FX Developing Series on National Park Rescue Squad Based on New Yorker Article
The project, based on Paige Williams' reporting, will be executive produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson via Color Force.
“FX has secured the rights to develop a series based on the New Yorker article “The Call of the Wild” by Paige Williams.”
FX is developing a television series based on a New Yorker article about a volunteer search and rescue squad in America's busiest national park, according to a report from Variety. The network secured the rights to develop the project in a competitive situation.
The series will be based on Paige Williams' article, "The Call of the Wild," which was published online in January 2026 under the title "The Backcountry Rescue Squad at America’s Busiest National Park." The piece details the work of BUSAR (Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue), a team of trained outdoor athletes who assist park rangers in rescuing lost or injured visitors in the remote areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Who is producing the series?
Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will executive produce the project via their company Color Force, with The New Yorker Studios also executive producing. FX Productions, where Color Force is under an overall deal, will produce. The project is in the early stages of development, and no writer is currently attached.
What other shows have these producers made for FX?
Jacobson and Simpson have an extensive relationship with FX. Their company has produced several acclaimed series for the network, including the Emmy-winning "American Crime Story" franchise. Other Color Force titles at FX have included the groundbreaking drama "Pose." The company has also produced "Love Story."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the series based on a true story?
Yes, the series is in development based on a non-fiction New Yorker article by Paige Williams. The article reports on the real-life BUSAR volunteer rescue squad that operates within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Has the series been officially greenlit?
No, the project is currently in the development stage. According to the report, FX has secured the rights to develop it into a series. No writer is attached yet, and representatives for FX declined to comment.
What is BUSAR?
BUSAR stands for Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue. It is a group of volunteer, trained outdoor athletes who support the National Park Service rangers in search and rescue operations within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is noted as America's busiest national park.
More from The Screen Report
The internet lost it over Mike Flanagan's 'Carrie' trailer — and not in the same way
The first look at Flanagan's Prime Video series has fans split. Some are hyped for a modern spin on Stephen King's classic, while others are already side-eyeing another remake.
Luke Bracey Talks Playing a Flawed Charles Ingalls in Netflix's 'Little House on the Prairie'
The Australian actor explains his human take on the pioneer father, as the series leaps to No. 1 on Netflix's charts and secures a second season.
Pamela Anderson Confirms She Won't Return for Baywatch Reboot
The '90s icon has moved on from her lifeguard days, focusing on new creative projects like her upcoming comedic thriller, Rosebush Pruning.
19 Unbelievable Celebrity Family Connections That Predate Fame
A new listicle details the surprising high school friendships, secret cousinships, and shared childhoods that linked stars like Cameron Diaz, Snoop Dogg, and Larry David long before they were famous.