Geena Davis To Lead HBO's True Crime Drama About Serial Killer Dorothea Puente

HBO is developing "Dorothea," a true crime drama starring and executive produced by Oscar winner Geena Davis, centered on the real-life crimes of California serial killer Dorothea Puente. The series marks Davis's first leading television vehicle in nearly two decades, following her departure from ABC's political drama "Commander in Chief" in 2006.

The Story Behind the Series

The project centers on Dorothea Puente, a Sacramento woman who operated a boarding house during the 1980s while preying on vulnerable residents. Puente maintained a disarming, matronly public image that allowed her to evade suspicion for years as she murdered her boarders and continued collecting their social security payments. Her criminal activities eventually unraveled, leading to her arrest and a high-profile trial. She was ultimately convicted for three murders and spent her remaining years in prison.

Creative Team and Production Details

Showrunner Joshua Michael Stern wrote the series, working from a story co-created by Michael Rosenbaum (known for playing Lex Luthor in "Smallville") and Jane Whitney. The project originated with Rosenbaum, who brought the concept to Bristol Circle Entertainment, the production company headed by Jeff Frost, former president of Sony Pictures Television Studios. The package gained traction through the creative development process and ultimately landed at HBO.

Davis will executive produce alongside Stern, Rosenbaum, and Frost, with Whitney serving as co-executive producer. The actress recently completed work on Netflix's supernatural drama "The Boroughs" and is scheduled to appear in upcoming films "The Wrong Girls" and "The Kellys."