Apple TV+ links with Robert Downey Jr for Toronto Life article adaptation

Robert Downey Jr

Apple has made its latest scripted commission with a show based on a magazine article about a Canadian detective investigating a cold case, with Robert Downey Jr’s production firm attached.

The as-yet untitled show is from Downey and his wife Susan’s outfit Team Downey, with Billions scribe Adam Perlman attached as writer and exec producer alongside Amanda Burrell.

The story is based on Michael Lista’s article The Sting, which was published in Canadian monthly magazine Toronto Life. It explores the story of a detective who uses a sting operation to solve an old case.

The straight-to-series order is the latest addition to Apple’s rapidly expanding slate, which includes an adaptation of the Shrink Next Door podcast with Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell attached.

Other crime dramas include Slow Horses from UK-and Australia-based prodco See-Saw Films and Chris Evans-starring scripted series Defending Jacob.

The Downey show also marks another high profile talent partnership for Apple, which has deals with A-listers including Oprah Winfrey and earlier this week revealed a first-look deal with Leonardo DiCaprio’s LA-based Appian Way Productions.

Team Downey, meanwhile, is behind HBO drama Perry Mason, which was recently extended into a second season, and Netflix’s forthcoming series Sweet Tooth.