Tribeca Festival Sets 2024 TV Lineup: Jake Gyllenhaal’s ‘Presumed Innocent’, New Season Premieres ‘My Brilliant Friend’, ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’

Jill Goldsmith
·14 min read

The 2024 Tribeca Festival, which unveiled its film slate Wednesday, is out with its television lineup of world premieres of new and returning programs from networks and streamers.

The 23rd edition, which unspool June 5-16, features 11 series premieres and two first looks at returning classics. World premieres include Hulu’s Mastermind: To Think Like A Killer, executive produced by Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, an in-depth exploration of Dr. Anne Burgess’ journey in closing some of America’s most infamous criminal cases; Hollywood Black, executive produced by Justin Simien, an examination of the Black experience in Hollywood featuring conversations with Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, Ryan Coogler, and Ava DuVernay; and Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent, a legal thriller starring and executive produced by Jake Gyllenhaal, hailing from David E. Kelley and executive producer J.J. Abrams, also with Ruth Negga and Peter Sarsgaard.

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The program spotlights ESPN docuseries In the Arena: Serena Williams, exploring the life and career of the tennis great. MSNBC’s The Turning Point: To Be Destroyed follows Dave Eggers in a fiery investigation of a local school district’s banning of his novel. Paramount+’s Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken, a two-part special about Melissa Etheridge’s bond with incarcerated women at the Topeka Correctional Facility. Etheridge will perform a short acoustic set at the Beacon Theatre following the world premiere.

There’s more of The Walking Dead universe with season two of AMC’s The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol —  which follows Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) in a post-apocalyptic France and Carol Peletier’s (Melissa McBride) journey to find him

The final season of HBO’s My Brilliant Friend finds Elena (Alba Rohrwacher) and Lila (Irene Maiorino) entangled, once again, in the political violence and social unrest of late 1980’s Italy.

Tribeca’s NOW section features indie episodic work, including short and long-form pilots and series. Up this year, an untitled Tim Burton docuseries, and Juice, Mawaan Rizwan’s BAFTA TV-nominated series with Russell Tovey.

Most screening are followed by Q&As with a mix of directors, producers and cast and subjects.

“The episodic realm is rich in phenomenal storytelling, and Tribeca’s 2024 TV and NOW program delivers the very best of narrative and documentary series. Audiences can look forward to diving into the testimonies of brilliant visionaries like Serena Williams, Melissa Etheridge, and the original subjects of the Stanford Prison Experiment, all of whom will be joining us at the Festival to present their stories,” said Tribeca senior programmer Liza Domnitz.

Tribeca’s TV program has world-premiered the inaugural season of FX’s The Bear, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and HBO’s Chernobyl, among others.

The Tribeca Festival is curated by Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano, Artistic Director Frédéric Boyer; VP of Shorts Programming Ben Thompson; and Senior Programmers Liza Domnitz, Faridah Gbadamosi, Jarod Neece, José F. Rodriguez.

2024 TRIBECA FESTIVAL TV SELECTION

An Update on Our Family (MAX) – Limited Series World Premiere. Myka and James Stauffer were the picture of the 21st century American Dream: happy marriage, beautiful kids, and a self-built YouTube vlogging empire. At the center of it all was Huxley, an adorable young boy they adopted from China. Huxley was more than just their star — he was their son. Until one day, he wasn’t. A provocative three-part series, “An Update on Our Family” exposes the hidden-in-plain-sight, unregulated family vlogging industry. Executive produced by Max Heckman, Chad Mumm, Mark W. Olsen, Rachel Knudson, Rachel Mason, Jennifer O’Connell, and Lizzie Fox. Co-Executive Producers Caitlin Moscatello and Marina G. Stadler. After the Screening: A conversation with director and executive producer Rachel Mason and guests.

