Mandy Moore, the Emmy-nominated actress who brought depth and heartbreak to Rebecca Pearson in This Is Us, is diving headfirst into uncharted territory with her next project: starring in and executive producing the erotic thriller series Teach Me, currently in development at Peacock. Announced on December 5, 2025, the show marks a bold pivot for Moore, 41, from family dramas to a provocative exploration of power dynamics, and it’s already generating buzz as one of the most anticipated genre revivals of the year. Created and written by Lisa Rubin—best known for helming Netflix’s Gypsy, the 2017 psychological drama starring Naomi Watts—Teach Me promises a “fun, twisted cat-and-mouse game” that delves into the blurred lines between sex, power, and addiction. With A24 and Universal Television backing the production through Jessica Rhoades’ Pacesetter, alongside executive producers Rhoades and Alison Mo Massey, this isn’t just another thriller—it’s a sexy, cerebral descent into obsession that could redefine Moore’s career.
At its core, Teach Me follows a charismatic yet manipulative teacher who exerts control over an impressionable but unreliable student, only for the power balance to flip when the student turns the tables and becomes the teacher. The logline teases a narrative that’s equal parts seductive and sinister: “A fun, twisted cat-and-mouse game that explores the blurred lines between sex, power, and addiction.” Rubin’s signature style—seen in Gypsy‘s voyeuristic dive into identity and desire—suggests a series that won’t shy away from the psychological toll of these dynamics, blending erotic tension with sharp social commentary on consent, authority, and vulnerability. “It’s about the thrill of the chase and the cost of getting caught,” Rubin told Variety, hinting at a structure that could unfold over multiple seasons, allowing the roles to evolve in increasingly dangerous ways.
Moore’s involvement elevates the project from intriguing to must-watch. Fresh off her Emmy-nominated turn as Rebecca in This Is Us and her chilling role in Peacock’s Dr. Death Season 2 (2023), Moore has long balanced wholesome leads with edgier fare, from A Walk to Remember (2002) to 47 Meters Down (2017). Here, she’s not just starring but exec producing, signaling a personal stake in a story that challenges her girl-next-door image. “Mandy brings an authenticity that’s perfect for this world of facades and forbidden desires,” Rhoades said. While casting for the student and supporting roles remains under wraps, rumors swirl of A24 favorites like Barry Keoghan or Sydney Sweeney circling key parts, adding to the intrigue.
The erotic thriller genre is experiencing a renaissance, and Teach Me fits seamlessly into the wave: from Netflix’s Baby Reindeer (2024) to Hulu’s The Act (2019), stories of power imbalances and addictive relationships are captivating audiences. Rubin’s Gypsy, despite its single-season run, proved her knack for seductive suspense, earning praise for Watts’ unraveling performance. With A24’s prestige pedigree (Euphoria, Beef) and Universal’s muscle, Teach Me has the potential to be Peacock’s answer to HBO’s prestige bait—think Big Little Lies with a darker, more intimate edge.
No release date has been set, but with production slated to begin in early 2026, expect a late 2027 debut. As Moore shakes up her image once more, Teach Me poses a tantalizing question: in a game where the student becomes the teacher, who’s really in control? For fans craving thrillers that seduce and unsettle, this is one lesson you won’t want to miss.
