The Nancy Drew-niverse is expanding faster than we expected!
The CW Network today announced that the Drew spinoff Tom Swift would launch on Tuesday, May 31st at 9/8c, following a new episode of Superman & Lois.
Nancy Drew — “The Celestial Visitor” — Image Number: NCD216d_0129r.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Tian Richards as Tom Swift and Kennedy McMann as Nancy — Photo: Colin Bentley/The CW — © 2021 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Teed up as a potential offshoot, fans got their first taste of the updated literary character back in May 2021 when Tian Richards brought the Black, gay millionaire inventor to Drew‘s Season 2 episode, “The Celestial Visitor.” That August, the network greenlit the project—co-created by Drew showrunners Melinda Hsu Taylor and Noga Landau, along with series writer Cameron Johnson—and casting soon got underway for the rest of the New York-based genius’ crew. Recently, it was confirmed that Riverdale and Katy Keene alum Ashleigh Murray would be joining, as well as several others.
Per the show’s description:
As an exceptionally brilliant inventor with unlimited resources and unimaginable wealth, the devilishly charming Tom Swift (Tian Richards) is a man who many men would kill to be, or be with – a man with the world in the palm of his hand. But that world gets shaken to its core after the shocking disappearance of his father, thrusting Tom into a breathtaking adventure full of mysterious conspiracies and unexplained phenomena. On his whirlwind quest to unravel the truth, Tom finds himself fighting to stay one step ahead of an Illuminati-scale cabal hellbent on stopping him. Tackling this treacherous pursuit armed with his vast intellect, his roguish wit, and an endless supply of designer sneakers, he will also rely on his closest companions: his best friend Zenzi (Ashleigh Murray), whose unabashed and unvarnished candor keeps Tom grounded while she forges a path for herself as a business visionary; his bodyguard Isaac (Marquise Vilsón), whose fierce commitment to his chosen family is complicated by his own simmering feelings for Tom; and his AI, Barclay (voiced by LeVar Burton), whose insights and tough love have been a constant throughout Tom’s life.
Tom Swift — “…And the 4b Curl” — Image Number: TS102a_0744r — Pictured ( L- R): Tian Richards as Tom Swift and Ashleigh Murray as Zenzi Fullington — Photo: Quantrell D. Colbert/The CW — © 2022 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
At home, Tom’s relationship with his mother Lorraine (April Parker Jones) becomes conflicted as she urges him to take his father’s place in elite Black society. But unbeknownst to Tom, his mother’s request is driven by deep secrets of her own. What’s more, the mysterious and dangerous Rowan (Albert Mwangi) intersects Tom’s path with hidden motivations and undeniable mutual chemistry. While Tom navigates these emotionally charged dynamics, his missions will require his genius and his flair for innovation guided by romance, friendship and the mysteries of the universe yet unsolved.
The series is inspired by the “Tom Swift” book series that hails from Stratemeyer Syndicate, which also publishes the “Nancy Drew,” “Hardy Boys” and “Bobbsey Twins” books.
Tom Swift, series premiere, Tuesday, May 31st, 9/8c, The CW.
