Emily Deschanel has been cast in the lead role of an untitled NBC drama pilot inspired by real-life profiler Dr. Ann Burgess. The project, from writers Dean Georgaris and John Fox, features Deschanel as trailblazing psychologist Georgia Ryan, who focuses investigations on victims while consulting with the FBI. This marks a return to a similar dynamic for Deschanel, following her 12-season run on Bones.
Emily Deschanel is set to star as Georgia Ryan in an untitled drama pilot for NBC, as confirmed by multiple outlets. The project, written and executive produced by Dean Georgaris—known for Quantum Leap and The Brave—and John Fox, was picked up by the network in January 2026. It draws inspiration from the work of Dr. Ann Burgess, an internationally renowned expert profiler and author.
According to the logline, Professor Georgia Ryan 'is a trailblazing psychologist who challenges the field of criminology by shifting the investigative focus to the victim rather than just the perpetrator in order to uncover the crucial clues that more traditional methods leave behind.' Ryan and her team consult with the FBI on baffling cases. Deschanel will also produce the pilot, alongside executive producer John Davis via Davis Entertainment. Dr. Ann Burgess serves as a consulting producer, as does Steve Constantine. Universal Television is producing.
This casting creates a loose Bones reunion at NBC, where Deschanel's former co-star David Boreanaz recently landed the lead in the network's reboot pilot of The Rockford Files. In Bones, which aired for 12 seasons and nearly 250 episodes on Fox, Deschanel portrayed forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan, who often collaborated with FBI special agent Seeley Booth, played by Boreanaz. Deschanel also produced and directed the premiere of Bones' final season.
Deschanel's recent television credits include roles in TNT's Animal Kingdom, ABC's The Rookie, and Netflix's Devil in Ohio. She is represented by Gersh, Principal Entertainment LA, and Hansen Jacobsen Teller.
The pilot's fate remains undecided, pending further network decisions.