Oprah Winfrey developing HBO drama series

HBO and Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Films are developing an hour-long drama, based on a wealthy academic who becomes the "first black president of a prestigious liberal arts college," THR reports.

The trade says the drama's plot centers on the man's "idyllic public facade," as he and his family face dark personal secrets.

Winfrey will executive produce the as yet untitled project, along with Kate Forte. Playwright and professor, Thomas Bradshaw will write and co-executive produce.

Harpo Films has been in partnership with HBO since 2008, but as of yet none of the pairing's series projects have made it to the network's lineup.