Jessica Chastain and Amy Ryan join Emilia Jones in The Retrievals, Netflix’s new drama series. Written and executive produced by Molly Smith Metzler, the creator of Maid and Sirens, the project adapts the investigative podcast produced by The New York Times and Serial Productions.
The series draws on the Yale University fertility center scandal. Nearly a hundred patients underwent egg retrievals without effective anesthesia after fentanyl intended for procedures was diverted. Hosted by journalist Susan Burton, the podcast gives voice to the victims and examines how their reports were handled by the medical institution.
Emilia Jones, already seen in Task, embodies Gabby Clemente, a New Haven waitress who aims to become a teacher. After a traumatic procedure, she reconnects with other patients and joins a lawsuit against Yale. Jessica Chastain plays Kaitlyn Langford, a former art historian who has spent years navigating a fertility journey, while Amy Ryan portrays Carla Russo, the nurse in charge of diverting medications.
These three protagonists are fictional characters created for the series, not direct representations of real people identified in the podcast. Fabien Frankel portrays Ian, Gabby's elder brother, and Will Harrison portrays Victor, her youth-love who would later become her husband.
Molly Smith Metzler is writing the series and serving as its executive producer. Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Dani Gorin are also producing the project for LuckyChap, with Colin McKenna, Caitlin Roper for the New York Times and Susan Burton. The podcast it’s based on has earned a Peabody Award.
Industry sources report filming between New York and New Haven set to begin in September 2026, with production potentially stretching into early 2027. Netflix has, however, not confirmed this schedule and has yet to announce any release dates. In the meantime, explore our picks of the Netflix series to watch.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
