Whereas the 2025 TV schedule gives the standard slate of procedurals one would count on, there are nonetheless some surprises to be discovered. When it comes to you loyal Peacock subscription holders, this week marks a brand new obsession that’s going to be fairly straightforward to binge: the restricted collection adaptation of writer Liz Moore’s Lengthy Vibrant River, starring Amanda Seyfried.
As I used to be readily available to talk with the versatile star of Mamma Mia in addition to the 2025 film Seven Veils, information of her childhood in Allentown, PA had me questioning how she related to Philly native Moore’s best-selling novel. Citing the shortage of accents as a acutely aware alternative, Ms. Seyfried shared the next background with CinemaBlend:
[The] proven fact that Mickey does not have an accent I actually associated to, as a result of I would not have an accent. I do know Mickey grew up in Philly, however I do know lots of people that grew up in Philly that would not have accents, and I assumed that was actual life like and positively would not distract. I assumed, you already know, preserving it in and round Kensington was very particular. It is such a neighborhood that I did not know sufficient about. It simply feels very Philly the best way folks talk, and the vitality of the group, it was felt. Despite the fact that we did not shoot it in Philly, we introduced all of the Philly to New York, and by way of character’s automobiles, you already know, you title it, we introduced all of it. … The Wawa cups had been positively there, the donuts.
Lengthy Vibrant River’s eight-episode saga sees Seyfried’s protagonist, a Philadelphia cop named Mickey, on the hunt for a killer within the metropolis of Brotherly Love. Within the midst of her personal quest for sibling reconciliation, we see Wawa cups within the squad room and comfort shops with Utz potato chips on the racks, giving us that Philly vibe.
They’re nice hallmarks that basically promote the placement, and the heartbreaking household historical past that Mickey continues to dwell by way of on its streets. Even on an individual’s worst day in Middle Metropolis, there’s certain to be somebody speaking in regards to the Eagles’ Tremendous Bowl possibilities, whereas holding a type of traditional purple espresso cups with a smiling goose.
As The Housemaid forged member herself famous, there’s plenty of love paid to that location, even within the lack of accents. Sequence co-star Nicholas Pinnock additionally had his personal ideas on that matter, because the British actor performs Truman Dawes, Mickey’s earlier accomplice, who’s out of motion after a very unhealthy day on responsibility.
Backing Pinnock’s emotions, Amanda Seyfried additionally added this additional context to Lengthy Vibrant River’s vocal alternative:
- Nicholas Pinnock: “Effectively, I used to be performing some analysis with my dialect coach and Truman did not actually have an accent as a result of plenty of the African American group in Philly appeared to not, so we determined to make it as plausible as doable, however not go for the accent.”
- Amanda Seyfried: “But it surely was nonetheless an American, there was nonetheless a Pennsylvania vibe. You possibly can have been from anyplace round there. … And it was fascinating, like you do not all the time need to go for that facet, as a result of we did not wanna distract anyone.”
The dialog between myself and these Lengthy Vibrant River stars was nice, however didn’t completely betray the intense nature of the collection. If something, I’d suppose that recognizing such particulars would assist any viewer by way of the somber and engrossing tone of the present with themes of homelessness, dependancy, and empathy for folks going by way of any form of troubles in life.
One may think about that Amanda Seyfried was blissful to not repeat that point her efficiency in The Dropout noticed her be part of the membership of actors who closely altered their voices for roles. Particularly when you’ll be able to really feel the vibe that Lengthy Vibrant River is about to take Mickey, and the viewers that is following her, to some fairly darkish locations.
Audiences trying to learn to watch Lengthy Vibrant River don’t have to fret. All the run shall be accessible to binge, on no matter machine you employ to entry Peacock, beginning March thirteenth.