Akwaeke Emezi's 'Freshwater' Is Being Developed Into a Series for FX

The adaptation is in early development as the Nigerian author teams up with screenwriter and director Tamara P. Carter to bring 'Freshwater' to life.

Akwaeke Emezi's 'Freshwater' Is Being Developed Into a Series for FX

Akwaeke Emezi's debut, Freshwater, took the literary world by storm when it was released just last year.

We can now anticipate seeing the book be brought to live for TV. Their autobiographical novel is now in the early stages of being developed into a series for FX, Varietyreports.


Emezi is set to write and executive produce the series in collaboration with Brooklyn's own Tamara P. Carter—screenwriter and director. Kevin Wandell and Lindsey Donahue will oversee the project on behalf of the series producer, FX Productions.

Freshwater follows Ada, a Nigerian student who discovers three spirits living in her subconscious during her final year of college. The gradually take over, threatening to devastate her life and peace of mind.

Emezi has continued to receive due flowers for Freshwater. It's currently a finalist for the NYPL Young Lions Award, the Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Fiction and the Edmund White Award for Debut Fiction. Emezi is also a finalist for the 2019 Women's Prize for Fiction, marking the first time a non-binary author has been long-listed for the notable UK-based prize. The award winner will be announced June 5.

Carter's credits include HBO's The Leftovers and Freeform's The Fosters. The Paris Proejct, her debut short film, aired on Vice in 2017—check it out here.

Two women sitting in a red convertible and staring sideways at the camera.
Profiles & Interviews

Jade Osiberu Wants 'Christmas In Lagos' To Be A Holiday Classic

The rom-com tells a moving and hilarious holiday story of lost love and second chances with Lagos at its center.

​A still from Mati Diop’s ‘Dahomey.’
Film + TV

The 10 Best African Documentaries of 2024

These groundbreaking African documentaries illuminate diverse struggles, resilience, and hope.