Mark Duplass's Coming-of-Age Series 'Penelope' Premieres on Netflix in September

Netflix has announced that “Penelope,” a coming-of-age series from Duplass Brothers Productions, will premiere in the U.S. on September 24.

The series stars Megan Stott, known for her role in “Little Fires Everywhere,” as the titular character. According to the official logline, Penelope is a 16-year-old who feels out of place in her modern world. She decides to leave her life and family behind to venture into the wilds of Washington State. As she crafts a new life, themes of survivalism and self-discovery interweave in her poignant journey.

Joining Stott in the cast are Austin Abrams from “Euphoria” and “The Walking Dead,” and Krisha Fairchild, known for “Krisha.”

Mark Duplass, familiar from “The Morning Show” and “Togetherness,” co-created the series with showrunner Mel Eslyn. Eslyn is the president of Duplass Brothers Productions, which financed “Penelope” independently before partnering with Netflix. This project marks the flagship of the production company’s pivot towards independent television in the wake of the decline of Peak TV.

In a March interview with Variety, Duplass shared insights into their business model. The company aims to produce multiple series independently, avoiding dependency on larger studios for funding. This ensures they can maintain creative control and worldwide rights.

“Test it on your service. If it’s successful, we can be rewarded with a longer license,” Duplass explained. “If it isn’t, we didn’t make you risk too much. I can go sell in eight other territories around the world to get whole again financially.”

“Penelope” is set to debut exclusively in the U.S. for now.

This venture isn’t Netflix’s first in licensing indie TV productions. Earlier this year, the streaming platform acquired the Shane Gillis comedy “Tires,” which it renewed for a second season even before its late May premiere. Additionally, in April, Netflix greenlit a dark comedy series from Tom Segura based on an independent pilot.

See images from the show above and below, alongside key art by Akiko Stehrenberger.