J.J. Abrams is developing a new original drama TV show set in space. It seems the writer, director, and producer can’t get enough of the subject, as he is currently at work on Star Wars: Episode IX. He is also a producer on the untitled Cloverfield 3 movie (previously called God Particle) which focuses on a team of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Abrams also serves a producer on the more down to Earth shows such Westworld, 11.22.63, and Castle Rock with Stephen King (which is set to premiere on Hulu this year).


Abrams is known for creating/co-creating Felicity, Lost, Alias, and Fringe –shows that overtime have become essential parts of popular culture. He has directed Mission Impossible III, the new Star Trek movie series, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens with similar success. Abrams tells his stories in untraditional ways by creating mysteries that capture an audience and make them think, all while infusing a sense of wonder and nostalgia.


According to THR, Abrams’ so far untitled drama centers around a family, composed of a scientist mother, father and daughter, who wind up in a terrible car crash. The mother falls into a coma, leading her daughter to dig into her experiments. This transports the girl, followed by her father, into another world amidst a battle against a “monsterous, oppressive force”. So far Apple, HBO, and Warner Brothers Television are reported as being interested in the project, which right now is in the spec-script stages.


Previously, Abrams had announced his work on another original series, also set in space, this time for HBO. Titled Glare, the premise focused on the colonization of another planet. Writer Javier Gullón was also attached to the project. There has been no news on the development of this hour long series since its announcement. If HBO secures the rights to Abrams’ new drama, could we see a future with two space shows by the Abrams on the same network? One can only dream.


Space is always a popular subject, but there are so many stories to tell and so many ways the genre can be explored. Just look at what’s on TV at the moment, ranging from Star Trek: Discovery on CBS All Access, to The Orville on FOX, to Killjoys and The Expanse on SYFY, and the current season of Agents of SHIELD on ABC – all very different interpretations. Given Abrams’ success with the science fiction genre and the medium of television, there is only excitement to be had over the news of another sci-fi project from the storyteller.