Apple Is Producing a Music-Themed TV Series With Sara Bareilles & J.J. Abrams

J.J. Abrams and Sara Bareilles are teaming up for a new Apple series from Jessie Nelson, who’s screenwriting credits include I Am Sam, Stepmom and Corrina, Corrina.

Online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Series have become a more popular way of watching some of the most popular shows.  So it’s not surprise that Apple has also jumped in on the trend — but this time with a new musical twist.

Apple is ordering a comedy-drama series called, Little Voice, from J.J. Abrams, who will serve as executive producer.  It will feature original music by Grammy-award winning songwriter, Sarah Bareilles.  The series is described by Apple as “a love letter to the diverse musicality of New York” and an exploration of “the universal journey of finding your authentic voice in your early 20s.”
Apple ordered a 10-episode first season, however the cast and release date have not been announced.
Nelson, who collaborated with Bareilles on the Broadway musical, Waitress, will be the show runner, writer, and executive producer, and will direct the first episode for the Apple series.

The series is produced by Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Bad Robot Productions is also behind the upcoming Stephen King-inspired drama Castle Rock for Hulu. It's also producing the upcoming HBO dramas Demimonde, which Abrams also created, and Lovecraft Country, which is also executive produced by Jordan Peele.

Abrams also co-wrote, produced and directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and will also co-write, produce and direct the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX.

Little Voice joins a robust slate of upcoming Apple series that also includes a comedy featuring Hailee Steinfled as poet Emily Dickenson, a Reese Witherspoon-produced comedy starring Kristen Wiig, a drama project from La La Land director Damien Chzelle, and a psychological thriller from M. Night Shyamalan, to name a few.