Imagine a world where the glittering facade of a top-tier law firm hides a labyrinth of forbidden secrets—now, Paramount+ is diving headfirst into that thrilling territory with their latest blockbuster acquisition. This isn't just any show; it's a pulse-pounding legal thriller that could redefine how we view power, privacy, and the price of silence in high-stakes professions. But here's where it gets controversial: as the story unfolds, it forces us to question whether some truths are better left buried, especially when they're guarded by the elite. Stick around, because this is the part most people miss—the real drama isn't just on screen, but in the debates it might ignite about corporate accountability and personal ethics.
Paramount+ has secured its inaugural major series commitment since welcoming fresh leadership, triumphing in a heated bidding contest for a gripping drama titled Discretion. Starring the acclaimed Nicole Kidman and the talented Elle Fanning, who are also stepping into executive producer roles, this project marks a significant milestone for the streaming platform. The series, adapted from a short story by bestselling author Chandler Baker—who is also penning the screenplay—has been greenlit as a straight-to-series order after only a brief time on the market. This victory represents the first substantial win for Cindy Holland, the former Netflix executive who transitioned to Paramount+ following the Skydance merger, alongside Paramount+ originals chief Jane Wiseman.
At its heart, Discretion explores the intense dynamics of a prestigious Dallas law firm through the eyes of Lenny, a summer associate portrayed by Elle Fanning. Lenny stumbles upon a tangled network of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)—those legally binding contracts that prevent people from sharing confidential information—which conceal a sinister reality. For beginners wondering what an NDA is, think of it as a powerful tool often used in business or legal settings to protect sensitive details, like trade secrets or personal scandals, but here it becomes a double-edged sword. When Lenny discovers she's unwittingly signed the very same agreement, it thrusts her into direct conflict with Sharon, the firm's formidable female partner played by Nicole Kidman, shattering their once-mentoring relationship. The narrative probes deep questions: Who truly has the right to harbor secrets, and what sacrifices must be made to expose them? This eight-episode season is slated to kick off production in the coming year, promising viewers an edge-of-your-seat journey into moral ambiguity.
Behind the scenes, the project boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including Chandler Baker and Susannah Grant, the latter known for her work on acclaimed series like Unbelievable and the film Erin Brockovich. Joining them are Elle Fanning, her sister Dakota Fanning, and Brittany Kahan Ward from Lewellen Pictures; Nicole Kidman and Per Saari via Blossom Films; Jordan Cerf; and Joe Hipps through his A24-affiliated Cut to company. This collaboration not only reunites Kidman and Fanning with A24, the studio behind their upcoming Apple TV+ venture Margo’s Got Money Troubles, but it also evokes a sense of nostalgia for Holland and Hipps. Hipps previously held an executive position at MRC when it sold the groundbreaking House of Cards to Netflix, helping launch that platform's original content revolution—talk about a full-circle moment in the evolving landscape of streaming entertainment!
As Discretion gears up to challenge our perceptions of justice and secrecy, it subtly raises eyebrows over whether such stories glamorize or critique the real-world power imbalances in industries like law. Is this a bold takedown of systemic cover-ups, or does it risk romanticizing the very elites it aims to expose? These are the kinds of debates that could spark heated discussions, especially in an era where whistleblowers and corporate transparency are hot-button issues. Deadline was the first to break this exciting news, and it's sure to keep fans buzzing.
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What are your thoughts on this? Do you side with the idea that NDAs protect necessary privacy, or do you believe they often shield wrongdoing? And in a world obsessed with 'cancel culture,' should powerful women like Sharon face harsher scrutiny for their secrets? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take and see if this series divides or unites viewers!
