Apple TV+ orders "Ascension" straight-to-series, Balfe's first TV role since "Outlander"

Apple TV+ has ordered "Ascension" straight to series — no pilot shot first. The thriller, based on Adam Nevill's novel "Last Days," stars Caitríona Balfe as a documentary filmmaker researching a 20th-century cult. It is her first series since "Outlander" ended its eight-season Starz run. Alfonso Cuarón writes and executive produces; no episode count or premiere date is set.