Drama Series Laird to Star Kenneth Branagh on Paramount+
Laird, a new drama series starring Kenneth Branagh, is bringing the Scottish Highlands to Paramount+.
The streamer has greenlit the series described as “an epic family saga” from Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Georgia Lee.
“Amidst family feuds, buried secrets and star-crossed romances, the Laird of Castle Drummoch remains determined to protect his ancestral lands from oligarchical land grabbing,” its description reads.
Branagh stars as the titular character, who “defies a shadowy American billionaire hellbent on buying up the glens.” He will also executive produce Laird.
Executive producer Joe Wright is attached to direct the show’s pilot.
Laird‘s executive producers also include David C. Glasser, Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth, Joe Wright, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch, and Keith Cox. Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios are producing the show.
“Working with Jez and John Henry has been such an incredible experience these last few years. I couldn’t be more thrilled to take another epic journey with them,” David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, said in a statement.
“At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power,” Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+, shared in a statement.
“There’s something universally resonant about watching someone fight to protect what matters most, and with Kenneth Branagh leading the series, and an equally remarkable creative team, we can’t wait for audiences to root for the Laird of Castle Drummoch,” Wiseman added.
Matt Thunell, President, Paramount Television Studios, also released a statement about Laird getting the green light at Paramount+. “Jez, John-Henry, and Georgia have imagined a gripping drama that explores how far one family will go to protect their land and legacy,” Thunell said.
“With Kenneth Branagh starring and Joe Wright directing, this is a singular creative team, and we are thrilled to once again partner with 101 Studios to bring this series to Paramount+,” Thunell concluded.
This news comes after Paramount+ greenlit three other dramas, including Fear Not, 9/12 starring Jeremy Strong, and Discretion starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning.
Additionally, Dutton Ranch and The Madison have been renewed for sophomore seasons on the streamer.
Fear Not was announced in January 2026 with Anne Hathaway attached as a star and an executive producer. It’s described as a limited series written by Bash Doran that is expected to premiere on Paramount+ in 2027.
There is no word on when Laird will premiere on the streamer.
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Laird will air exclusively on Paramount+.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.