"Penelope," an inspirational indie drama, is set to launch on Sky UK and streaming service Now in the UK and Ireland, following a deal with Fremantle.
Produced by Duplass Brothers Productions ("Somebody Somewhere," "Room 104," "Cyrus," "Jeff," "Who Lives at Home") and created by Mark Duplass ("The Morning Show") and Mel Eslyn ("Biosphere," "Room 104"), the 8 x 30’ series follows Penelope, played by Megan Stott ("Little Fires Everywhere," "Yes Day," "Aftermath"), a 16-year-old who feels out of place in modern society and is drawn into the unknown wilderness, where she begins to form a new life for herself.
Mel Eslyn and Mark Duplass, Duplass Brothers Productions said: "We’re in great company on Sky. 'Penelope' has had such an overwhelmingly positive response and sparked conversation all over the world. We can’t wait to take her story to audiences in the UK and Ireland.”
Jamie Lynn, EVP Co-Production & Distribution, EMEA, International, Fremantle said: “Sky is renowned for bringing bold and distinctive storytelling to audiences, making Penelope a perfect fit for their lineup. The Duplass Brothers Productions has a unique ability to craft deeply human, character-driven and timely stories. In an age where social media plays such a huge role in young people’s lives, it’s refreshing to see a lead like 'Penelope' - one who defies expectations and forges her own path. We’re excited for viewers in the UK and Ireland to connect with her story and her quest of self-discovery."
"Penelope" premiered in the US on Netflix in September 2024, landing in the top 10 of TV shows on Netflix in its first week. The New York Times praised the series as ‘a masterful blend of humor and heart’, The LA Times described it as ‘engaging as it thought-provoking, offering viewers a fresh perspective on modern relationships’ and The Globe and Mail labelled it ‘one of the year's best productions.’
Like most teenagers today, Penelope is caught up in the modern world’s technology, pacing and pressure. But something is missing, and things feel off, she can’t quite put it into words. On the surface, her life seems pretty great, while inside, there’s a fierceness that’s been brewing, a call-ing towards a new way of being. After a chance encounter with a wolf and a rabbit on a school camping trip, the call becomes too loud for Penelope to ignore. When no one is looking, she runs away. Without a plan, she navigates her way through a series of encounters, traveling a long dis-tance and eventually sneaking into a National Forest. But this is only the beginning of what will become a long journey through the unknown wilderness and Penelope’s quest to find her place in it.
Alongside Megan Stott, the cast also includes Austin Abrams (Euphoria, Dash & Lily, Do Re-venge), Krisha Fairchild ("Krisha," "Channel Zero," "Freeland") and Rhenzy Feliz ("The Penguin," "All To-gether Now," "Encanto").
Penelope is written and created by Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn. Duplass and Eslyn executive produce alongside Jay Duplass ("Industry," "The Chair") and Shuli Harel of Duplass Brothers Productions. Eslyn also directs and serves as showrunner. Fremantle handles global distribution.