Back in May 2022, Amazon purchased MGM in an $8.5 billion deal. Now Amazon has started to move forward with its plans to change MGM and take advantage of its new content. Starting off with the name change of Epix to MGM+.
“It’s a new beginning for our service, as we introduce MGM+ and its distinctive brand promise to viewers on January 15,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “MGM+ will deliver on its iconic and beloved studio legacy, with cinematic, sophisticated, and transportive storytelling that audiences love.”
Part of this rebrand keeps popular Epix shows like the Godfather of Harlem and From. Amazon is also launching many new shows like Murf The Surf, A Spy Among, and more.
MGM+ also has other originals in development like including:
‘American Classic’
American Classic is a half-hour comedy about a man desperately trying to save himself, his family, and his hometown in the only way he knows how—by putting on a show. Broadway star and notorious narcissist Richard Bean (Kevin Kline) suffers a spectacular public meltdown, and decides to return home to the family-run theater where he first became aware of his own brilliance. When he arrives, he’s shocked to find that his brother (Jon Tenney), and his brother’s wife (who also happens to be his former lover), have turned his temple of art into a dinner theater—with the emphasis on dinner. To make matters worse, his hometown of Millersberg is teetering on the edge of economic disaster. Inspired, Richard vows to put on a show so great that it will save the theatre, the town, and, most importantly, his career. But with the family and town in chaos, the constant threat of financial ruin, and Richard’s enormous ego, will they even make it to opening night? Michael Hoffman, Bob Martin, Leslie Urdang, Kline, Anthony Bregman, and Miriam Mintz are attached as executive producers. American Classic is being developed as a co-production between MGM+ Studios and Anonymous Content’s AC Studios.
‘Ark’
It’s 2030, the oceans have risen rapidly, and soon, the entire planet will be submerged. But the discovery of another life-sustaining planet light-years away gives those who remain alive hope. Only a few will be able to make the unprecedented, generations-long journey, and those who don’t make the cut face a watery death. Based on the books by Stephen Baxter, the series is in development as a co-production between MGM+ Studios and Anonymous Content. Joe Pokaski and Vince Gerardis are attached as executive producers.
‘Earth Abides’
When a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out. In the aftermath, as the great machine of civilization slowly and inexorably breaks down, only a few shattered survivors remain to struggle against the slide into barbarism—or extinction. Based on the novel by George R. Stewart, MGM+ Studios is developing, with Michael Phillips, Juliana Maio, and Kearie Peak attached as executive producers.
‘Hoodlum’
Based on the 1997 MGM film written by Chris Brancato, this drama series set in the 1930s follows the true story of Harlem numbers queen Stephanie St. Clair’s rise to prominence and mentorship of Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson. MGM+ Studios is developing, and Brancato and Monica Macer are co-creating and executive-producing.
‘Hotel Cocaine’
Hotel Cocaine follows a CIA operative and manager of The Mutiny Hotel through Miami’s cocaine scene in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. The crime thriller is executive produced by Chris Brancato and is scheduled to premiere next winter.
Just to name a few of the shows currently in development.
If you are currently subscribed, no change is needed Epix will now just be called MGM+. If you want to test it out, Amazon offers a 7-day free trial. After the free trial, the service will cost $5.99 a month.