Netflix, Bateman grab "Daddy Ball" rights

 

Netflix and Jason Bateman's production company, Aggregate, secured the rights to adapt a 2021 Esquire article into a TV series, following a bidding war against other networks and streamers.  The article, titled "Daddy Ball," centers on a youth sports rivalry between two Long Island dads that spirals completely out of control, ultimately involving allegations of stalking, police corruption, and organized crime. "Ozark" vet Bateman will both direct and star in the eight-episode limited dark comedy series; he'll also executive produce. This is one of several pieces from reporter David Gauvey Herbert that's in active development by Hollywood; other projects include a film based on the Esquire article "The Ballad of Ron & Dorinda," an FX series inspired by the New York Magazine piece "Boss of the Beach," and an ABC Signature show inspired by "Camp Shane."