Thanks to the success of the Law & Order franchise, the One Chicago franchise, and now the FBI franchise, Dick Wolf has been one of the most successful and prolific television creators of all time. His shows are some of the biggest fan favorites on the small screen, and his handprint on broadcast just might continue to expand as NBC ordered a new drama pilot.
If you're hoping for another entry to sit alongside Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD, the latest pilot from Wolf Entertainment exists outside of the One Chicago universe. NBC announced the pilot order of procedural drama What the Dead Know, which is based on the book of the same name and comes from FBI: Most Wanted writer Beth Rinehart.
What the Dead Know isn't a fictional novel as some might expect. The memoir written by Barbara Butcher dives into the life of the former New York City medical examiner experiences. However, it appears as though the potential Wolf Entertainment television adaptation on NBC would further fictionalize Butcher's memoir to craft a completely enthralling series.
Dick Wolf procedural What the Dead Know in the works at NBC
The series would center on death investigator Ava Ledger, who definitely knows her way around a dead body thanks to her expertise in her field. However, dealing with fellow living people tends to trip her up a bit more. She'll have to learn to work alongside the living, though, as she lends a helping hand to the NYPD to crack some of their most challenging cases.
What the Dead Know counts both Rinehart and Wolf as executive producers in addition to Tom Thayer, Peter Jankowski, Anastasia Puglisi, Kevin Plunkett, Rebecca McGill, and author Barbara Butcher. It's one of the many drama pilots in the works at NBC, including Puzzled, The Rockford Files, Protection, and a crime drama from Dean Georgaris and John Fox.
As Deadline notes, the network has a decent amount of procedural drama pilots in the works, which could mean that there isn't enough space for all of them to be picked up to series or a couple of its current series could be in danger of cancellation by the end of this season. (There are some clear shows that are in danger on NBC, but that doesn't include any from Wolf.)
Since What the Dead Know remains in the pilot stages right now, there aren't other updates to share. Casting hasn't been announced, though it will be interesting to see who will land the leading role as Ava Ledger. Additionally, a production timeline on the pilot hasn't been revealed just yet, but more details should arrive soon as the series looks to vie for a place on NBC's schedule.