Lost and Watchmen showrunner lands new series at HBO, adapting a gripping thriller novel about abduction

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Lost and Watchmen showrunner lands new series at HBO, adapting a gripping thriller novel about abduction News By Megan Garside published 30 January 2026

The Chain sounds like a mix of The Changeling and Compliance

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The legendary showrunner behind hit series like Lost, Watchmen, and The Leftovers has a new show in the works with HBO, and it has us gripped already.

HBO has given a straight-to-series order to Damon Lindelof's eight-episode-long limited drama The Chain, as reported by Variety. The series is part of a two-year overall deal that Lindelof signed back in September 2025. Lindelof will serve as writer, executive producer, and showrunner on the series.

The show is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Adrian McKinty. Although HBO has yet to share an official synopsis for the series, the book follows a mother whose daughter is abducted, and the only way to get her back is to pay a ransom and find another child to kidnap. The twist is, the person who kidnapped her daughter is a parent themself, trying to save her own child from murder, further adding to a vicious chain.

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However, expect the series to shake things up a bit as Variety reports that Lindelof's series will expand on the mythology of the book. In a statement, Lindelof said, "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 best known for leading the six-season-long survival drama series Lost, as well as DC Studios show Watchmen. However, Lindelof is currently working on HBO and DC's upcoming series Lanterns as co-creator and executive producer. As part of James Gunn's DCU Chapter One, Lanterns is set to hit screens later this year.

The Chain does not yet have a release date. While you wait, check out our guide to the best shows on HBO Max, and keep up with upcoming TV shows heading your way.

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Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. TOPICS HBO Max CATEGORIES HBO Streaming Services Megan GarsideSocial Links NavigationJunior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.

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