Jessica Chastain has publicly taken Apple TV+ to task after the streaming giant decided to delay the release of her upcoming series, "The Savant." On Tuesday, Apple TV+ announced that it would postpone the launch of the show, which delves into the harrowing world of domestic terrorism through the eyes of an investigator who infiltrates online hate groups. Originally scheduled to premiere its first two episodes on September 26, with subsequent episodes rolling out weekly until November 7, the series' fate now hangs in the balance.
The streaming service has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the delay, which comes hot on the heels of conservative activist Charlie Kirk being fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, mere weeks prior. Representatives for Apple TV+ did not promptly respond to The Times' request for comment.
Chastain took to Instagram on Wednesday to voice her staunch opposition to the postponement, stating that she and Apple were "not aligned" on the streamer's decision. "In the past five years since we've been crafting this show, we've witnessed an alarming surge in violence across the United States," Chastain remarked. The Academy Award-winning actress went on to highlight the January 6 insurrection and the tragic shooting death of Kirk on September 10 as stark examples of recent political violence.
"I've never shied away from tackling tough subjects, and while I wish this show wasn't so poignantly relevant, the truth is, it is," Chastain asserted. "The Savant" centers on the brave individuals who toil tirelessly to avert violence before it erupts, and honoring their courage has never felt more pressing," she added.
Chastain concluded her impassioned post by expressing her hope that the show would soon reach audiences. Apple has yet to announce a new release date for the series, which draws inspiration from Andrea Stanley's 2019 Cosmopolitan article, "Is It Possible to Stop a Mass Shooting Before It Happens?"
"The Savant" joins a growing list of titles that have been shelved in recent years due to the heightened sensitivity of their themes amidst current events. In 2016, USA Network delayed the premiere of its drama series "Shooter" twice, following mass shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Similarly, an episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" featuring a school shooting threat plotline was postponed in the aftermath of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.
More recently, several programs have been pulled in the wake of Kirk's death and the ensuing political turmoil. The day after Kirk's shooting, Comedy Central removed planned reruns of a "South Park" episode that satirized Kirk and his nonprofit, Turning Point USA. Last week, ABC indefinitely suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after the host made comments about Kirk's shooter that the network deemed "ill-timed and insensitive."
Upon his eagerly anticipated return Tuesday night, the late-night host, fighting back tears, said, "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. There's nothing funny about it." He also expressed gratitude to those on both sides of the political spectrum who had condemned his suspension. "Thanks for telling your followers that our government can't dictate what we say or don't say on television and that we must stand up to it," Kimmel said. The late-night host further criticized ongoing efforts by the Trump administration, regulatory bodies, and local networks to target shows like his as "un-American" and "illegal."