Breath of Fire (MAX) – Limited Series World Premiere. When an LA-based millennial known as Guru Jagat becomes the face of Kundalini yoga, her meteoric rise to fame and stunning fall from grace expose a multi-billion-dollar spiritual empire fraught with abuse. This docuseries paints a portrait of a seeker turned guru and examines the complicated intersection of spirituality, cultural appropriation, and capitalism. Executive produced by Hayley Pappas, Smiley Stevens, Matt Ippolito, Agnes Chu, Helen Estabrook, Sarah Amos, Lexy Altman, Sonia Slutsky, Jennifer O’Connell, and Lizzie Fox. After the Screening: A conversation with co-directors and executive producers Hayley Pappas and Smiley Stevens, and co-executive producer Hayley Phelan—who wrote the original Vanity Fair story, “The Second Coming of Guru Jagat.”

Hollywood Black (MGM+) – Limited Series World Premiere. Based on the book by historian Donald Bogle, this four-part docuseries—directed by Justin Simien, tells the epic story of the actors, writers, directors, and producers who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, on the screen, and in the credits. It is a definitive chronicle of a century of the Black experience in Hollywood, and a powerful reexamination of a quintessentially American story—in brilliant color. Directed by Justin Simien. RadicalMedia’s Dave Sirulnick, Stacey Reiss, and Jon Kamen, Culture Machine’s Justin Simien and Kyle Laursen, Significant Productions’ Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, Jeffrey Schwartz and Amy Goodman Kass all serve as executive producers. Shayla Harris is showrunner and executive producer. After the Screening: A conversation with director and executive producer Justin Simien and guests.

In the Arena: Serena Williams (ESPN) – Limited Series World Premiere. After 27 years in professional tennis, Serena Williams shares a personal account of her most meaningful Grand Slam appearances and deconstructs the milestones of her legendary career. Each episode explores the pivotal moments in Serena’s life on and off the court, illustrating the series of steps that when reflected upon, show the incredible distance traveled over the course of her career. Directed by Gotham Chopra and co-produced by ESPN, Religion of Sports, Tom Brady’s 199 Productions, and Williams and Caroline Currier’s Nine Two Six Productions. After the Screening: A conversation with Serena Williams.

Mastermind: To Think Like A Killer (Hulu) – Limited Series World Premiere. From Dakota and Elle Fanning and director Abby Fuller comes unprecedented access to the mastermind behind the development of modern serial-killer profiling. The series tells Dr. Ann Burgess’ story which puts her at the center of solving America’s most infamous true-crime cases. From the widely known Ed Kemper and Ted Bundy to lesser-known cases like the Ski Mask Rapist, Burgess investigates and studies the victims and damaged psyches of their attackers. After the Screening: A conversation with executive producers Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, Rebecca Evans, subject and consulting producer Dr. Ann Burgess, director Abby Fuller, and showrunner Dani Sloane.

Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken (Paramount+) – Limited Series World Premiere. An inspiring story of healing and transcendence through the power of music, when five female residents from the Topeka Correctional Facility write letters to Etheridge, she uses their letters as inspiration to create and perform an original song for them. Having recently lost her son to opioids, Etheridge works to understand and interrupt the cycle of addiction while connecting with these women who, so often, are forgotten by society. With female incarceration rates up 700 percent since 1980, Etheridge bonds with the women through the conduit of music as an act of empathy, understanding, and hope. Executive producers include Kathy Rivkin Daum and William Kennedy for BMG Films, Deb Klein for Primary Wave Music, Bruce Gillmer, Michael Maniaci for MTV Entertainment Studios, and Melissa Etheridge. Directed by Brian Morrow and Amy Scott, and produced by Jonathan Lynch for Shark Pig Studios. Melissa Etheridge will perform a short acoustic set at the Beacon Theatre after the screening.

