House fame Hugh Laurie is finally set to make a comeback to TV with a brand-new HBO show. From creator Matthew Barry, the upcoming project will be a true-crime limited series.
Actor and comedian Hugh Laurie has joined the cast of The Trial of Louise Woodward, reports Deadline. The show will also feature Catriona Chandler in the titular role. It focuses on the 1997 case of Louise Woodward, an 18-year-old British au pair accused of shaking a baby to death in her American host family’s home.
The series also marks a reunion of Laurie and HBO following Veep and Avenue 5, the two comedy shows by Armando Iannucci.
Who Hugh Laurie plays in HBO’s The Trial of Louise Woodward
Hugh Laurie will play Judge Hiller B. Zobel of the Massachusetts Superior Court. The real-life judge officiated the murder trial.
The Trial of Louise Woodward’s massive cast also includes Joanne Froggatt as Louise’s mother, Susan; Meghann Fahy as Deborah Eappen; Sagar Radia as Sunil Eappen; and Chloë Sevigny as Louise’s defense attorney, Elaine Whitfield Sharp.
The five-episode HBO limited TV series has Matthew Barry as the showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Susanne Bier will direct all episodes and serve as an executive producer. Frank Spotnitz, Emily Feller, Tobi de Graaff, and Antoine Douaihy are also serving as executive producers.
“The trial of Louise Woodward raised profound questions about childcare, working mothers, class, and the role of an emerging 24/7 media,” Barry previously said about the show. “Thirty years later, those questions feel more urgent and relevant than ever.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Matthew Barry and Susanne Bier on this new series and to welcome Meghann Fahy back to the HBO family,” said Executive Vice President of HBO Programming, Francesca Orsi.
The Trial of Louise Woodward has yet to receive an official release date.
