Kassell will also act as an executive producer for the eight-part series, having recently directed and executive produced dystopian superhero drama Watchmen.

The Baby, co-created by screenwriter Siân Robins-Grace (Sex Education) and Lucy Gaymer, takes a stark and unflinching look at the anxiety over the dilemma of whether or not to have children and what the supposed joy of motherhood really looks like. 

Natasha is 38 years old when she unexpectedly finds herself with a baby, which completely upends her life and leaves her at the mercy of this controlling, manipulative infant with violent powers. 

The series questions the unspoken rules that impact women differently depending on how society views them and who gets to choose motherhood and who doesn’t. 

Sophie Goodhart (Sex Education), Kara Smith (Apple Tree House), Anchuli Felicia King (White Pearl) and Susan Stanton (Succession) will join Siân Robins-Grace (Sex Education) in the writers room, with Bisha K. Ali (Ms.Marvel) acting as a consultant.

Nicole Kassell commented: “I read Sian’s brilliant script early in lockdown, and it cut straight through the noise and anxiety of our times, to take me on a wild, zany ride with wonderfully complex women grappling with the toughest of decisions any of us are lucky enough to make – to have or not have a child. 

“Embracing comedy and horror the show catapults us through an incredible adventure all while tackling the real-life explosions that the question of procreation can have on the self, family and friendships.”

The Baby will be filmed in the UK in 2021, with more details to follow.