Philadelphia was in the spotlight on Friday, March 7, as Peacock hosted a special pre-launch community event at FringeArts to honor the local residents who played a role in bringing Long Bright River to life. Set against the backdrop of Philly’s Kensington neighborhood, this suspense thriller doesn’t just tell a gripping story—it weaves in the voices, talent, and real-life experiences of the community.

The event was a heartfelt tribute to the actors, musicians, artists, and nonprofit consultants who helped shape the series. With local press and influential community figures in attendance, the evening was a true celebration of Philadelphia’s creative and cultural heartbeat.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of Long Bright River

The night kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Long Bright River star Amanda Seyfried. This session offered attendees an exclusive look at key scenes and behind-the-scenes imagery, highlighting the series’ deep connection to the Kensington community.

The panel featured an impressive lineup of Philly-based contributors, including:

• James Poyser (The Roots), who co-composed the series’ score, infusing it with the city’s unmistakable sound.
• Sarah Laurel, founder of Savage Sisters Recovery, who served as a consultant to ensure authenticity in the show’s portrayal of addiction and recovery.
• Father Michael Duffy, an actor in the series and the Head of St. Francis Inn, a Kensington institution providing food and support to those in need.
• Johanna Berrigan of the Catholic Worker Free Clinic, whose insights helped shape the show’s narrative.
• OT The Real, a Philly-based rapper and series actor, who lent his voice and personal experiences to the project.

This conversation underscored Long Bright River’s dedication to reflecting real-life struggles, resilience, and the spirit of the Kensington community.

Spotlight on the Cast and Creators

The second panel, led by WHYY host and anchor Cherri Gregg, brought together the creative forces behind Long Bright River. Cast members Amanda Seyfried, Nicholas Pinnock, John Doman, Ashleigh Cummings, along with executive producer Nikki Toscano and author Liz Moore, delved into the series’ themes and its deeply personal storytelling approach.

From discussing character development to the real-life inspirations behind the show, this conversation gave fans and attendees a deeper appreciation for the show’s emotional depth and gripping narrative.

Don’t Miss the Premiere on Peacock!

With its Philly roots, intense storytelling, and a commitment to authenticity, Long Bright River is set to be one of the most talked-about series of the year. The wait is almost over—the series premieres Thursday, March 13, exclusively on Peacock.

Whether you’re a fan of suspense thrillers, passionate about Philly’s creative scene, or simply love a gripping, character-driven story, Long Bright River is a must-watch. Be sure to tune in and experience this powerful series that shines a light on the city and the people who helped bring it to life!

Premiere Date: March 13, 2025 (Binge) 
Showrunner / Writer / Director (106) / Executive Producer: Nikki Toscano (The Offer, Hunters)    
Writer / Executive Producer: Liz Moore (Long Bright River)   
Star / Executive Producer: Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout)   
Executive Producers: Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and Amanda Lewis for Original Film; Amy Pascal for Pascal Pictures; and Russell Rothberg   
Director / Executive Producer (101, 105): Hagar Ben-Asher (Bad Boy, Dead Women Walking)    
Series Regulars: Amanda Seyfried, Nicholas Pinnock, Ashleigh Cummings, Callum Vinson, and John Doman  
Recurring Guest Stars: Dash Mihok, Britne Oldford, Matthew Del Negro, Harriet Sansom Harris, Patch Darragh, and Perry Mattfeld  
Studios: Sony Pictures Television and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group  
Format: Limited Drama Series / 8 x 60-minute episodes    

ABOUT LONG BRIGHT RIVER

Long Bright River is a suspense thriller series that tells the story of Mickey (Amanda Seyfried), a police officer who patrols a Philadelphia neighborhood hard-hit by the opioid crisis. When a series of murders begins in the neighborhood, Mickey realizes that her personal history might be related to the case.