Apple is moving ahead with its TV adaptation of the Kathleen Barber novel "Are You Sleeping," reportedly ordering 10 episodes of the show expected to debut on its subscription services.

As previously indicated, the series will star Octavia Spencer with Nichelle Tramble Spellman serving as showrunner, Variety said on Wednesday. Reese Witherspoon, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Kristen Campo will be executive producers.

Witherspoon, notably, is also starring in an upcoming Apple talk show drama alongside Jennifer Aniston.

"Are You Sleeping" is a true crime drama with a particular focus on podcasts devoted to unsolved or wrongful convictions. Sarah Koenig — the creator of "Serial," one such podcast — is believed to be serving a consulting role.

Apple has a wide range of TV projects in development, such as an adaptation of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" books and a reboot of Steven Spielberg's "Amazing Stories." Despite the popularity of shows like "Game of Thrones," "Westworld," and "The Walking Dead," Apple is said to be leaning away from risqué content.

The first batch of shows should premiere in 2019. It's not yet clear, though, how they'll be distributed. Rather than force people to sign up for Apple Music, as with "Carpool Karaoke" and "Planet of the Apps," one rumor has suggested that Apple will make the shows available to anyone with a compatible Apple device — possibly via the "TV" app on iPhones, iPads, and the Apple TV.

Source: appleinsider