'NYPD Blue' TV Sequel in Development at ABC

[theusher]

The drama, from writers Matt Olmstead and Nick Wootton, counts original creator Steven Bochco's son and wife among its exec producers.
ABC is looking to bring back one of its most critically hailed drama series.

The network has handed out a sizable pilot-production commitment to a sequel of NYPD Blue.

The return of the series follows Andy Sipowicz's (original star Dennis Franz) son, Theo, as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father's murder.

Matt Olmstead (Chicago PD) will pen the script alongside Nick Wootton, both of whom worked on the original ABC drama. Both will executive produce alongside Steven Bochco's son, Jesse, and the late creator's wife, Dayna Bochco. Jesse Bochco was a producer and director on the original series and is also on board to helm the potential pilot of the ABC reboot.

The project is a co-production between ABC Studios and 20th Century Fox Television, with the latter studio having produced the original series. NYPD Blue originally ran from 1993-2005 on ABC. During its 12-season, 261-episode run, the show earned 84 Emmy nominations, taking home the best drama series trophy in 1995, a year after it earned the Golden Globe in the same category. The series was created by Bochco and David Milch.

Franz starred as detective Andy Sipowicz for the show's entire 12-season run. Theo was born to Andy and love interest Sylvia (played by star Sharon Lawrence) near the end of season three.

NYPD Blue becomes Olmstead's first major development under his new overall deal with ABC Studios. The in-demand showrunner exited his Universal TV deal after having worked alongside procedural king Dick Wolf last year.

Reboots and procedurals continue to be in high demand as broadcast, cable and streaming outlets alike look for proven IP in a bid to cut through a cluttered landscape. Key to them is having the original producers attached, which the new NYPD Blue has with 20th TV, Dayna Bochco and Jesse Bochco.

The reboot arrives mere months after the passing of legendary co-creator Bochco, who died in April following a long battle with cancer.

By opting to have a link to the original series versus a straight-out reboot with an all-new group of cops, the new NYPD Blue creates opportunities for characters from the Emmy-winning drama to pop in. Indeed, while there are no deals in place, I hear that the intention is for original cast members to appear on the followup series.

That won’t include Franz, a three-time Emmys for NYPD Blue, who had largely retired from acting but had remained open to opportunities. “I did receive a call, and I’m flattered bot nor interested,” Franz told Deadline. “NYPD Blue was a high point in my life and career, and I think of it so fondly. I wish them all well and much success.”

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/li...at-abc-1153215

https://deadline.com/2018/10/nypd-bl...ot-1202448390/