It seemed like WGN America came out of left field with a massive push for original content. The network gave us a new original scripted series in 2013 withSalem, which was eagerly renewed for a second season, as well as the atom bomb dramaManhattanin 2014. Now its adding another buzzing drama series to its roster withUnderground,and two new trailers have arrived to preview its tone and scope.
Pegged as an “underground railroad escape thriller,”UndergroundfeaturesAldis Hodge(MC Ren inStraight Outta Compton) as a blacksmith slave in Civil War-era America gathering his fellow slaves for a dangerous escape out of the South and to freedom in the North. WGN announced today that the series would premiere the first of 10 hourlong episodes on Wednesday, March 9, and to whet our palettes before its arrival, the network unveiled brand new footage featuringKanye West’s “Black Skinhead” track, famously played in theWolf of Wall Streettrailers.
Watch the sneak peeks atUndergroundbelow.
Misha GreenandJoe PokaskicreatedUndergroundand will executive produce the series alongside Oscar-winning musicianJohn Legend. Rounding out the cast areJurnee Smollett-Bell(True Blood),Alano Miller(Jane The Virgin),Jessica de Gouw(Arrow),Marc Blucas(Buffy the Vampire Slayer),Adina Porter(The 100),Mykelti Williamson(Justified),Amirah Vann(Girls),Johnny Ray Gill(Rectify),Chris Chalk(Gotham),Reed Diamond(Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.),Theodus Crane(The Walking Dead),Renwick Scott(Treme) andJussie Smollett(Empire).
Also any excuse to get Elliot Stabler (Christopher MeloniinSVU) back in action is okay by me. Here’s the official plot synopsis:
In WGN America’s “Underground,” a courageous blacksmith Noah (Aldis Hodge) covertly organizes a small group of his fellow slaves and pieces together a daring plan of escape across hundreds of miles to freedom. The odds of success are razor-thin for those who make it off the plantation, while the risks, dangers and obstacles multiply each step of the way.
