Key Facts
- ✓ NBC has ordered a new crime investigation drama pilot inspired by the work of criminal profiler Ann Burgess.
- ✓ The project is being developed by writers and executive producers Dean Georgaris and John Fox.
- ✓ Universal Studio Group's Universal TV is the studio behind the production.
- ✓ Veteran producer John Davis is attached as an executive producer through Davis Entertainment.
- ✓ This marks NBC's third drama pilot order of the week, indicating an aggressive development schedule.
- ✓ The series will focus on the psychological aspects of criminal investigation rather than traditional forensic procedures.
Quick Summary
Television network NBC has officially greenlit a new crime investigation drama pilot, marking its third pilot order of the week. The project is notably inspired by the groundbreaking work of Ann Burgess, a pioneer in the field of criminal profiling.
The untitled drama comes from a team of seasoned television producers, including writers and executive producers Dean Georgaris and John Fox. The production is backed by Universal Studio Group's Universal TV, signaling a significant investment in the crime genre.
The Creative Team
The pilot is being spearheaded by two accomplished writers and executive producers. Dean Georgaris brings his experience from the recent Quantum Leap reboot, while John Fox contributes his expertise from the popular series The Equalizer.
Adding further industry weight to the project is veteran producer John Davis, who is attached as an executive producer through his production company, Davis Entertainment. This combination of talent suggests a high-quality production with strong potential for series pickup.
The creative team includes:
- Dean Georgaris - Writer/Executive Producer
- John Fox - Writer/Executive Producer
- John Davis - Executive Producer
- Universal TV - Production Studio
Source Material & Inspiration
The drama is specifically inspired by the life and work of Ann Burgess, a pioneering figure in criminal profiling. Burgess is renowned for developing the first systematic methods for profiling violent offenders, work that has influenced law enforcement practices for decades.
Her career as a psychiatric nurse and researcher provided the foundation for modern criminal profiling techniques. The pilot will likely draw from her real-life cases and methodologies, offering viewers a glimpse into the early days of forensic psychology.
The series aims to explore the intersection of psychology and criminal investigation.
This approach differentiates the project from standard police procedurals by focusing on the psychological aspects of crime solving rather than just the forensic evidence.
Production Details
Universal Studio Group's Universal TV is the studio behind the production, indicating a major studio commitment to the project. The studio has a strong track record of developing successful crime dramas.
The pilot is part of NBC's broader strategy to expand its drama slate, as evidenced by this being the network's third drama pilot ordered this week. This aggressive development schedule suggests the network is actively seeking fresh content for its upcoming programming season.
Key production entities involved:
- Universal Studio Group - Parent studio
- Universal TV - Production arm
- Davis Entertainment - Production company
- NBC - Network and broadcaster
Industry Context
The crime drama genre continues to be a staple of network television, with audiences showing consistent interest in stories about criminal investigation and profiling. This new project taps into the growing popularity of true crime content while offering a fictionalized narrative.
By drawing inspiration from real-life pioneer Ann Burgess, the series has the potential to offer both entertainment and educational value, exploring the evolution of criminal profiling techniques.
The timing of this development is significant, as networks are increasingly seeking content that:
- Features strong, research-based storytelling
- Offers fresh perspectives on established genres
- Comes from proven creative teams
- Has potential for franchise expansion
Looking Ahead
The untitled crime investigation drama now enters the pilot development phase, where a full episode will be produced for network consideration. The success of this pilot will determine whether the series moves forward to a full season order.
With its combination of experienced producers, strong studio backing, and compelling source material, the project has significant potential to become a new hit for NBC. The network's decision to order multiple pilots suggests confidence in its development strategy for the upcoming television season.
Industry observers will be watching closely to see how this project develops, particularly given its unique inspiration from a pioneering figure in criminal psychology.










