Jeremy Strong Headlines '9/12' on Paramount+ Taking on a Powerful Legal Battle

Alright, folks, get ready for some intense television. If you have been missing Jeremy Strong's captivating presence since Succession wrapped up its run, then get excited! The Emmy winner is making his grand return to the small screen. He's set to both executive produce and star in 9/12, a new limited series heading to Paramount+ that sounds like it will pull at your heartstrings and make you think.

This new project is a big deal, not just for fans of Strong, but for anyone interested in compelling storytelling. 9/12 centers on a powerful legal fight that followed the September 11 attacks. This isn't just any drama; it's a "David vs. Goliath" story that highlights corruption and the quest for justice on behalf of 9/11's heroes who suffered after the tragedy. Paramount+ has officially given it the green light, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable series.

Jeremy Strong's Powerful Character and the Core of the "9/12" Story

In 9/12, Strong will play Jason Smith, a well-known class action lawyer. This character is described as a composite of real people, allowing the series to paint a broad picture of the struggle. Smith is someone who literally "risked everything" to challenge powerful groups. His mission was to expose the deep-seated politics, greed, corruption, and betrayal that made things even worse for the emergency workers following the World Trade Center's collapse.

The series will shine a light on the incredible unity and courage shown by these emergency workers during a dark time. But it also points out how those workers, despite their extraordinary bravery, faced abandonment by the very systems meant to protect them in the years that followed. This show is about correcting those wrongs and getting compensation for those who became ill after their heroic actions on 9/11.

The Legal Fight That Defined a Decade for Many People

The legal war at the center of 9/12 was a long and arduous one. It reportedly stretched for nearly a decade, aiming to secure almost $1 billion in compensation for the first responders who fell gravely ill. This wasn't a quick win; it was a sustained struggle for accountability. The series promises to dramatize this landmark case, showing how it reshaped the legal landscape for such events.

Strong's character, Jason Smith, stands at the heart of this battle. He is portrayed as a figure committed to fighting for human dignity and making sure these real-life heroes are never forgotten. His journey against these established institutions will likely form the emotional backbone of the series, showing the personal toll and ultimate triumphs of this fight.

The Esteemed Creative Minds Behind the Paramount+ Series

Bringing a story of this weight and importance to life requires a skilled creative team. For 9/12, the writing team includes Tobias Lindholm, known for his work on The Investigation and A War, and Frank Pugliese, whose credits include House of Cards. Lindholm will also direct the six-part drama, adding his vision to the project. Strong joins them as an executive producer, a testament to his commitment to the story.

Lindholm expressed what drew him to the project: "Though rooted in the unprecedented attacks of September 11, 2001, 9/12 speaks to struggles that reach far beyond that day. It asks what happens when those who risked everything are abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them. The series is a testament to human strength and perseverance in the face of unthinkable adversity—the very tension that compelled me to tell this story." This statement highlights the universal themes of the show, making it relevant beyond its specific historical setting.

Jeremy Strong Expresses His Deep Connection to the Story's Themes

Strong himself shared a thoughtful statement about the series. He referenced historian David Halberstam, who wrote about September 11, 2001: "On a day when the worst of mankind showed itself, the best of mankind answered." Strong sees 9/12 as being about "the best of us" – the first responders whose official response time on 9/11 was a mere five seconds. He speaks of a "moment of unity and togetherness in this divided country," where people rebuilt from the rubble.

However, Strong also emphasized the unfortunate aftermath: "But it is also about the ways our institutions failed to respond to those heroes—whom we pledged we would never forget—in their moment of greatest need. 9/12 is a story about justice, about the restitution of human dignity and about the real-life heroes of this country who we must never forget." He also praised Lindholm, calling him "one of the world's greatest writer/directors" with the "depth, restraint, integrity, clarity and power to honor this story." These strong words from the lead actor suggest a show made with great care and respect for its subject matter.

Paramount+ Leadership Champions This Ambitious Narrative

The production of 9/12 is a significant step for Paramount+. It stands as one of the first two series ordered by the streamer's new leadership, including Cindy Holland as Chair of DTC and Jane Wiseman as Head of Originals. Wiseman described 9/12 as "the kind of ambitious, resonant narratives Paramount+ will champion." Dana Goldberg, Chair of Paramount Television Studios, and Matt Thunell, President of Paramount Television Studios, also oversee this project, which comes from Paramount TV Studios and Sister.

Thunell also voiced his excitement: "Tobias has created a heroic underdog story that we know Jeremy will brilliantly bring to life. I’m thrilled to be reunited with Frank and we are equally proud to partner with Sister on this timeless story as our first limited series for our Paramount+." Wiseman echoed this sentiment, stating, "This project reminds us why storytelling matters. Working with visionaries like Tobias, Frank, and Jeremy has set the tone for the kind of ambitious, resonant narratives Paramount+ will champion." These statements from the leadership team highlight their belief in the project's quality and impact.

The Path to Production for the "9/12" Limited Series

The journey for 9/12 to reach this green light has had some interesting turns. It was initially set up at Sister in 2021 under the title The Best Of Us. It later moved to Skydance Television. The series was actually preparing for an August production start. However, it faced delays due to the lengthy regulatory approval process for the Skydance-Paramount Global merger. New spending on the project was paused in early May, and the series was temporarily put on hold a couple of weeks later.

After the merger's August completion, 9/12 found its way back on track at Paramount TV Studios. This new studio is focused on streaming content and absorbed Skydance Television and Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. The project received high priority from the studio. Adjustments were made to accommodate Strong's busy schedule, including his role in Peter Morgan's new Netflix series The Boys From Brazil. Now, the six-episode series is set to begin production in Summer 2026. Fans can expect to see it premiere globally on Paramount+ in 2027.

A Must-Watch Series for Fans of Powerful Human Stories

Given the talent involved, the weighty subject matter, and the clear passion from everyone connected to the project, 9/12 is shaping up to be a compelling series. It promises to deliver a story that is not only historically relevant but also deeply human, exploring themes of justice, courage, and the often-complex relationship between individuals and institutions. Jeremy Strong's return to a leading television role, especially one with such a strong narrative, is a treat for audiences. Get ready to mark your calendars for 2027!