Paramount+ returns to ‘The Flatshare’ prodco 42 to adapt Beth O’Leary’s ‘The Road Trip’

LR: Emma Appleton, Laurie Davidson & David Jonsson (Source: Paramount)

Paramount+ UK has ordered its second scripted series from London- and LA-based producer 42, with an adaptation of Beth O’Leary’s novel The Road Trip.

The 6 x 45-minute series is being produced in association with Paramount Television International Studios (PTIS) and will star Emma Appleton, Laurie Davidson and David Jonsson.

Filming is taking place in Bristol, UK and Gran Canaria, Spain, with the show set to become exclusively available on Paramount+ in the UK as well as all international markets where the service is available.

The story follows two sisters on a road trip to a friend’s wedding in Spain who are forced to confront buried scretes when they are forced to share the ride with one of the women’s ex and his irrepressible best friend.

China Moo-Young (Everything I Know About Love) is lead director and Stella Corradi (Killing Eve) will direct block two. Executive producers for 42 are Miriam Brent, Rory Aitken and Eleanor Moran. Nikki Wilson (Wolf) is producer and Kingsley Hoskins (The Girl Before) is co-producer.

Ryan O’Sullivan & Matilda Wnek (Vigil 2) are lead writers and serve as executive producers.

The show is the second 42 commission from Sebastian Cardwell, Paramount’s deputy chief content officer in the UK, and follows the adaptation of another O’Leary novel, her debut book The Flatshare.

Cardwell said: “We saw brilliant success across the globe with The Flatshare and we are thrilled to be working with 42 again on adapting another of Beth’s much-loved and best-selling novels.

“The Road Trip is the perfect addition to our expanding drama slate on Paramount+ and I can’t wait to see this incredible cast bring these characters to life.”

The TV rights deal was struck by Sheila David at Catapult Rights, acting in conjunction with Tanera Simons at Darley Anderson and Associates Ltd.

Paramount+ has been ramping up its UK originals over the past month, last week ordering new six-part drama Stags from Sex Education firm Eleven. It will debut on the streamer in UK but is being sold globally by Eleven owner Sony Pictures Television.