NBC Revives Pilot Season with a Focus on Crime Dramas
NBC is signaling a strong return to traditional pilot season, issuing a flurry of orders and reviving a classic industry practice: Friday night greenlights. The network is clearly betting big on the crime genre, with several new projects in development, reminiscent of the procedural success seen in shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
New Pilots Ordered: ‘Puzzled’ and ‘What the Dead Know’
Two new drama pilots have been given the go-ahead: ‘Puzzled’, from former Charmed showrunner Joey Falco, and ‘What the Dead Know’, hailing from Dick Wolf’s Wolf Entertainment and writer Beth Rinehart (FBI: Most Wanted). Both projects fall squarely into the crime/cop procedural category, adapted from existing literary works.
‘Puzzled’: A Unique Perspective on Crime Solving
‘Puzzled’ is based on Danielle Trussoni’s novel, The Puzzle Master. The story centers around Mike Brink, a former college athlete whose life is irrevocably changed by a traumatic brain injury. This injury grants him a unique ability to perceive the world differently, allowing him to solve crimes in collaboration with the local police. The series promises a fresh take on the procedural format, exploring the complexities of perception and recovery.
‘What the Dead Know’: A Detective with a Special Connection
‘What the Dead Know’ draws inspiration from the memoir of former New York City medical examiner Barbara Butcher. The series follows Ava Ledger, a death investigator with an exceptional talent for understanding the deceased. While she excels at deciphering the secrets of the dead, it’s the living who present a challenge. Ava teams up with the NYPD to tackle their most difficult cases, bringing her unique skills to bear.
A Clear Programming Focus for NBC
NBC has already exceeded its initial pilot order goals, with five drama pilots in the pipeline – including reboots like The Rockford Files and original projects like Protection and an untitled Georgaris/Fox project. The overwhelming focus on crime procedurals suggests a deliberate strategy to capture a broad audience. Interestingly, even the network’s sole comedy pilot thus far, an untitled project from Goor/Del Tredici, is set within the world of crime, revolving around a private detective.
This shift towards crime dramas could be a response to evolving audience preferences and the continued success of established franchises like the Law & Order universe. The network is clearly looking to capitalize on the enduring appeal of this genre.
Joey Falco’s previous work includes Sleepy Hollow and Heroes Reborn, while Beth Rinehart has contributed to Law & Order: SVU and Chicago Justice. These experienced showrunners bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective projects.
