The Emperor of Ocean Park is an American mystery thriller television series based on Stephen L. Carter's novel of the same name. It premiered on July 14, 2024, on MGM+.
Contents
Premise
Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha's Vineyard, the series follows a law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge's death is questioned by a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist. She believes a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court met with foul play.
Cast and characters
Main
Grantham Coleman as Talcott Garland
Amir Henderson as young Talcott
Forest Whitaker as Judge Oliver Garland, father of Talcott, Addison, and Mariah, husband of Claire
Omar Miller as young Oliver Garland
Tiffany Mack as Mariah Garland-Denton, Howard's wife
Paulina Lule as Kimmer Madison Garland, Talcott's wife
Supporting
Henry Simmons as Addison Garland
Phillip Cusic as young Addison
Bryan Greenberg as Howard Denton, Mariah's husband
Torrey Hanson as Jack Ziegler
Ora Jones as Claire Garland, mother of Talcott, Addison, and Mariah, wife of Judge Oliver Garland
Raluca Lăzăruț as Szuza
Jasmine Batchelor as Maxine
Production
Development
In January 2023, MGM+ began developing a series based on Stephen L. Carter's best-selling novel, with Sherman Payne writing several episodes and Damian Marcano set to direct. The series was produced by John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
In April 2023, it was announced that the pay channel had ordered ten episodes of the series. Producer Llewellyn Wells was later signed on in January 2024.
Casting
In November 2023, it was announced that Grantham Coleman would star in the lead role, with Tiffany Mack and Paulina Lule also starring. Later on, Forest Whitaker joined the cast in January 2024. Henry Simmons, Bryan Greenberg and Jasmine Batchelor join the cast, as well as with Ora Jones and Torrey Hanson joined the cast in February 2024.
Filming
Principal photography began in Chicago on January 10, 2024, and wrapped on April 25. Filming also took place in Lemont, IL.
Release
The show premiered on MGM+ on July 14, 2024.
Marketing
A trailer for the series was released in May 2024.