Disney+ Commissions Romantic Comedy-Drama 'Mad Love' from Playwright Kate Cortesi
Disney+ has officially ordered 'Mad Love,' a fresh romantic comedy-drama series crafted by celebrated playwright Kate Cortesi. This six-episode narrative centers on Maddy Caruso, a British wedding planner whose career thrives amidst the picturesque Italian countryside. While adept at orchestrating dream weddings for her diverse clientele, Maddy's personal life is a complex tapestry woven with past regrets and self-destructive decisions, forcing her to confront an unresolved history that dramatically re-enters her life.
The series, provisionally titled 'Mad Love,' is a collaboration between Element Pictures, a Fremantle affiliate known for 'Normal People,' and Sinestra. Cortesi's creation delves into Maddy's flight to Italy, driven by an unforgivable incident involving the first man she ever loved, leaving behind her sister Evie and her entire life in London. The impending collision of her past with her serene Italian existence promises a chaotic and transformative journey.
Kate Cortesi expressed her profound enthusiasm for the project, stating, "It's a dream to bring 'Mad Love' to life with such an exceptional team." She lauded the support from Element, Sinestra, Fremantle, and Disney+ for embracing her vision from the outset. Cortesi eagerly anticipates introducing audiences to Maddy Caruso, describing her as a wedding planner who is simultaneously sharp-witted, insightful, and endearingly flawed.
Cortesi further elaborated on the series' thematic core, hoping viewers will find Maddy's path to self-realization, marked by a series of poor choices, both amusing and poignant, with moments of suspense. Ultimately, she believes the show will serve as an affirmation of how genuine community can provide support during difficult times and foster personal growth. She dedicated the project to those who embrace freedom, make questionable decisions, and wholeheartedly cherish life.
Lee Mason, Vice President of Scripted Content for Disney+ EMEA, praised Cortesi's writing as "sharp, authentic, and hilariously funny." He emphasized Disney+'s excitement to present her unique perspective on the romantic comedy-drama genre. Mason highlighted that 'Mad Love,' created in partnership with the talented teams at Element and Sinestra, perfectly embodies the kind of bold and distinctive storytelling Disney+ aims to champion as it continues to expand its repertoire of UK original productions.
The series was officially commissioned by Angela Jain, Head of Content for Disney+ EMEA, in conjunction with Mason. Executive producers for 'Mad Love' include Kate Cortesi, Christopher Aird, and Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann, along with Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe representing Element Pictures, Michael Parets and Johan Renck for Sinestra, and Hilary Martin on behalf of Fremantle. This addition underscores Disney+'s commitment to expanding its European content slate, following other successful UK originals like the comedy-drama 'Dad' and the critically acclaimed series 'Rivals.'
The forthcoming romantic comedy-drama, 'Mad Love,' is poised to deliver a captivating narrative of self-discovery, humor, and unexpected twists. Through Maddy Caruso's experiences, the series explores the complexities of past mistakes and the redemptive power of community, promising an engaging viewing experience that celebrates the journey of growing into one's true self, even through life's most chaotic moments.
