NBC is kicking off the new year with a mind-hunting drama. The network has greenlit a powerful new series inspired by a legendary figure in criminal profiling. The untitled pilot places a groundbreaking focus on victimology, offering a fresh take on the crime procedural genre.
New untitled NBC drama to focus on ‘a trailblazing psychologist’
The newly ordered NBC drama comes from writers and executive producers Dean Georgaris, known for Quantum Leap, and John Fox, whose credits include The Equalizer. Universal Studio Group’s Universal TV is producing the project, with John Davis executive producing through his Davis Entertainment banner. The series aims to challenge traditional crime-solving narratives by centering the experiences of victims.
According to the reported logline, the series revolves around professor Georgia Ryan, described as “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.” Working alongside her team, Ryan consults with the FBI to help solve the most baffling and elusive cases that have resisted standard approaches (via Variety).
The creators based the character of Georgia Ryan on the real-life work of Dr. Ann Burgess, an expert criminal profiler and author. A forensic nurse, Burgess pioneered methods for assessing and treating trauma in rape victims. She later collaborated with the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit through her work with survivors of sexual abuse.
Throughout her career, Burgess has consulted on high-profile cases, including those involving Bill Cosby and the Menendez Brothers. She also serves as a consulting producer on the NBC pilot, alongside Steven Constantine.
The new drama is part of NBC’s broader effort to revive a traditional pilot season. Earlier this week, the network also ordered Protection, written by Josh Safran. NBC additionally picked up a pilot for a reboot of The Rockford Files.
