Television3 min readMar 26, 2026

From 'Dickinson' to Netflix: Alena Smith to Develop 'All Boys' Drama with Shawn Levy

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Alena Smith, creator of 'Dickinson', will develop the drama series 'All Boys' for Netflix, produced by 21 Laps Entertainment.

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OMNI
#Netflix#Alena Smith#Dickinson#Shawn Levy#Series
The series, set in an all-boys boarding school in New England, will be produced by 21 Laps Entertainment, Shawn Levy's company, under an overall deal with Netflix.

Smith, the creator and writer of the series, will explore the complexities of a teacher, an alumnus of the school, who is facing a midlife crisis while guiding a new generation.

This project marks a new milestone in Smith's career, who has demonstrated her talent in creating original and captivating narratives.
The series 'Dickinson', which told the life of poet Emily Dickinson, had three seasons and 30 episodes, winning a Peabody Award in 2019.

The cast included figures such as John Mulaney, Zosia Mamet, and Billy Eichner, consolidating its success.

Smith not only created the series but also served as showrunner, executive producer, and directed the finale, demonstrating her versatility.
Smith is currently working on an Audrey Hepburn biopic starring Lily Collins, produced by Imagine Entertainment and Case Study Films.

She is also executive producing the FX limited series 'Cry Wolf', starring Olivia Coleman and Brie Larson.

Her career includes work on series such as HBO's 'The Newsroom' and Showtime's 'The Affair', as well as being a renowned playwright.
Smith began her television career as a staff writer on the third season of the hit HBO series, 'The Newsroom'.

She later worked as a writer and co-producer on Showtime's acclaimed drama, 'The Affair'.

Her experience in different formats and her success in creating complex characters have positioned her as a prominent figure in the industry.
Alena Smith is represented by WME.

This detail underlines the importance of her work and her position in the entertainment industry.

With her talent and the support of a renowned agency, Smith continues to build a successful and promising career.