Los Angeles, California – AMC, known for its origins as the American Movie Classics channel, is set to launch a new franchise called Great American Stories. This anthology series, produced by AMC Studios, will focus on different celebrated works, historical moments, and individual narratives that highlight the American spirit. The first season is said to be based on John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath. The announcement comes ahead of AMC Networks’ upfront presentation on April 9, 2025.
President of entertainment and AMC Studios, Dan McDermott expressed excitement about the upcoming project, stating that The Grapes of Wrath is a timeless story that remains relevant today. He believes that as a network that began as American Movie Classics, Great American Stories is the perfect franchise to bring to the screen.
Rolin Jones, known for his work on Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, has been tapped to adapt The Grapes of Wrath for the series. He will lead the production and collaborate with various creative talents for future seasons. Producer Mark Johnson, who is overseeing the Anne Rice Immortal Universe for AMC and AMC+, is also on board to assist with the franchise.
Jones envisions Great American Stories as a project that brings together visionary creators to craft compelling narratives. He describes the series as a significant venture for AMC and expresses his commitment to delivering quality content annually. Johnson, having worked on successful franchises like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, acknowledges the pressure of translating legendary American stories for television but is grateful for the opportunity provided by AMC.
The addition of Great American Stories adds to AMC’s impressive roster of franchises, including Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and the Anne Rice universe. With experienced professionals like Jones and Johnson at the helm, the network aims to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling that celebrates American heritage and culture. As the project moves forward, viewers can anticipate a mix of classic tales, original narratives, and timeless works that will resonate with a modern audience.