Mark Bomback, creator, writer, and executive producer of Apple TV+’s Defending Jacob, is sticking with Apple for the foreseeable future. Bomback (screenwriter behind blockbusters such as The Wolverine and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) has signed a multi-year exclusivity deal with Apple to develop TV shows for its streaming platform, Deadline has reported.
The grand majority of Apple TV+’s content is original programming made exclusively for the service. Apple’s focus on original content is to stand out against services such as Disney+ or Hulu, whose libraries consist mostly of older, licensed content. While Apple has recently begun acquiring third party programming for its streaming service, the company intends to continue creating brand new television shows and films to maintain its identity, attract new viewership, and keep the costs of licensing content low.
Defending Jacob premiered on April 24th, 2020, and ran for eight episodes until May 29th. The crime-drama series follows the Barber family trying to prove innocence of their son, Jacob, after he is accused of murdering a classmate. Jacob Barber is played by Jaeden Martell (Knives Out), while his parents Andy and Laurie are played by Chris Evans (The Avengers) and Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), respectively.
While there will not be a second season, the show has become one of Apple TV+’s top three biggest hits. Deadline reported that Defending Jacob had one of the fastest-growing series premieres, with its audience increasing by five times in the 10 days following its initial debut. However, Apple does not report exact figures for its ratings.
Finer details of the deal with Bomback, including what shows he will develop, are as of yet unknown. Defending Jacob is available to stream in its entirety on Apple TV+. The trailer for the series is available to watch on YouTube.