Apple orders Spielberg anthology drama

Apple has kicked off its push into high-end scripted programming with the commission of Amazing Stories from director Steven Spielberg.

The anthology drama is the first ordered under Apple worldwide video chiefs Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg.

The deal nearly complete, with Spielberg’s Amblin Television set to coproduce alongside Universal Television and BryanFuller (American Gods) writing.

Amblin’s Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey are executive producers alongside Fuller.

Amazing Stories will be a reboot of NBC’s mid-80s sci-fi series, which has built up a strong online following despite never attracting major broadcast audiences.

“It’s wonderful to be reunited with our colleagues Zack and Jamie in their new capacity at Apple,” said Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment, which houses Universal TV.

“We love being at the forefront of Apple’s investment in scripted programming, and can’t think of a better property than Spielberg’s beloved Amazing Stories franchise with the genius of Bryan Fuller at the helm and more exciting creative partnerships to come.”

Former Sony Pictures Television chiefs Van Amburg and Erlicht have made it clear to Hollywood Apple is searching for big-ticket scripted shows.

Questions marks remain over where these will be distributed. Its version of Carpool Karaoke goes out through streaming service Apple Music, but it does not have a branded video SVOD platform.