“Underground,” WGN America’s series about the Underground Railroad, will premiere March 9, the network announced Monday as it released two trailers.
Set in the South during the time of slavery, the series follows a group of men and women who attempt to break free of oppression despite the dire consequences if they are caught.
Aldis Hodge stars as a blacksmith named Noah who organizes a small group of his fellow slaves and pieces together a daring plan of escape across hundreds of miles to freedom. Jurnee Smollett-Bell stars as Rosalee, another slave organizing the escape to freedom.
The 10-episode first season, from creators and executive producers Misha Green and Joe Pokaski and executive producer John Legend, is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Tribune Studios.
“Underground” also stars Christopher Meloni (“Law & Order: SVU,” “Oz”), Alano Miller (“Jane The Virgin”), Jessica de Gouw (“Arrow,” “Dracula”), Marc Blucas (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Adina Porter (“The 100”), Mykelti Williamson (“Justified,” “24”), Amirah Vann (“Girls,” “And So It Goes”), Johnny Ray Gill (“Rectify”), Chris Chalk (“Gotham”), Reed Diamond (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Theodus Crane (“The Walking Dead”), Renwick Scott (“Treme”) and Jussie Smollett (“Empire”).
“Underground” is created by Green (“Sons Of Anarchy,” “Heroes”) and Pokaski (“Daredevil,” “Heroes,”) who executive produce alongside Academy Award-winner Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind,” “I Am Legend”) of Weed Road Pictures; and Joby Harold (“King Arthur,” “Edge of Tomorrow”) and Tory Tunnell (“King Arthur,” “Holy Rollers”) of Safehouse Pictures.
Artist and producer Legend and his Get Lifted partners Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius executive produce. Additionally, Get Lifted oversees all elements of the show’s music.
Anthony Hemingway (“The Wire,” “Treme”) directs and serves as executive producer for the first four episodes.