MGM+ is adapting the supernatural horror podcast into an eight-episode series, with the Game of Thrones actor leading a mystery involving unexplained phenomena and a centuries-old conspiracy.
A supernatural horror podcast that has attracted more than 60 million downloads is making the move to television. MGM+ has ordered an eight-episode adaptation of The Black Tapes, with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau set to star as Dr. Richard Strand. Production is scheduled to begin in Vancouver in January 2027.
First released in 2015, The Black Tapes developed a following through its combination of investigative storytelling, unsettling supernatural cases and an increasingly elaborate conspiracy. The television adaptation will bring that mystery to a new audience while expanding the story established by podcast creators Terry Miles and Paul Bae.
Coster-Waldau will portray Strand, a brilliant psychiatrist whose mysterious past becomes connected to a series of investigations into unexplained phenomena. Working alongside Alex Regan, a determined investigator, he examines reports involving hauntings, possessions, disappearances and other disturbing cases collectively known as the black tapes.
Their initial efforts to investigate and debunk the incidents gradually reveal something far more dangerous. As the cases begin to connect, Strand and Regan uncover evidence of a hidden occult world and become entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy with potentially apocalyptic consequences.
The original podcast built much of its appeal around the uncertainty surrounding its investigations. What initially appeared to be individual supernatural mysteries gradually developed into a larger story, with clues and unanswered questions drawing listeners further into the conspiracy.
Miles and Bae will remain closely involved with the television adaptation as writers and executive producers. Their participation allows the series to preserve the podcast's central mystery while developing its characters and mythology for a visual format.
John Rogers and Jennifer Court of Kung Fu Monkey Productions will executive produce alongside Kearie Peak of Peak Pictures.
Rogers, who was already a fan of the podcast, said its unusual combination of horror and investigative mystery was a major part of its appeal.
"I was an early and passionate fan of The Black Tapes podcast. It's a unique blend of truly unsettling horror and puzzle-box conspiracy mystery," Rogers said.
He also emphasized the importance of having Miles and Bae involved in the writers' room, allowing the adaptation to build on the original story while introducing unexpected developments for longtime listeners.
Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, described the project as a natural fit for the network's interest in supernatural mysteries and character-driven storytelling.
Kearie Peak also praised the casting of Coster-Waldau, citing the intelligence, complexity, and mystery required for the role of Dr. Strand.
Coster-Waldau is best known for portraying Jaime Lannister on HBO's Game of Thrones, a performance that earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
His more recent television work includes Apple TV+'s The Last Thing He Told Me and the BBC historical drama King and Conqueror. He also hosted and produced An Optimist's Guide to the Planet, a Bloomberg Media documentary series exploring environmental challenges and possible solutions.
He is also set to appear opposite Jennifer Lopez in Netflix's upcoming adaptation of The Last Mrs. Parrish.
The Black Tapes joins MGM+'s growing lineup of original supernatural and horror programming, which includes FROM and the Stephen King adaptation The Institute.
The series will be produced by MGM+ Studios and is planned for release across MGM+ territories in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Latin America.
While the eight-episode order and January 2027 production start have been announced, MGM+ has not revealed a premiere date or the remaining cast. It also remains to be seen how closely the television adaptation will follow the podcast's original storyline.
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