A new limited series is in development at Hulu titled “Death at Penn State,” which is an adaptation of The Atlantic article “Death at a Penn State Fraternity” by Caitlin Flanagan. The series comes from Robert Greenblatt and Lionsgate Television, who will executive produce.
Based on a true story, the series’ official logline states, “The limited series explores fraternity life and specifically tells the story of Tim Piazza who fought for his life for 12 hours before his Beta Theta Pi brothers called 911. By then it was too late.”
Joe Hortua serves as writer and executive producer on the series. Greenblatt will executive produce under his The Green Room production banner, with Jon Wu of Green Room co-executive producing. The Atlantic and Flanagan will also executive produce. Kevin Bray will direct and executive produce. Lionsgate Television is the studio.
“We are grateful and fully supportive of Lionsgate and Hulu taking on this project related to our son’s tragic and very preventable death,” said Jim and Evelyn Piazza. “Given the reckless and deplorable behavior of fraternity members and their advisors, the lack of oversight by the University and the National Fraternity and the ongoing criminal and civil proceedings that continue five plus years later, we feel this is a story that must be told to prevent similar incidents from happening to another young man (or woman) and their family.”
“I appreciate Lionsgate and Hulu for taking on the tragedy of Tim Piazza’s death due to a careless hazing incident at Penn State’s Beta Theta Pi fraternity in 2017,” Greenblatt said. “It resulted in one of the largest criminal indictments against a fraternity and its members in recent U.S. history. While hazing is illegal, there continue to be similar incidents around the country each year, and we want this to be a cautionary tale. Tim’s bereaved parents, Jim and Evelyn, are now crusaders for reform, and last year the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law was passed. We all hope this will be drama with a purpose.”
Source: Variety