HBO is developing a new animated comedy series centered on Jack the Ripper. The story follows a group of heroes who travel through time to stop the infamous Victorian-era killer. The project combines a historical setting with a sci-fi premise and comes from the team behind Archer.
Merrick & Treves has received a two-season order from HBO ahead of its premiere. Archer creators Adam Reed, Casey Willis, and Lucky Yates will develop the half-hour animated comedy and will serve as executive producers. The early renewal gives the show a two-season commitment before its debut.
What else do we know about HBO Max’s Jack the Ripper show?
Merrick & Treves takes place inside Queen Victoria’s top-secret Royal Temporal Constabulary. The organization sends a team of unlikely heroes back and forth through time in an attempt to stop Jack the Ripper. The story offers a fictional take on the historical mystery rather than a typical crime investigation.
The series marks another collaboration between Reed, Willis, and Yates, whose previous projects include the animated comedies Archer and Frisky Dingo. TFC Productions is producing the show, with Joel Begleiter as executive producer and Kelly Wu as co-executive producer.
Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming and head of HBO and HBO Max comedy series, praised the trio following the announcement. “Adam, Casey, and Lucky are exceptional comedic talents whom we have admired for years. We couldn’t be more excited to team up with them to bring the wholly original Merrick & Treves to HBO audiences,” she said.
The creators also shared their reaction to the news, expressing excitement about working with HBO’s creative teams. Reed, Willis, and Yates said, “We can’t wait to start working with the creative team behind so many of our favorite shows.” They also described the opportunity as “quite daunting” before jokingly adding, “Like, holy s—, y’all. HBO.”
Despite the two-season commitment, several details about Merrick & Treves remain unknown. HBO has not revealed its voice cast, premiere date, or expected release window.
