NBC is betting huge on current American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez. In one of the biggest series commitments this year, the broadcast network has handed out a 13-episode straight-to-series order to drama Shades of Blue starring and executive produced by Lopez.
Shades of Blue centers on Harlee McCord (Lopez), a single mother and dirty cop recruited to work undercover for the FBI's anti-corruption task force. Part of a close-knit unit known for its conviction record, Harlee has become compromised by her colleagues - all of whom also pitch in to help raise her daughter - and finds herself faced with the moral dilemma of working against her cop brothers in order to redeem herself.
Adi Hasak (3 Days to Kill) will write and executive produce the pilot. Additional executive producers include Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass, Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas and Benny Medina. Universal Television, Nuyorican Productions and Ryan Seacrest Productions will produce the drama.
Production on the drama will begin in early 2015 for a premiere during the 2015-16 broadcast season.
"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," NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke said. "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."
Added Seacrest, "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."