Mr. Loverman (BBC 1) – New Series World Premiere. Based on the novel by Booker winner Bernardine Evaristo, ‘Mr Loverman’ is the story of Barry (Lennie James); a 74-year-old, Antiguan-born, exuberant Hackney personality known for his dapper taste. His wife Carmel (Sharon D Clarke) suspects he’s been cheating. Little does she know what’s really going on: a secret, passionate affair with his best friend and soulmate, Morris (Ariyon Bakare). Now facing his final chapter, Barry has big choices to make that will force his family to question their futures. Executive produced by Faye Ward, Hannah Farrell, Hannah Price, Jo McClellan, Lennie James and Hong Khaou. Writer and Associate Producer Nathaniel Price. Directed by Hong Khaou. A Fable Pictures production for the BBC, distributed by Sony Pictures Television. After the Screening: A conversation with executive producer and cast member Lennie James and writer and associate producer Nathaniel Price.

My Brilliant Friend (HBO) – Season Four World Premiere. My Brilliant Friend is the tale of Elena Greco and the most important friend in her life. Based on the bestselling novel by Elena Ferrante, the fourth installment of the saga, titled “Story of the Lost Child,” finds Elena and Lila entangled in the turmoil of Italy in the late 80s, nearing the end of decades of political violence and social unrest. Amid motherhood and career demands, betrayals, threats, disappearances, and natural disasters, Elena and Lila once again reside in the same neighborhood. Executive produced by Lorenzo Mieli, Domenico Procacci, Saverio Costanzo, Paolo Sorrentino, Jennifer Schuur, Elena Recchia and Guido De Laurentiis. An HBO-RAI Series produced by Fremantle Italy, The Apartment and Wildside (both Fremantle Companies), Fandango and Mowe. After the Screening: A conversation with cast members Alba Rohrwacher, Irene Maiorino, Fabrizio Gifuni, writer and executive producer Saverio Costanzo and director Laura Bispuri.

My Lady Jane (Prime Video) – New Series World Premiere. Gird your loins for the tragic tale of Lady Jane Grey (Emily Bader), the young Tudor noblewoman who was Queen of England for nine days and then beheaded in 553… F*ck that. We’re retelling history the way it should have happened: the damsel in distress saves herself. This is an epic tale of true love and high adventure set in an alt-universe of action, history, fantasy, comedy, romance, and rompy-pompy. Buckle up. Starring Bader, Edward Bluemel as Guildford Dudley, and Jordan Peters as King Edward. Creator Gemma Burgess is co-showrunner/executive producer, Meredith Glynn is co-showrunner/executive producer, Jamie Babbit is directing five of the eight episodes and is producing director/executive producer, and Sarah Bradshaw and Laurie MacDonald are executive producers. After the Screening: A conversation with the cast and creative team.

Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+) – New Series World Premiere. Presumed Innocent is an eight-episode limited series starring and executive produced by Jake Gyllenhaal, hailing from David E. Kelley and executive producer J.J. Abrams, and is based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Scott Turow. Starring Gyllenhaal in the lead role of chief deputy prosecutor Rusty Sabich, the series takes viewers on a gripping journey through the horrific murder that upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s office when one of its own is suspected of the crime. The series explores obsession, sex, politics, and the power and limits of love, as the accused fights to hold his family and marriage together. The star-studded ensemble cast of the thriller also includes Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle and Renate Reinsve. After the Screening: A conversation with the cast and creative team.

The Stanford Prison Experiment: Unlocking the Truth (National Geographic) – New Series World Premiere. A groundbreaking look at the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment, through the first-hand accounts of the original prisoners and guards. Their stories unravel a new narrative that interrogates the motives of the man pulling the strings, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, while exploring larger questions of human nature and the power of perspective. Utilizing Rashomon-style reenactments and an Act of Killing-inspired reunion component, the project brings the layers of storytelling to unexpected levels. Executive producers Juliette Eisner, Alex Braverman, Cristina Costantini, Darren Foster, Krista Manis, and Jennifer Wood. After the Screening: A conversation with the original prisoners and guards of the Stanford Prison experiment.

