AMC has officially ordered a followup to "Orphan Black," Variety has learned.
Titled "Orphan Black: Echoes," the new series is set in the near future and takes a deep dive into the exploration of scientific manipulation of human existence. It follows a group of women as they weave their way into each other's lives and embark on a journey, uncovering the secret of their identities and unraveling a story of love and betrayal.
AMC has ordered a 10-episode show for the show. It is expected to launch on AMC and AMC Plus in 2023.
"Orphan Black made a remarkable performance on BBC America, drawing millions of dedicated and highly engaged fans, captivated by a smart and gripping storyline and a star-making and Emmy-winning performance by Tatiana Maslany," said Dan McDermott Said President, AMC Studios for Entertainment and AMC Networks. "We can't wait to dive back with Anna, John and our partners at Boat Rocker and deliver a new version of this rich world that deserves #CloneClub."
Variety exclusively reported that the series was in the works back in 2019. As Variety reported in February 2022, Anna Fischko is onboard to serve as writer, showrunner and executive producer. John Fawcett, “Orphan Black:” co-creator who directed 17 episodes of the series, will executive produce and direct “Echoes.” The show is produced and distributed globally by Boat Rocker. David Fortier and Evan Schneiberg, executive producers of Boat Rocker on the original series, return as executive producers on the new series. Katie O'Connell Marsh, Nick Nantel and Kerry Appleyard will also executive produce for Boat Rocker.
“We began our journey down the ‘Orphan Black’ rabbit hole when Sarah Manning saw Beth Childs jump inexplicably in front of an oncoming train. Since then, a passionate fandom has joined us for a wildly entertaining ride,” David Fortier and Evan Schneiberg, Co-Executive President of Boat Rocker Media and Co-President of Boat Rocker Studio, said. “We are looking forward to partnering with AMC and Anna Fischko, and joining forces again with John Fawcett, to create ‘Orphan Black. ' Glad to boldly re-enter the universe. Once again, we welcome Clone Club along for the ride and look forward to thrilling new fans taking the leap. Brace yourself and hold on!"
"Orphan Black" was co-produced by Fawcett and Graeme Manson. The series debuted in 2013 and ran for five seasons on BBC America. It starred Tatiana Maslany as a woman who discovers that she is a clone and that someone is plotting to kill her and her clone "sisters". Both the series and Maslany's performance were critically acclaimed. She was nominated for three Emmys and a Golden Globe during the show's run, winning an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series in 2016.
"I'm thrilled to begin this new chapter in the world of 'Orphan Black,'" Fischko said. “Creating a story that embraces the legacy of the original show has been very gratifying, and I am excited to begin a new journey for viewers that explores the big questions of who we are. I am incredibly I am fortunate to have such supporting partners at Boat Rocker, John Fawcett and AMC, and can't wait to introduce audiences old and new to the next installment of this lovely story."
"It couldn't be more exciting to begin a new saga of 'Orphan Black' with Anna, Boat Rocker and our partners at AMC," Fawcett said. “To all of our devoted Obie fans, I am thrilled that we can bring this new chapter to them. Without our fans, this new show certainly wouldn't have existed and I am very grateful for that. I can't wait for them to 'follow the mad science'!"