2025. However, when it does arrive on shelves, it can offer a glimpse into what to expect from the series, including the cliffhangers Chibnall teases in the story. The series will join plenty ofmurder mystery TV showsin recent years, likeMare of EasttownandOnly Murders in the Building, to showcase a series focused on a single crime and the investigator who tries piecing everything together.
Our Take On Chibnall’s New Murder Mystery TV Adaptation
It Sounds Like A Promising Addition Under His Creative Belt
Even though there’s still plenty unclear about how the show will play out, Chibnall’s already proven himself able to write captivating mystery shows. Since this one will be based on his own work, it should prove interesting to see what he decides to omit, change, and keep the same when recreating it for the small screen. SinceDeath at the White Harthas only just been announced, it might be some time until more information is revealed about what to expect from the show - that is, until the book comes out.
