Amazon Prime Video has acquired the family drama series “The Baxters” starring Roma Downey and Ted McGinley. The faith-infused series is based on the bestselling novels by author Karen Kingsbury.
The series has been in the works since early 2018, when Downey announced plans to produce a series based on Kingsbury’s books for her LightWorkers Media streaming platform. A number of episodes were produced but have never aired on LightWorkers or any other outlet. The deal with Prime Video comes as Amazon has heightened its focus on faith-based, family-friendly and uplifting series and movies.
“With over 25 million fans of the Baxter series books we know audiences are going to love this family drama brought to life, and I am personally so excited to bring more inspirational content to Prime Video,” Downey said.
Downey is executive producer of “The Baxters” with Will Packer for LightWorkers Media, Will Packer Media and Haven Entertainment. Jessie Rosen is showrunner and executive producer. Kevin Mann, Brendan Bragg and Jaime Primak Sullivan also executive produce. Kingsbury and Rick Christian are consulting producers.
Downey and McGinley play the matriarch and patriach of a large family facing real-world ups and downs. The first season revolves around the struggles faced by the Baxster clan’s oldest daughter, played by Ali Cobrin, after she learns that her husband has been having an affair. Other cast members include Masey McLain, Josh Plasse, Cassidy Gifford, Reilly Anspaugh, Emily Peterson and Brandon Hirsch.
Kingsbury’s novels have a wide following among heartland readers. The series has logged more than 25 titles since it began in 2002. Downey has had the books under option for more than a decade.
“Since the day Roma Downey asked for my blessing in making the Baxter family literary series into a televised show, I have dreamed that it might find a home on Prime Video,” Kingsbury said. “Many millions of readers are going to be thrilled over this news. It is a dream come true.”
(Pictured: Roma Downey)