Amanda Seyfried is diving into dangerous waters—literally and figuratively.
The Emmy-winning actress has signed on to star in and executive produce Skinny Dip, a new dramedy series coming to Prime Video.
Based on Carl Hiaasen’s acclaimed novel, the show promises murder, revenge, and a hefty dose of dark comedy.
And if the premise doesn’t hook you immediately, nothing will.
When Anniversary Plans Go Horribly Wrong
Seyfried will play Joey Perrone, a woman whose second wedding anniversary takes a murderous turn. Instead of receiving jewelry, Joey finds herself thrown overboard by her husband, Chaz.
But here’s where things get interesting: Joey survives.
Rather than running to authorities, she teams up with a disgraced ex-cop to orchestrate an elaborate revenge scheme. The official logline describes the show as “an action-romantic-comedy-triangle about murder, vengeance, and the elusiveness of true accountability in this world.”
That genre-blending approach—mixing suspense with humor and romance—has become Hiaasen’s trademark storytelling style.
A Big Move to Prime Video
Skinny Dip was originally set up at HBO Max before Prime Video swooped in with what sources describe as a substantial offer. Warner Bros. TV remains attached as the production studio.
The project brings together an impressive creative team. Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, known for their work on Once Upon a Time, will write and executive produce alongside Bill Lawrence.
Lawrence has proven his ability to adapt Hiaasen’s Florida-set crime stories, having created Apple TV’s Bad Monkey starring Vince Vaughn. That show’s success likely played a role in Prime Video’s aggressive pursuit of Skinny Dip.
Hiaasen’s Novels Are Having a TV Moment
If Skinny Dip goes to series, it will mark the third Hiaasen adaptation to reach screens in recent years.
Bad Monkey premiered on Apple TV+ earlier this year, while ABC has RJ Decker (based on Double Whammy) scheduled to debut in 2025.
The author’s signature blend of environmental themes, quirky characters, and Florida crime capers translates remarkably well to television. His stories offer something increasingly rare: smart entertainment that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Streaming platforms have clearly recognized audiences’ appetite for these darkly comedic thrillers set against humid, corrupt backdrops.
Seyfried’s Recent Career Momentum
This project continues Seyfried’s hot streak in prestige television. She won an Emmy for portraying disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s The Dropout, a performance that also earned her critical acclaim and award nominations.
Recent credits include Peacock’s Long Bright River and Apple TV’s The Crowded Room.
On the film side, Seyfried has The Housemaid and The Testament of Ann Lee both hitting theaters later this month. Her ability to move seamlessly between film and television while maintaining creative control through executive producer roles demonstrates impressive career strategy.
Taking on Joey Perrone allows Seyfried to explore another complex female character—one who refuses to play victim and instead weaponizes everyone’s assumptions about her death.
What Makes This Story Work
The genius of Skinny Dip lies in its premise: a woman presumed dead orchestrating revenge from the shadows. Joey’s survival gives her unprecedented power over her would-be murderer.
Hiaasen’s novel explores themes that resonate today:
- Justice versus revenge: When systems fail, how far should individuals go?
- Accountability: The subtitle mentions “the elusiveness of true accountability”—a timely observation
- Appearances versus reality: Characters constantly underestimate Joey
- Environmental crime: Hiaasen typically weaves ecological themes into his Florida-set stories
The romantic triangle aspect adds another layer. Joey’s partnership with a disgraced ex-cop creates opportunities for both comedy and chemistry while Chaz scrambles to cover his tracks.
The Creative Team Behind the Scenes
Horowitz and Kitsis bring experience crafting long-form narratives with Once Upon a Time, though Skinny Dip will demand a tonal shift from fairy tales to crime comedy.
Bill Lawrence’s involvement might be the project’s secret weapon. His production company, Doozer Productions (represented by Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer), will executive produce. Lawrence has mastered balancing humor with emotion across shows like Scrubs, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking.
Hiaasen himself joins as executive producer, ensuring his vision translates accurately to screen.
What Happens Next
Prime Video hasn’t officially greenlit Skinny Dip to series yet—it remains in development. However, the streamer’s aggressive move to acquire the project from HBO Max signals strong confidence.
Seyfried’s attachment as both star and executive producer further strengthens the show’s prospects. A-list talent with proven streaming success significantly increases development projects’ chances of reaching production.
If greenlit, Skinny Dip would join Prime Video’s expanding slate of prestige dramas and limited series. The platform has invested heavily in star-driven projects, and this fits perfectly within that strategy.
For now, audiences will have to wait to see Joey Perrone rise from her watery grave. But based on the creative team assembled and Hiaasen’s track record, this revenge tale promises to make serious waves.