Title: Captivating TV Series Based on a Mysterious Novel
Author Liz Moore, known for her novel Long Bright River, had a humorous encounter that led her to believe Amanda Seyfried was the perfect fit to portray Mickey Fitzpatrick in the TV adaptation of her book. Moore, a Philadelphia resident, saw an image of Seyfried wearing a Philadelphia Phillies hat and shared it with the show’s executive producer and showrunner, leading to Seyfried’s casting. In the series, Seyfried plays Mickey, a police officer working in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood amidst the opioid crisis while searching for her missing sister, Kacey.
Published by Riverhead Books in 2020, Long Bright River was optioned for television prior to its release. Moore, who co-created and co-wrote the series with showrunner Nikki Toscano, emphasized the lengthy and challenging adaptation process. Seyfried, also an executive producer of the show, was drawn to the complexity of Mickey’s character, a flawed cop dealing with personal traumas and responsibilities.
Moore made adjustments to the book when adapting it for television, such as changing Mickey’s perspective and aging up her son Thomas. The portrayal of the police force’s reputation and its interaction with the community during the opioid crisis was a significant aspect of the adaptation’s narrative.
In her novel ‘Long Bright River,’ author Liz Moore explores the challenges faced by police officer Mickey, who works in a neighborhood where the community views law enforcement with suspicion due to past misconduct. Mickey grapples with upholding her job with integrity while surrounded by colleagues who do not share the same values. Moore, who has a personal connection to the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia, worked closely with the community in casting local actors and incorporating authentic elements into the production. She emphasizes the importance of portraying addiction as a medical issue rather than a moral failing, aiming to treat individuals with dignity and compassion. Actress Amanda Seyfried, who stars in the adaptation, highlights the care taken in storytelling to create relatable characters and engaging plot twists. Moore and Seyfried hope viewers will connect with the show and appreciate its blend of crime drama and family dynamics. ‘Long Bright River’ is now available for streaming on Peacock.
