HBO Greenlights New Series from Lost and Watchmen Showrunner, Adapting a Thrilling Abduction Novel

The mastermind behind iconic series like Lost, Watchmen, and The Leftovers is back with a new project that’s already capturing attention.

HBO has greenlit Damon Lindelof’s limited drama series The Chain, which will consist of eight episodes. This series is part of a two-year overall deal Lindelof signed in September 2025, where he will take on the roles of writer, executive producer, and showrunner.

The Chain is adapted from the acclaimed novel by Adrian McKinty. While HBO hasn’t released an official synopsis yet, the story revolves around a mother whose daughter is kidnapped. To get her back, she must pay a ransom and abduct another child. The twist? The kidnapper is also a parent, desperate to save her own child from a dire fate, creating a harrowing cycle of abduction.

Expect some creative twists, as Lindelof plans to delve deeper into the story’s mythology. He expressed his excitement, stating, “From the moment I heard the wild and original premise of Adrian’s book, I was shocked, surprised, and angry I hadn’t thought of it myself… I’ve always wanted to try to adapt a great thriller, and this one has all the dark, weird, exhilarating touches that fire up my imagination.”

Lindelof is renowned for his work on the six-season survival drama Lost and the DC series Watchmen. He’s also involved in HBO and DC’s upcoming series Lanterns as co-creator and executive producer, which is part of James Gunn’s DCU Chapter One and is set to premiere later this year.

As for The Chain, a release date hasn’t been announced yet.