Nikki Toscano makes directorial debut with "Long Bright River."

Nikki Toscano, a well-known writer and producer, has made her directorial debut with the series "Long Bright River," which she co-created with Liz Moore. The show, which started streaming on Peacock on March 13, features Amanda Seyfried as a police officer in Philadelphia dealing with the effects of the opioid crisis while searching for her missing sister. Toscano has worked on several popular TV shows in the past but feels that this project brings a "unique excitement." She emphasized the story's focus on sisterhood and the positive response it has received from viewers. The series also stands out for its all-female creative team, which Toscano attributes to hiring the most qualified people for the roles, regardless of gender. In her interviews, Toscano highlighted the collaborative process with Liz Moore, who was involved throughout the adaptation of her novel. They discussed storytelling elements and made significant decisions together to bring the characters and themes to life. Toscano expressed her excitement about directing, a role she had wanted to take on for a long time. She decided to direct the episode titled “Hereditary” because it was crucial for the series, filled with important character reveals. Toscano felt that being the writer of the episode helped her manage the challenges of directing such key scenes. She noted that running the show alongside directing kept her focused and allowed her to remain present in the moments on set. Toscano is enthusiastic about the future of her directing career and is looking for opportunities to direct projects that she writes. Following the release of "Long Bright River," she is optimistic about the creative landscape and is eager to share new stories. The show has sparked conversations and connections, especially within the recovery community. Toscano and her team aimed to present the struggles of those affected by substance abuse with compassion and humanity, rather than depicting it as horror. This focus on sisterly love and understanding is a central theme of the series, and Toscano hopes it resonates with viewers.