Sam Heughan has landed his next big television role following the end of Outlander, joining Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis in a new Paramount+ thriller.
The Scottish actor will star in Ascent, a new series set in the high-stakes world of global corporate crisis management and damage control.
Heughan will play Conal, one of the top agents working for Ascent Ventures. Paramount describes the character as a “lethally charming and natural chameleon” who uses social cunning and ruthlessness to get the job done.
The broadcaster added that Conal “always gets a thrill out of completing a mission”.
Davis will lead the series as Catriona, an elite corporate fixer whose skills have made her indispensable to billion-dollar clients.
The story takes a more personal turn when Catriona’s estranged daughter is placed in danger, forcing her to use the same ruthless methods she employs professionally to try to protect her family.
Ascent has been created by Scottish-born screenwriter John Logan, whose credits include Skyfall, Gladiator and Penny Dreadful.
Logan will also serve as showrunner and executive producer.
Davis, who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, is also an executive producer alongside Julius Tennon through their JuVee Productions company.
Production is due to begin in Los Angeles in 2027, with the series set to premiere globally on Paramount+. A release date has not yet been announced.
The role represents another significant move for Heughan following the conclusion of Outlander earlier this year.
Heughan became internationally known for playing Highlander Jamie Fraser opposite Caitríona Balfe’s Claire Fraser in the time-travel drama.
Outlander ran for eight seasons, with its final episode airing in May after more than a decade on screen.
The role earned Heughan nominations at the BAFTA Scotland and Critics’ Choice awards and made him one of Scotland’s most recognisable television actors.
He has taken on roles outside the long-running historical drama, appearing in Channel 4 thriller The Couple Next Door and films including Love Again, Bloodshot and SAS: Red Notice.
Heughan is also due to star alongside Anna Kendrick and J.K. Simmons in upcoming political thriller Embassy.
Ascent now gives him another substantial television role as he begins the next stage of his career after Jamie Fraser.