Academy Award-nominated Shawn Levy, the producer behind the global phenomenon Stranger Things, is teaming up with Netflix for a new drama series. Michelle Monaghan has been confirmed to star in the lead role of the project, which is set in the high-stakes world of small-town high school hockey. The untitled eight-episode series will tell a story of overcoming tragedy and finding strength in community.
The Story of a Town and Its Team
The series is set in the fictional, working-class town of South Dorothy, Minnesota, where the local high school hockey team has long been a source of pride and championship glory under the leadership of its legendary coach, “Sully” Sullivan. The town’s identity is deeply tied to the team’s success, which has produced numerous NHL stars over the decades.
This tight-knit community is shattered when a devastating bus crash claims the lives of Coach Sully and several of his players. In the wake of the tragedy, the town turns to one of their own for leadership: Harper Sullivan, played by Michelle Monaghan, who is the widow of the late coach. Harper is tasked with coaching a new team of battered and broken young men as they all struggle with immense grief. The series will follow this underdog team as they attempt to come together, help their town heal, and find a way to turn their shared loss into a source of power.
The Creative Team Behind the Camera
The series was created by Nick Naveda, whose previous writing credits include Words on Bathroom Walls. Naveda will also executive produce the show. Serving as showrunner is Bridget Bedard, known for her work on acclaimed series such as Ramy and Transparent. Director Trey Edward Shults, recognized for his films Waves and It Comes at Night, is set to direct the first two episodes.
The project is being produced by Shawn Levy’s production company, 21 Laps Entertainment, which has a proven track record with Netflix on major hits like Stranger Things, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Adam Project. Levy, along with Dan Levine and Robert Atwood, will executive produce for 21 Laps.
Nick Naveda shared his personal connection to the story, stating: > “I’ve carried South Dorothy and its people in my heart for as long as I can remember. To finally bring that world to life with my Grizzly family at 21 Laps and Netflix is nothing short of a dream come true.”
Shawn Levy also expressed his strong support for the project, calling it a long-standing favorite at his company. > “This show has long been a 21 Laps favorite and one of the best pieces we have had the privilege of developing and supporting,” Levy said. > “Nick and Bridget have built a world and ensemble of characters that are rooted in authenticity and a huge heart, which, not surprisingly, attracted such great talent, including our director, Trey Edward Shults, and lead Michelle Monaghan. With its visceral sports backdrop and a story grounded in deep humanity, we cannot wait to bring this show to a global audience.”
A New Role for Michelle Monaghan
Michelle Monaghan, who will play the central character of Harper Sullivan, is coming off a celebrated role in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus. Her other recent credits include Apple TV’s Bad Monkey and feature films like MaXXXine. Her involvement adds significant star power to the ensemble drama.
According to production listings, the series is scheduled to begin filming in Vancouver on January 9, 2026, and is expected to continue through early May 2026.
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