Nikki Toscano has an impressive television resume, working on shows like Revenge, Bates Motel, Shades of Blue, Hunters, The Offer, and American Gigolo. Her latest project, Peacock’s Long Bright River starring Amanda Seyfried, has brought her a unique excitement as it is her first creator credit and directorial debut.
Long Bright River debuted on March 13 and follows Seyfried’s character, Mickey, a police officer in a Philadelphia neighborhood dealing with the opioid crisis and searching for her missing sister. Toscano expressed her excitement about the show’s reception, especially as it features a female lead and a predominantly female creative team.
The decision to have a female-centric team was both intentional and coincidental, as the most qualified individuals for the job happened to be women. This approach created a collaborative and supportive atmosphere on set, making it a positive experience for everyone involved.
Toscano’s role as showrunner and director for an episode of Long Bright River was a new challenge for her, but one she embraced. She hopes to continue directing in the future, focusing on projects that she has written herself. The show’s binge-release format was a new experience for her, but she enjoyed seeing immediate reactions from viewers.
The show’s focus on sisterhood and substance abuse has resonated with audiences, particularly those in the recovery community. The portrayal of these topics was carefully crafted to show compassion and humanity, rather than sensationalism. The storyline challenges traditional hero and victim narratives, offering a nuanced portrayal of familial relationships.
Overall, Toscano is optimistic about the future of her career and the appetite for new projects in the industry. She looks forward to continuing to create meaningful and impactful content that resonates with audiences.
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