CBS is going noir for the 2018 television season. According to Variety, the network has ordered a pilot of L.A. Confidential, a television series based on the James Ellroy novel of the same name, which was also adapted for the big screen in 1997.
The story explores justice and corruption in 1950s Los Angeles, following three detectives as they each investigate a series of killings through their own various means. The acclaimed film, directed by Curtis Hanson, starred Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce as the three detectives. The CBS series will be written and executive produced by Jordan Harper. Arnon Milchan will also serve as executive producer on the project.
L.A. Confidential joins three other dramas on CBS’ 2018 programming slate. One, titled Red Line, comes from the acclaimed director Ava DuVernay (responsible for films like Selma and the upcoming adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time). DuVernay will work as executive producer on the series, which tells the story of a white police officer in Chicago who mistakenly kills a black doctor. The series will be told through multiple perspectives and explore the emotions and politics of its timely subject matter.
The second series, The Code, centers on the training of Marine Corps attorneys and the cases they tackle. Craig Sweeny (who wrote and produced the TV shows The 4400 and Limitless) and Craig Turk (The Good Wife, Cold Case) will work together as writers on the series.
The final drama ordered by CBS is titled Main Justice and also takes place in the courtroom. Main Justice will be based on the life of attorney Eric Holder and explore the world of the Department of Justice, following the U.S. Attorney General as he takes on one big case after another.
Considering all of the talent involved in these four crime dramas, CBS has a very promising television lineup for the upcoming year.