Benedict Cumberbatch to produce and star in 'Melrose' series

Showtime has picked up the 5-part limited series "Melrose," for which Benedict Cumberbatch will serve as both executive producer and protagonist.

Based on the semi-autobiographical novels written by Edward St. Aubyn, the series -- set in the second half of the 20th century -- will star Cumberbatch ("Dr. Strange", "Sherlock") as Patrick Melrose, a damaged British aristocrat trying to recover from his abusive past. The five novels are entitled "Never Mind," "Bad News," "Some Hope," "Mother's Milk," and "At Last."

Cumberbatch will co-produce alongside partners Adam Ackland, Michael Jackson and Rachael Horovitz. David Nicholls is lined up to write the screen adaptation. A director has not yet been announced.