Benedict Cumberbatch is returning to television—but not in Sherlock.
The actor will executive produce and star in a five-part miniseries adapted from author Edward St. Aubyn's Patrick Melrose novels.
Melrose will be co-produced by the U.K.'s Sky Atlantic and U.S. cable network Showtime.
The semi-autobiographical books tell the story of a man who grew up with immense wealth in England and is a cautionary tale of the excess that can come with it.
Cumberbatch's character is described as an "aristocratic and outrageously funny playboy, who struggles to overcome the damage inflicted by an abusive father and a mother who tacitly condoned the behavior."
The series is written by the author and screenwriter David Nicholls, best known for the novel One Day .
"We are delighted to be part of this incredible series. We have been huge fans of these books for many years and David Nicholls' adaptations are extraordinary," said Cumberbatch and producing partner Adam Ackland in a statement.
Each of the episodes will be devoted to St. Aubyn's five Patrick Melrose novels. The series will shoot in London, the south of France and New York in July.
Cumberbatch appeared in the fourth season of Sherlock in January, but the status of that show remains up in the air.
Show creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have previously said that further episodes depend on Cumberbatch and co-star Martin Freeman's busy Hollywood schedules.
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