The Turning Point: To Be Destroyed (MSNBC) – Limited Series World Premiere. To Be Destroyed follows author Dave Eggers as he meets with students and teachers in the Rapid City, SD school district where his novel, “The Circle”, was pulled from shelves along with works by Alison Bechdel, Stephen Chbosky, Bernardine Evaristo and Imbolo Mbue. Through footage of heated school board meetings, community rallies and interviews with locals, we learn how these books were designated “to be destroyed”. Directed by Arthur Bradford and Jennifer Ollman. Executive produced by Rashida Jones, Rebecca Kutler, Amanda Spain, Loren Hammonds, Alexa Conway, Trevor Noah, Sanaz Yamin, Michael Sugar, Ashley Zalta, David Hillman, Norman Aladjem and Derek Van Pelt. After the Screening: A conversation with author Dave Eggers.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol (AMC/AMC+) – Season Two World Premiere. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol picks up where season one of the series left off, following fan-favorite characters Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) and Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride). They both confront old demons while she fights to find her friend and he struggles with his decision to stay in France, causing tension at the Nest. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol stars Reedus, McBride, Clémence Poésy, Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Laika Blanc Francard, Anne Charrier, Romain Levi and Eriq Ebouaney, and is executive produced by showrunner David Zabel, Scott M. Gimple, Reedus, McBride, Greg Nicotero, Angela Kang, Brian Bockrath, Daniel Percival, Jason Richman and Steve Squillante. After the Screening: A conversation with executive producers and stars Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, showrunner David Zabel and additional cast and creatives.

2024 TRIBECA FESTIVAL NOW SELECTION

Special Screening – Untitled Tim Burton Series, (United States) – Follow Tim Burton’s dream journey into the themes and relationships that shape his work, from the Misunderstood Monster to the dichotomy of dark vs light, and the magic of collaboration with fellow “outsiders” Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Helena Bonham Carter, and more. Created by Tara Wood. After the screening: A conversation with director Tara Wood and guests.

NOW SHOWCASE

A Juice, (United Kingdom) – A vibrant and surreal comedy series created by Mawaan Rizwan. Juice follows Jamma (Mawaan Rizwan), who desperately wants to be the center of attention but his family are constantly stealing his thunder. And when he finally does get the validation from boyfriend Guy (Russell Tovey), he can’t handle it. Jamma’s hyperactive imagination goes into overdrive and the world transforms around him. Created by Mawaan Rizwan.

Le Parrot, (United States) – Three siblings return home for their mother’s funeral. Chaos ensues when they realize their mother has left behind her pet parrot. Created by Rachael Sonnenberg.

Yanqui (Argentina) – After a one-night stand abroad leads to pregnancy, a failed NYC entrepreneur turned cat-shelter volunteer travels to Argentina to prove he’s not like his (absent) father. Created by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and Sean Quinn.

Black Fruit, (United States) – When Lalo is thrown off course by the sudden death of his father, he suppresses his loss with impulsive actions that disrupt his life. While he and his best friend Karla, both in their mid-twenties, queer and Black in Germany, try to shape who they want to become, they are forced to grapple with the limits of their flexibility. Created by Lamin Leroy Gibba.

I Need Your Love, (United States) – I Need Your Love is a bittersweet comedy about pop singer Camille Trust’s struggle to make a name for herself in New York’s cutthroat music scene—from sleazy producers and vengeful Swifties to heartbreak and self-sabotage. It’s raw. It’s messy. And most of it actually happened. Created by Walker Kalan and Camile Trust.

This Really Happened, (United States) – Based on a true story, Kate and Zoe, two young creatives in the throes of new love, have discovered they’ve been dating the same person: “BOY.” Determined to create some kind of brilliant revenge project, they recount their experiences in filmed interviews and fantastical flashbacks full of (literal) red flags. But will this process turn out to be more cathartic or soul-crushing? Created by Olivia AbiAssi and Kallen Prosterman.

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