“Uncoupled” moves to Showtime, “Ripley” moves to Netflix

In the type of trade expected in the NFL, Netflix and Showtime made an unexpected show swap this Friday. Netflix’s “Uncoupled” has been canceled by Showtime and will return to the channel for Season 2, while Showtime’s off-air “Ripley” is now on Netflix.

Well, Netflix and Showtime are not literally swap the shows for each other, but negotiations to place the two shows apparently took place in parallel, and the news broke on the same day. Ripley, which was first ordered to series in September 2019 and stars Andrew Scott, has reportedly begun post-production on an eight-episode season. The first season of Uncoupled, starring Neil Patrick Harris, premiered last July and was canceled by the streamer last month.

Sources at Netflix confirmed to IndieWire that “Ripley” will premiere on the streamer. Showtime sources confirmed to IndieWire that “Uncoupled” has been picked up at the network.

The move comes as Showtime prepares for a major strategic shift as part of its ongoing rebranding of “Paramount+ with Showtime.” The pending merger with the streamer’s sibling has prompted channel boss Chris McCarthy to announce a new approach for the channel, with a greater focus on existing franchises like “Billions” and Dexter, and we’re releasing upcoming original shows like “Three Women.”

“Ripley” is based on the series of novels by author Patricia Highsmith, featuring the character of Tom Ripley, a con artist and serial killer. The character was previously played by Alain Delon in 1960’s “Purple Noon” and by Matt Damon in 1999’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Scott will play the character in “Ripley,” which also stars Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn.

Steven Zaillian wrote and directed the entire first season of “Ripley” and executive produced with Garrett Basch, Guymon Casady, Ben Forkner, Sharon Levy and Philipp Keel. The show is a Showtime and Endemol Shine North America co-production with Entertainment 360 and Filmrights.

“Uncoupled” stars Michael Harris, a New York real estate agent who begins to explore the modern world of gay dating after his old partner abruptly ends their relationship. Tisha Campbell, Brooks Ashmanskas, Tuc Watkins, Emerson Brooks and Marcia Gay Harden also star in the series, created by “Emily in Paris” and “Sex and the City” creator Darren Star and “Modern Family” writer Jeffrey Richman . Star, Richman, Harris and Lilly Burns executive produce the series, which is co-produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Darren Star Productions, Jeffrey Richman Productions and Jax Media.

Deadline was first to report on Showtime’s “Uncoupled.”

Register: Stay up to date with the latest movie and TV news! Subscribe to our email newsletter here.