Rob Lowe To Play Devil’s Advocate In Sky End-Of-World Drama ‘Apocalypse Slough’

EXCLUSIVE: Another well known U.S. actor is crossing the pond to topline a British series. We’ve learned that Parks & Recreation and The West Wing alum Rob Lowe will star in Apocalypse Slough, the 10-part series ordered earlier this month by Sky 1 as part of satcaster’s increased push into original drama.

The project, described as an adrenaline-fueled witty epic, follows an eclectic group of ordinary people in an extraordinary situation: a collision is imminent with an eight-mile wide comet that’s destined to wipe out all life on Earth. Together, they hunker beneath the town of Slough, about 20 miles west of London, to watch the end of the world on TV.

We hear Lowe will play Father Jude, who holds the position of Devil’s Advocate in the Vatican. He is a charismatic, irreverent, rebellious but also deeply moral man who is passionate about his faith but doesn’t feel the need to constantly prove it. The news of the impending apocalypse brings him the greatest challenge of his life — one that will shake his faith, force him to question his vows, and bring him face-to-face with his past.

Hailing from Working Title TV and Bigballs Films, Apocalypse Slough, slated to premiere later this year, will be directed by Emmy-nominated Michael Engler (30 Rock) and is written by Iain Hollands (Beaver Falls). NBC Universal International TV Distribution is handling international sales, with a U.S. broadcast partner expected to come onboard soon. Executive producing are Juliette Howell and Andrew Conrad for Working Title and BigBalls, and Cameron Roach and Lizzie Gray for Sky.

Lowe is returning to Parks & Recreation for the comedy’s final season. Additionally, he is attached to star in a comedy project from Pete Huyck & Alex Gregory and ABC Studios at NBC where he toplined comedy pilot The Pro last season. The actor, repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment, also has been starring in and producing Lifetime original movies, most recently Beautiful and Twisted.

Other Hollywood actors who have starred in British series include Jeremy Piven (Mr. Selfridge), Andy Samberg and Taylor Lautner (Cuckoo) as well as Paul Giamatti and Shirley MacLaine who have appeared on Downton Abbey.