FX, Color Force to Develop Series Based on New Yorker Article About National Park Volunteer Rescue Squad (EXCLUSIVE)
In a competitive situation, FX has secured the rights to develop a series based on the New Yorker article “The Call of the Wild” by Paige Williams, Variety has learned exclusively from sources. Also published online in January 2026 under the title “The Backcountry Rescue Squad at
FX's decision to develop a series based on Paige Williams' New Yorker article "The Call of the Wild" signals the network's interest in exploring stories that highlight unique aspects of American life. The article, which profiles a volunteer rescue squad in a national park, offers a compelling narrative that likely resonated with FX executives. By securing the rights to adapt this story, FX is betting on the audience's appetite for character-driven dramas that venture into the great outdoors.
This project is part of a larger trend in television, where networks are increasingly looking to real-life stories and non-fiction sources for inspiration. The success of shows like "The Last Dance" and "The Jinx" has demonstrated that audiences are hungry for stories rooted in reality, and FX is likely hoping to capitalize on this trend. Additionally, the emphasis on a national park setting and the work of a volunteer rescue squad taps into the current cultural fascination with environmentalism and community-driven initiatives.
As FX moves forward with development, it's worth watching how the network chooses to dramatize the story and what creative liberties are taken to enhance the narrative. Will the series focus on the personal stories of the volunteers, or will it take a more procedural approach, highlighting the intricacies of rescue operations? With a strong source material and a timely premise, this project has the potential to resonate with audiences; all eyes will be on FX to see how they bring this story to life.
Originally reported by variety.com. SerbNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.