‘Widow’s Bay’ Creator Recalls How Series Began As ‘Parks & Rec’ Episode: “Felt More Like A Spoof”

Article excerpt

Katie Dippold's new Apple TV+ thriller Widow's Bay started life as a spec script for Parks and Recreation, the NBC comedy where Dippold worked as a writer. The dark series, which has caught audiences' attention with its horror elements, began in a completely different comedic universe, Pawnee, Indiana, before Dippold developed it into a standalone project. In an interview with Deadline, she reflected on how the original concept "felt more like a spoof" when conceived for the lighter show. The transformation from Parks and Rec episode to full Apple TV+ series marks a significant tonal shift for the material.