NBC has ordered two additional crime drama pilots, expanding its 2026-2027 development slate to six projects overall. The new additions join four other dramas and one comedy focused on law enforcement. This move revives traditional pilot season at the network.
NBC's recent pilot orders mark a return to the network's pilot season tradition, with announcements made over the course of a single week. The two latest crime dramas bring the total to five such projects and one comedy, all centered around law enforcement themes.
The first new pilot, "What the Dead Know," comes from producer Dick Wolf and writer Beth Rinehart. It draws from the memoir of former New York City medical examiner Barbara Butcher. The story follows death investigator Ava Ledger as she partners with the NYPD to tackle intricate cases. Wolf Entertainment produces the project, with Universal Television as the studio.
The second pilot, "Puzzled," is developed by Joey Falco and based on Danielle Trussoni's "Puzzle Master" novels. It centers on Mike Brink, a former college athlete whose life changes after a traumatic brain injury alters his perception of the world. This ability allows him to help local police solve crimes. Falco executive produces alongside Jordan Cerf, while Trussoni serves as a producer. Universal Television handles studio duties here as well.
Prior to these orders, NBC greenlit a detective comedy from "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" co-creator Dan Goor and executive producer Luke Del Tredici, providing the slate's sole comedic entry. Other drama pilots include one from Dean Georgaris and John Fox, inspired by FBI behavioral research; "Protection," created by Josh Safran with Jenna Bush Hager and Ben Spector, about a law enforcement family pursued by an assassin; and a modern take on "The Rockford Files" by Mike Daniels.
These developments signal NBC's focus on procedural and crime genres for the upcoming season, building on established formats while introducing fresh narratives.
