Peacock is diving deep into the world of addiction, grief, and gritty street justice with its upcoming limited series Long Bright River, premiering March 13, 2025. Led by Amanda Seyfried in one of her most emotionally raw roles yet, the series adapts Liz Moore’s bestselling novel into a harrowing eight-episode journey through Philadelphia’s opioid crisis.
The trailer for Long Bright River gives a haunting preview of the personal and procedural stakes ahead — and all signs point to a powerful, must-watch crime thriller.
What Is Long Bright River About?
Set in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Long Bright River follows beat cop Mickey Fitzpatrick (Seyfried) as she grapples with a disturbing series of murders. The city’s opioid epidemic serves as the backdrop for a deeply personal mystery — Mickey’s estranged sister Kacey, a sex worker battling addiction, has disappeared, and Mickey believes the murders may be linked to her sister’s vanishing.
Told across two timelines, the story unfolds with emotional nuance, exploring the fractured bond between the sisters and the societal decay that shaped their upbringing. As Mickey pushes forward in her investigation, she’s also forced to confront her past, her family’s trauma, and the system she works within.
Amanda Seyfried’s Boldest Role Yet
Known for her transformative performances, Amanda Seyfried delivers a career-defining turn in Long Bright River. Playing a woman both hardened by her profession and emotionally torn by loss, Seyfried brings depth, vulnerability, and intensity to a character caught between duty and desperation.
“She puts every ounce of her soul onto the screen,” says Nikki Toscano, who serves as showrunner and director. “Her performance will break your heart.”
Seyfried also executive produces the series, alongside Toscano, Neal H. Moritz, Amy Pascal, and author Liz Moore, whose personal connection to the material adds even more authenticity.
Who Created Long Bright River?
Long Bright River is co-created by Liz Moore and Nikki Toscano, with episodes directed by Toscano and Hagar Ben-Asher. The creative team is committed to disrupting traditional crime drama narratives by grounding the show in character, consequence, and emotion.
Rather than offering the usual “cop as savior” trope, the series leans into complex truths about addiction, community, and survival.
“Rather than glorifying the ‘cop as hero’ narrative, this story interrogates it,” Toscano explains. “It’s a series driven by emotion, consequence, and complicated love.”
Moore, whose novel was inspired by her own family’s multigenerational battle with addiction, says the adaptation is “a moving experience,” especially given the opportunity to highlight the strength and struggle of Kensington’s residents.
Long Bright River Cast
In addition to Seyfried, Long Bright River features a compelling supporting cast, including:
- Nicholas Pinnock
- Ashleigh Cummings
- Callum Vinson
- John Doman
Each performance helps build the haunting atmosphere and emotional authenticity the series aims to deliver.
When and Where to Watch Long Bright River
Long Bright River premieres March 13, 2025, with all eight episodes available at launch — perfect for those who prefer a binge-worthy deep dive into an emotionally gripping narrative.
📺 Streaming exclusively on Peacock
🎞️ Watch the trailer now and prepare for an unforgettable crime story
