'Harry Potter' creator J.K. Rowling's crime novels now a TV series

MANILA, Philippines — "C.B. Strike," debuting on June 2018, is a dramatic series based on the best-selling crime novels written by "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. 

Starring Tom Burke (“Only God Forgives”), the story centers on Strike, a war veteran turned private detective, operating out of a tiny office in London’s Denmark Street.

Although wounded both physically and psychologically, Strike’s unique insight and his background as a military police investigator prove crucial in solving three complex cases that have baffled the police.

The series launches with three one-hour episodes based on the first book in the trilogy, “The Cuckoo’s Calling” (directed by Michael Keillor), followed by adaptations of the remaining two books, “The Silkworm” (directed by Kieron Hawkes) and “Career of Evil” (directed by Charles Sturridge), both of which will consist of two one-hour episodes.

Cinemax has an explosive lineup set for Saturdays in 2018, with a varied slate of dynamic, action-packed original programming highlighted by new and returning series.

 “We are very excited to present a slate that moves Cinemax back in the direction of fun, often adrenalin-filled, and always entertaining series,” says Kary Antholis, president, HBO Miniseries and Cinemax Programming. “We have strategically seized upon co-production opportunities that allow us to maximize the impact and production value of these shows for our viewers.”

 Besides "C.B. Strike," the shows included in Cinemax's 2018 lineup are:

"Strike Back" (debuting February) returns for a ten-episode fifth season of high-intensity action, introducing new members of Section 20. Disavowed and disbanded, the unit is restored to track down a notorious terrorist after a brutal prison break. Tasked with covert military intelligence and high-risk operations, the resurrected Section 20 embarks on a lethal manhunt that will uncover a vast web of interconnected criminal activity. As the team journeys across the Middle East and Europe, it uncovers a deadly conspiracy that threatens to change the face of modern warfare forever. Warren Brown (“Luther,” “The Dark Knight Rises”), Daniel MacPherson (“Infini”), Roxanne McKee (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”; “Crossfire”) and Alin Sumarwata (“Burning Man”) star. MJ Bassett returns to executive produce and direct.

 "Rellik" (debuting February), an original six-part thriller, stars Richard Dormer (HBO’s “Game Of Thrones”) as Gabriel, an obsessive and disfigured UK police detective, and Jodi Balfour (CINEMAX’s “Quarry”) as Elaine, his bright and intense partner. Focusing on a serial killer, the story begins with the capture of the suspect and moves backwards in time to the crime itself. Obsessed with his hunt for the killer, Gabriel’s story becomes intrinsically bound to that of his suspect, asking the question, “What are the experiences that forge the people we all become?” Four episodes are directed by Sam Miller, and two by Hans Herbots.