HBO Max Anthology Series ‘Outliers’ in Development

Streamer HBO Max is developing an anthology series based on Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Outliers,” with Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as its first subject. The proposed series is from Imagine Television and CBS Television Studios, with Imagine’s Brian Grazer among the executive producers. Greg Walker (DC Universe’s “Titans”) will write and exec produce; Gladwell is also an executive producer.

“Outliers” will combine historical drama and biopic, focusing on a different subject each season. It will take a detailed look at why people are successful, what makes them successful and at what cost. And it will delve into the historical situation which led to their having an outsize impact on society.

Fauci, who has been among the key voices in the government response to the coronavirus pandemic, has advised six presidents on domestic and global health issues, from HIV/AIDS to Ebola. This first season will be based in part on Michael Specter’s New Yorker article, “How Anthony Fauci Became America’s Doctor.”

No casting or airdate for “Outliers” has been announced at present.