The network has a 13-episode order to Shades of Blue, the drama starring and exec. produced by Jennifer Lopez.
Shades of Blue will focus on Harless McCord (played by Lopez), a single mother and a dirty cop recruited to work undercover for the FBI’s anti-corruption task force. Harlee has become compromised by her colleagues (all of them also help her raise her daughter) and she has to face a moral dilemma of working against her cop colleagues so she can redeem herself.
Adi Hasak (3 Days to Kill) is the writer and the executive producer of the show alongside Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina. Universal Television, Nuyorican Productions, RSP, EGTV and H’s Films will produce the show which is slated to begin broadcasting in 2015, during the 2015-1016 season, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Jennifer Salke, the NBC Entertainment president said in a statement: “Whether its producing, acting, singing or any of her other many entrepreneurial activities, Jennifer is an extraordinary talent and life force, and we’re delighted to be in business with her and Adi Hasak on this sophisticated show.” Salke also added, “We’re especially excited that Jennifer is returning to her acting roots from such great movies as Out of Sight and we know that she will create this complicated character in a vivid way that will breathe new life into the cop show genre. Ryan Seacrest is part of the NBCU family and doing his first scripted drama series with us makes perfect sense.”
According to THR, Lopez’s American Idol colleague Ryan Seacrest said: “Nina Wass loved the script from the moment she read it. When Elaine, Adi and Benny approached us about working on it, we jumped at the chance to collaborate with such amazing partners. The script is so powerful and ambitious, we can’t wait to see Jennifer take on this remarkable role. Bob Greenblatt and Jen Salke’s enthusiasm and support has been incredible, and we look forward to working with everyone at NBC.”
Shades of Blue is the latest straight-to-series pickup this season for the network, NBC already has other orders, including Emerald City, Mr. Robinson, Working the Engels and the untitled comedy project from Tina Fey.