‘Ascent’: Amy Madigan Joins Viola Davis & Sam Heughan in Paramount+ Thriller

Viola Davis is taking command of the TV screen again — and the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award-winning actress will be joined by Outlander star Sam Heughan and Oscar winner Amy Madigan. They’re starring in a new thriller, Ascent, created by John Logan, on Paramount+.

“I am overwhelmingly excited about this journey with the great John Logan. We won the lottery with this one! Work in which both story and character are bold, awe-inspiring, and deeply unique is why I became an artist. We at JuVee are deeply grateful to John Logan, Michael Aquilar, and Paramount. We are ready to create magic!” Davis said in a statement when the series was announced in August.

Added Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+, “Viola Davis doesn’t just take on roles; she transforms them. Catriona Vail is an incredibly complex character, and Viola is exactly the generational talent to bring her to life. With John Logan and Michael Aguilar behind the camera, Ascent is high-stakes television at its best.”

Read on for everything we know so far about Ascent, from a premiere date to the plot and more.

When does Ascent premiere?

A premiere date has yet to be announced. But the series will begin production in Los Angeles in 2027. Chances are, Ascent won’t premiere until late 2027 or 2028.

Who stars in Ascent?

Viola Davis will star as “elite corporate fixer Catriona Vail, who must weaponize the ruthless skills that have made her indispensable to billion-dollar clients when her estranged daughter is in danger.”

Sam Heughan is playing Conal, described as “one of Ascent Ventures top agents. A lethally charming and natural chameleon, Conal uses social cunning and ruthlessness to get the job done, and he always gets a thrill out of completing a mission.”

Amy Madigan stars as Rachel, “a former executive at Ascent Ventures and Catriona’s (Davis) lifelong mentor.”

John Logan created the series and serves as showrunner. He also executive produces with Michael Aguilar, Davis, and Julius Tennon for JuVee Productions.

What is Ascent about?

Ascent is described as “a character-driven thriller set in the dangerous world of global corporate crisis and damage control.” Davis’ Catriona Vail will be using her skills as a corporate fixer when her estranged daughter is in danger.

Is there an Ascent trailer?

Not yet.

Ascent, Premiere Date TBA, Paramount+