Hailey
NBC is clearly leaning into crime storytelling for the future. The network has officially ordered two new crime drama pilots, pushing its 2026–2027 development slate to six total projects.
This move also signals the return of a more traditional pilot season, something many TV fans and industry insiders have been waiting to see again.
Out of the six pilots now in consideration, five focus on crime or law enforcement, while one is a comedy with a police backdrop. The latest additions continue NBC’s long-running connection with procedural dramas, especially those that explore crime from fresh and emotional angles.
NBC Brings Back Pilot Season With a Strong Crime Focus
For the upcoming season, NBC has taken a clear direction. Instead of straight-to-series orders, the network is testing ideas through pilots, allowing creators to refine stories and characters before full commitments.
This week alone, NBC announced six pilot orders, showing steady momentum and a clear investment in scripted content. Most of these projects explore crime, investigations, and law enforcement life, a genre NBC has historically performed well in.
“What the Dead Know”: A Crime Drama Inspired by Real Life
One of the newly ordered pilots is “What the Dead Know,” a crime drama produced by Dick Wolf, a name closely linked with successful crime franchises.
The pilot is written by Beth Rinehart and draws inspiration from the real-life memoir of Barbara Butcher, a former New York City medical examiner.
What the Story Is About
The series centers on Ava Ledger, a skilled death investigator who works closely with the NYPD. Her job involves uncovering the truth behind suspicious deaths, often solving cases others find impossible.
What sets this show apart is its focus on the science and emotional weight behind death investigations, rather than just action or courtroom drama. The story aims to balance crime-solving with human moments, showing how cases affect those who work closest to death.
Production Details
- Produced by Wolf Entertainment
- Studio: Universal Television
- Genre: Crime drama
- Tone: Serious, emotional, investigative
“Puzzled”: Crime Solving Through a Changed Mind
The second new pilot is “Puzzled,” a crime drama adapted from Danielle Trussoni’s “Puzzle Master” novels. The project is developed by Joey Falco, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Jordan Cerf. Trussoni herself is attached as a producer, keeping the adaptation close to its source material.
A Unique Lead Character
The story follows Mike Brink, a former college athlete whose life takes an unexpected turn after a traumatic brain injury. The injury changes how he sees the world, allowing him to notice patterns and details others miss.
Because of this unique ability, Mike begins helping local police solve complex crimes, using his altered perception as a powerful tool.
Why This Show Stands Out
Unlike traditional crime dramas, “Puzzled” focuses on:
- Mental perception and intelligence
- Recovery after injury
- Using puzzles and patterns to solve crimes
- A quieter, more thoughtful approach to investigations
This project is also produced by Universal Television, keeping consistency across NBC’s crime-focused slate.
Other Pilots Already Ordered by NBC
Before announcing these two new pilots, NBC had already greenlit four other projects for the 2026–2027 season. Together, they form a diverse but crime-heavy lineup.
The Current Pilot Slate at a Glance
| Pilot Title / Concept | Genre | Key Creators |
|---|---|---|
| What the Dead Know | Crime Drama | Dick Wolf, Beth Rinehart |
| Puzzled | Crime Drama | Joey Falco, Danielle Trussoni |
| Untitled Detective Comedy | Comedy | Dan Goor, Luke Del Tredici |
| FBI-Inspired Drama | Crime Drama | Dean Georgaris, John Fox |
| Protection | Crime Drama | Josh Safran, Jenna Bush Hager |
| The Rockford Files (Reimagined) | Crime Drama | Mike Daniels |
Comedy Still Has a Place in NBC’s Plans
While crime dominates the slate, NBC has not forgotten comedy. One of the six pilots is a detective comedy from Dan Goor, co-creator of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, along with executive producer Luke Del Tredici.
This project stands out as the only comedy among the pilots and is expected to bring humor into a law enforcement setting, balancing NBC’s otherwise serious lineup.
Revisiting a Classic: The Rockford Files Reimagined
NBC has also ordered a modern reimagining of The Rockford Files, developed by Mike Daniels. The original series was a fan favorite, and this new version aims to bring the classic detective story into today’s world while keeping its original spirit.
NBC’s growing 2026–2027 pilot slate shows a strong belief in crime dramas with fresh ideas. From real-life inspired investigations to puzzle-based crime solving and family-focused law enforcement stories, the network is testing a wide range of tones and concepts.
By bringing back pilot season, NBC gives itself room to shape these projects carefully before committing long term. Whether viewers prefer serious crime stories or lighter detective comedy, this lineup suggests NBC is preparing a season designed to keep audiences hooked.