Bill Hader to Develop Jonestown Massacre Series for HBO

The chilling true story of Jim Jones and the infamous “Jonestown Massacre” is being transformed into a new drama series at HBO. According to Variety, Bill Hader — best known for his work on HBO’s Barry — is set to co-write, produce, direct, and may even star in the project.

Hader is teaming up with Daniel Zelman (Damages) to develop the series, with both men serving as co-showrunners and executive producers. If the project moves forward, Hader will also take on directing duties.

The story centers on Jim Jones, who founded the Peoples Temple in the 1950s. By the 1970s, Jones had established a remote settlement in Guyana known as Jonestown. The community became the site of a horrific tragedy in 1978, when more than 900 people — including Jones himself — died in a mass murder-suicide orchestrated by the cult leader.

They also highlighted how the event has been trivialized in popular culture. The phrase “Drink the Kool-Aid,” often used to describe blind devotion, is not only factually inaccurate but also minimizes the devastating impact the massacre had on society. The legacy of Jonestown remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by cults — and the importance of how law enforcement and society respond to such movements.

With Hader’s creative vision behind the upcoming series, HBO may deliver a compelling and sobering portrayal of one of history’s most disturbing events.

Let me know if you’d like a version with a different tone, like more journalistic, cinematic, or casual.