Water Grave, which is slated to begin production in late summer 2026, pairs multi-award winning singer/songwriter/actor Phil Vassar as seasoned detective Sam Tidwell with emerging talent Kristen Sweeney as newly minted detective Abbey Rhodes in the highly anticipated five-episode limited series marking the first season of The Abbey Rhodes Mysteries franchise. With its unique positioning in the faith-adjacent market, a stellar cast, and a gripping Nashville-noir narrative, Water Grave is poised to become a streaming sensation. 

To support the production and help build a passionate grassroots community from day one, filmmakers have officially launched a 30-day Kickstarter campaign. Operating under Kickstarter’s “all-or-nothing” model, backers will only be charged if the full campaign financial goal is reached within the strict 30-day window. This project gives fans the rare access to this groundbreaking series, including regular updates, casting news, and some amazing backer rewards. To view the Water Grave Kickstarter campaign, click HERE.

Logline: Newly minted Detective Abbey Rhodes thought she had dealt with the trauma of her teenage years. But when a young pastor is found murdered, drowned in his own baptistry, Abbey is forced to confront her past by investigating in the one place she swore she would never set foot again… The Church.

Described as a noir buddy-cop procedural with a “Nashville twang,” Water Grave breaks new ground by blending traditional gripping detective frameworks with a raw, character-driven drama. The narrative intentionally addresses heavy, real-world themes, including trauma from institutional abuse, PTSD, and the painful path toward emotional recovery, while asking challenging questions about faith, guilt, restoration, and second chances.

“Unlike contemporary crime dramas that feed into pure despair, Water Grave highlights deeply human, flawed characters who choose to extend grace and forgiveness,” said series creator Mike Parker. “We are inviting film enthusiasts to gain ‘Cultural Capital’ by backing this vision on the ground floor to directly support authentic storytelling.”

With nine albums to his name, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, and recognition as ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist, Vassar’s reign of chart-topping singles includes 10 No.1 hits and 27 Top 40 tracks. His songwriting catalog also includes hits for fellow country stars like Collin Raye (“Little Red Rodeo”), Alan Jackson (“Right on the Money”), Tim McGraw (“My Next Thirty Years,” “For a Little While”), and Jo Dee Messina (“Bye Bye,” “Alright”). Beyond music, Vassar earned Best Actor honors at the Long Island International Film Expo for the short film I Only Miss You When I’m Breathing.

To stay up-to-date with Phil Vassar, visit PhilVassar.com and follow him on the platforms linked below.

ABOUT PHIL VASSAR

A prolific talent in Nashville, Phil Vassar’s songwriting career blossomed in the mid-‘90s. He secured a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for country stars like Collin Raye (“Little Red Rodeo”), Alan Jackson (“Right on the Money”), Tim McGraw (“My Next Thirty Years,” “For a Little While”), Jo Dee Messina (“Bye Bye,” “Alright”), and Blackhawk (“Postmarked Birmingham”). By 1998, Vassar had signed a record deal with Arista and was honored as ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in both 1999 and 2001. With nine albums to his name, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, and recognition as ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist, Vassar’s reign of chart-topping singles includes 10 No.1 hits and 27 Top 40 tracks. Standout songs like “Carlene,” “Six-Pack Summer,” and the enduring “Just Another Day in Paradise” showcase his signature style. Vassar continues to release new music and covers in support of his tours, as well as mentor emerging songwriters. He’s passionate about giving back to the community that helped launch his career. As he reflects on his journey, his focus remains clear: creating music that moves people. With a career built on resilience and an unwavering commitment to storytelling, Vassar continues to inspire both fans and peers, proving that great songs endure across generations.