AMC has a new high-octane crime drama, Parish, starring and executive produced by Giancarlo Esposito. The actor expressed his gratitude for AMC picking up the edgy series after it almost found a home elsewhere. The show has been in development for some time, going through multiple drafts and network considerations before finally landing at AMC. Esposito credits the network for nurturing and supporting the development of the show into what it is today.
Parish follows the story of Gracián ‘Gray’ Parish, a New Orleans cab driver with a checkered past who gets caught up in a dangerous encounter with a Zimbabwean gangster. Esposito’s passion for the series was evident in a phone call he had with Dan McDermott, President of AMC Studios, where he expressed his desire to create something new and edgy. The network embraced the edgy character-driven drama, seeing it as an opportunity to explore themes of family, loss, and desperation in a unique way.
The show premiered on AMC and AMC+ on March 31, 2024, with new episodes dropping weekly. Parish is an original take on a British crime drama called The Driver, with Esposito drawn to the core narrative of loss, family, and missed connections. Despite having twice as many episodes as the show that inspired it, Parish remains lean and mean, focusing on the journey of Gray Parish as he navigates through his desperate situation and questions his identity.
Esposito emphasized the importance of leaving some narrative strands open-ended, avoiding the trap of neatly tying up all the loose ends. He wants the show to keep viewers engaged and invested in the character’s journey, prompting them to think about the decisions made and anticipate what’s to come. With a focus on family, politics, and morality, Parish aims to challenge viewers’ perceptions and evoke a visceral response that lingers even after the episode ends.
The cast of Parish includes notable actors like Skeet Ulrich, Zackary Momoh, and Bradley Whitford, all contributing to the dynamic and compelling storytelling of the series. Esposito’s dedication to creating a show that resonates with audiences and pushes the boundaries of traditional crime dramas shines through in Parish. The actor-producer’s passion for the project is evident, and he hopes that the collaboration with AMC will continue to flourish in future seasons.
As the episodes unfold and the mysteries deepen, Esposito promises a thrilling ride with Parish, offering a fresh take on the familiar crime genre. With a focus on character development, complex relationships, and moral dilemmas, the show presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges viewers to ponder the consequences of one man’s desperate choices. As Parish navigates the treacherous waters of his past and present, audiences are invited to join him on a turbulent journey that explores the depths of human nature and the complexities of redemption.
