Fox is preparing to explore a world without sleep.
The network has handed out a script plus penalty commitment to drama Nod, based on the book of the same name by Adrian Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
When most of humanity loses the ability to sleep, scientists are at a loss to explain why no one is tired. Nod will explore the new, wondrous and eerie 24/7 world through the eyes of Tanya and Paul, an "inter-somnial" couple — she, awakened and flourishing, and he, one of the remaining few who are still handicapped by the need for sleep. But when signs of deprivation start to show among the Awakened, the bonds of friendship and love get tested in unexpected ways … because if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Jason Richman (Detroit 1-8-7, Lucky 7) will pen the script for 20th Century Fox and exec produce alongside Chernin's Peter Chernin and Katherine Pope.
Barnes' 2013 book was short-listed for the Arthur C. Clarke Award for science fiction literature and explored the new world that was created after panic set in and the people who were on the fringes of society as they began to take leadership positions.
Nod comes as sci-fi continues to be a hot genre among broadcast and cable networks, with post-apocalyptic series still in demand as AMC's zombie drama The Walking Dead continues to be the biggest show among the key adults 18-49 demographic.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
