The Good Doctor team of Freddie Highmore and David Shore and Sony Pictures Television have reteamed for a new drama series, I’m Not Here to Hurt You, ordered by Canada’s Crave Streamer, home of the hit series Heat Rivalry.
Crave and Sony Pictures jointly commissioned the series, and Sony will sell it to buyers in the United States and the rest of the world. This is an unusual approach that demonstrates Sony’s belief that it can generate strong demand for the show in key regions. John Moraynis’ Blink 49 Studios is producing “I’m Not Here” in collaboration with Sony. Sony Pictures had planned to heavily market the show to international buyers at the major studio’s LA screening conference with top international buyers this week.
“David and Freddie have an extraordinary creative partnership built on trust, collaboration and a shared passion for powerful storytelling,” said Lauren Stein, Executive Vice President and Head of Creative, Sony Pictures TV. “They have a unique ability to richly layer and create the kinds of characters that audiences genuinely care about – imperfect, complex and deeply relatable. We couldn’t be more excited to reunite with them on ‘I’m Not Here to Hurt You.’ We’re grateful to our partners at Bell Media, Crave and Blink 49 Studios.”
Sony, Shore and Highmore created the successful procedural “The Good Doctor” on ABC in the US for seven seasons from 2017 to 2024. “I’m Not Here to Hurt You” tells the offbeat story of a man who, as the studio describes it, “after killing someone in a bicycle accident, an upstanding man who protects his family becomes drawn into a life of crime, driven by the noble but futile goal of never hurting anyone again.” The series is based on a podcast of the same name produced by the Irish Independent in 2023 and hosted by Kevin Doyle. Shore and Highmore co-produced the television series.
“As it turns out, we weren’t completely done with each other. We’re thrilled to be collaborating again, thrilled to be returning to Canada with our partners at Bell Studios and Blink 49 Studios, and grateful for Sony’s continued support. And now it’s time for us to get to work,” Shore and Highmore said in a statement.
Shore is one of the most sought-after showrunners in television. He is prepping next season’s hot new series for NBC, a modern remake of The Rockford Files starring David Boreanaz, as well as legal drama Conviction starring Elisabeth Moss and executive produced by Warren Littlefield. Mr. Shore was the creator of the popular Fox/Universal TV medical drama “House,” starring Hugh Laurie, which aired for eight seasons from 2004 to 2012. Mr. Highmore recently appeared in the Amazon Prime Video series “The Assassin.”
Crave is a subscription entertainment streaming platform owned by Bell Media, one of Canada’s largest media companies. Heated Rivalry, the hockey romance drama that became a worldwide sensation, was a Crave original that was picked up by HBO. Top-backed by Shore and Highmore, “I’m Not Here to Hurt You” is clearly an effort to build on the momentum of “Rivalry.”
David Shore (Photo by Rob Latour/Variety)
Penske Media (via Getty Images)
“This new series is an exciting moment for Crave as we continue to build a portfolio of engaging, premium, original content with international appeal,” said Justin Stockman, Vice President of Global Content, Bell Media. “Freddie’s ability to embody complex characters is second to none, and we are thrilled to be working with renowned Canadian creator David Shore on his first project with Sony Pictures Television.”
The project is also a big venture for Blink49 Studios, which was founded in 2021 by Entertainment One and Alliance Atlantis alumnus and international television veteran Moleynis.
“David Shore and Freddie Highmore have created a truly compelling and emotionally complex series with huge international potential,” said Moraynis, CEO of Blink 49 Studios. “We’re excited to collaborate with Bell Media and Sony Pictures Television on ‘I’m Not Here to Hurt You’ and bring this incredible story to audiences around the world.”
Shore and Highmore will executive produce “I’m Not Here to Hurt You” along with Claire Londi of Highmore’s Alfresco Pictures and Erin Gunn of ShoreZ banner.
Highmore is repped by Artist Rights Group, CAA, and Toczek Suddleson. Shore is joined by CAA, Larry Schumann of Schumann & Co., and attorney Bill Sobel.
