Discretion is a new legal thriller officially coming to Paramount+ in 2027. The series stars Oscar® and Emmy® winner Nicole Kidman, Oscar®, Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee Elle Fanning, Josh Lucas, Golden Globe® and Emmy® nominee Stephan James, Colton Ryan. The series has recently added Zazie Beetz, Ben Foster, Stella Baker, and John Hoogenakker as recurring cast members, and production is currently underway.
The high-stakes drama follows a powerful legal world where secrets carry life-changing consequences. The project is based on a short story by New York Times best-selling author Chandler Baker (Whisper Network, The Husbands). Baker is writing for the show and will serve as an executive producer. Here’s another reason to watch this series: It comes from A24, the studio behind films like the Best Picture Oscar® winners Moonlight and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Keep reading for details on the story, cast, creative team, production, when and where to stream the series, and more.
Key facts
- Streaming: Paramount+
- Premiere: To be announced
- Lead stars: Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Josh Lucas, Stephan James, Colton Ryan
- Creator: Chandler Baker
When does Discretion premiere?
Discretion is set to premiere globally on Paramount+ in 2027. Production is now underway on the eight-episode thriller adapted from a short story by Chandler Baker.
What is the series about?
Discretion is a legal thriller that follows a lawyer named Lenny (Elle Fanning) who uncovers a dark corporate secret involving NDAs while working as a summer associate at a prestigious Dallas law firm. The discovery sets off a dangerous battle between Lenny and her mentor, the firm’s powerful partner, Sharon (Nicole Kidman).
The stylish, character-driven legal series explores secrets, ambition, and moral gray zones. Discretion is based on a short story from Chandler Baker, the author and screenwriter who herself is a former corporate lawyer.
Who is in the cast of Discretion?
There is some serious star power in this series. Meet the cast below:
Nicole Kidman as Sharon
Nicole Kidman leads Discretion as Sharon, a commanding senior law partner who hides secrets behind her success. Discretion is Kidman’s second series for Paramount+; she also stars in the Taylor Sheridan drama, Lioness. She is an executive producer on Discretion under her Blossom Films shingle.
Elle Fanning as Lenny
Elle Fanning also stars in Discretion. She plays Lenny, a summer associate whose shocking discovery unravels everything at Sharon’s prestigious firm. Fanning’s credits include A Complete Unknown, Somewhere, and Maleficent. Fanning and her sister, Dakota Fanning (Vicious), will serve as executive producers on Discretion through their company, Lewellen Pictures.
Josh Lucas as Greg
Josh Lucas plays Greg, a lawyer and Sharon’s (Nicole Kidman) husband. Greg works at the same prestigious law firm as Sharon and Lenny. Lucas is well-known for appearing in films such as Sweet Home Alabama, Glory Road, Ford v. Ferrari, and A Beautiful Mind. He has also recently appeared in the TV series Yellowstone and Palm Royale.
Stephan James as Logan
Stephan James joins the series and will play the series regular role of Logan. His character is a corporate associate who mentors Lenny. James is known for his work on the TV series Homecoming and the movies Race, I Play Rocky, and If Beale Street Could Talk.
Colton Ryan as Boone
Colton Ryan also joins the series as Boone, a recovering addict and Lenny’s ex-boyfriend. Nine months sober, Boone is currently living at a halfway house and is trying to quietly rebuild his life. Ryan is known for his work on the series The Girl from Plainville and Little Voice. He has also appeared in several Broadway shows, including New York, New York and Dear Evan Hansen.
Recurring cast members
Several cast members recently joined the series as recurring cast members. Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Easy, Invincible), Ben Foster (Hell or High Water, 3:10 to Yuma, Mechanic), Stella Baker (The Republic of Sara, Tell Me Your Secrets), and John Hoogenakker (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Dopesick, Waco: The Aftermath) have signed on for Discretion.
Who is behind Discretion?
The show’s killer cast is supported by an impressive creative team. Chandler Baker is a New York Times best-selling author with several page-to-screen adaptations in the works. Her Christmas-themed short story (Oh. What. Fun.) was recently released as a film, and one of her best-selling novels, The Husbands, is being adapted into a series. Baker has signed on to be a writer and executive producer of Discretion.
In June 2026, Paramount+ announced that Emmy®-nominated director Matt Shakman (Wild Things, WandaVision) will direct the pilot and three additional episodes of the debut season of Discretion. Shakman will also serve as an executive producer along with another big name, Susannah Grant. Grant is the Oscar®-nominated screenwriter of Erin Brockovich. As a director, she’s helmed Catch and Release, and more.
Yet another big piece of the Discretion creative team is A24, which is producing the series. And then there’s Paramount+, which won the bidding war to stream the project. It’s one of the first major green lights under the leadership of Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct to Consumer for Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, and Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals at Paramount+.
Where to watch Discretion
You can catch the new series Discretion exclusively on Paramount+ in 2027. All eight episodes will be available to stream on the site next year.
FAQ
When does Season 1 come out?
Discretion Season 1 is set to premiere in 2027.
How many episodes will there be in Season 1
There will be eight episodes in Discretion Season 1.
Who are the new cast members in Discretion?
Stephan James and Colton Ryan joined the series in August as series regulars. Zazie Beetz, Ben Foster, Stella Baker, and John Hoogenakker were announced as recurring cast members in September.
Is Discretion based on a book?
Discretion is based on a short story by New York Times best-selling author Chandler Baker.
Discretion on Paramount+
Discretion will stream exclusively on Paramount+, home of Landman, Lioness, The Madison, MobLand, Tulsa King and other original drama hits.
