HBO orders limited drama series based on trial of au pair Louise Woodward

HBO has ordered a limited series about the real-life trial of Louise Woodward, the British au pair who at the age of 18 was charged with murdering eight-month-old baby Matthew Eappen in the US.

Frank Spotnitz

The Trial of Louise Woodward will be a five-episode limited series starring two-time Emmy nominee Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus).

Created, written and executive produced by Matthew Barry (The White Lotus), it will be directed and executive produced by Oscar and Emmy winner Susanne Bier (The Night Manager).

Big Light Productions founder Frank Spotnitz will serve as executive producer alongside Emily Feller, Antoine Douaihy and Tobi de Graaff, senior VP commercial at Sky Studios. Production on the series will begin this August with an expected 2027 release.

The series tells the story of how, in 1997, Woodward was accused of shaking to death a baby left in her care by her American host family, setting off an international media firestorm as the trial unfolded in full view of both the British and American public.

Woodward was initially found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, but her conviction was subsequently reduced by the trial judge to involuntary manslaughter, resulting in her release after serving 279 days.

The case was the subject of two UK documentaries commissioned in 2021, one by ITV and another by Channel 4.

Francesca Orsi

Francesca Orsi, executive VP of HBO programming and head of HBO drama series and films, said: “Matthew’s compassionate approach to this gripping true story, paired with Susanne’s powerfully distinct directorial vision and Meghann’s exceptional talent, has brought together an extraordinary creative team whose work we’re excited to share with our audience soon.”

Barry, showrunner, writer and executive producer, said: “The trial of Louise Woodward raised profound questions about childcare, working mothers, class and the role of an emerging 24/7 media.

“Thirty years later, those questions feel more urgent and relevant than ever. I’m grateful to be working with Susanne and our partners at HBO to bring this story, in all its complexity, to the screen.”