NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
#1
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
https://deadline.com/2018/10/nypd-bl...ot-1202448390/
One of ABC’s signature dramas is staging a comeback. ABC has given a pilot production commitment to NYPD Blue, a new iteration of the iconic cop drama that will revolve around the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series. The reboot hails from NYPD Blue alums Matt Olmstead, Nick Wootton and Jesse Bochco. The pilot, a co-production between 20th Century Fox TV, which was behind the original series, and ABC Studios, is already casting its four main roles of NYPD cops, led by Theo.
Unfortunately for all Andy Sipowitz fans, in the sequel his character is dead. The return of NYPD Blue follows his son, Theo, as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder. Theo seems to have taken after his father as he too is a hard-drinking, hard-headed and quick-witted cop.
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, I hear that, while there are no deals in place, the intention is for original cast members to appear on the followup series. (Franz, who won 3 Emmys for NYPD Blue, had largely retired from acting.)
The pilot script was written by Olmstead and Wootton. Bochco, son of NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco, who helmed 10 episodes of the original series, is set to direct. All three executive produce, while Steven Bochco’s widow, Dayna Bochco, will serve as a producer.
I hear the project got the blessing of the late Steven Bochco, who met with Olmstead shortly before his death April 1.
Theo is Andy Sipowitz’s son with Assistant District Attorney Sylvia Costas (Sharon Lawrence) who was tragically killed in Season 6, while Theo was just a little boy. He was played on the show from Seasons 6-12 by child actor Austin Majors.
Created by Bochco and David Milch, NYPD Blue debuted in 1993 and ran for 12 seasons, setting a record for the longest-running drama series on ABC, a mark only recently eclipsed by Grey’s Anatomy. It won 20 Emmy Awards and earned 84 nominations over its run, including best drama series, and was lauded for its realistic portrayal of cops’ lives.
NYPD Blue also pushed the boundaries of broadcast content with its depiction of nudity and alcoholism, drawing an FCC fine over a racy 2003 scene featuring Charlotte Ross’ buttocks that was eventually struck down by a court.
For Olmstead, this marks a return to the series that gave him his start. As a young writer trying to get a staff writing job, he met with Bochco who offered him to write for the ABC cop drama. Olmstead joined the show as a writer in Season 6, steadily rising through the ranks to executive producer in Seasons 10-12.
Wootton’s first association with Bochco came when he was just three years old, because Wootton and Bochco’s kids attended the LA elementary school that is now Crossroads. His first job was as a PA at age 14 on LA Law, co-created by Bochco who became his mentor. Fresh out of college, Wootton’s was an apprentice on the second season of NYPD Blue, joined the staff and stayed for 12 years, also rising through the ranks to executive producer in Seasons 10-12.
Olmstead, and Wottoon previously teamed with Bochco to co-create and co-write the series Blind Justice and the pilot NYPD 2069. Olmstead and Wottoon also worked on another cop drama co-created by Bochco, Brooklyn South, and Wootton co-created with Bochco City of Angels.
As he started thinking about rebooting NYPD Blue under his overall deal at ABC Studios, Olmstead met with Bochco, who gave them his blessing for the project just four days before his death.
“Steven was just unflappable. All of the writers, he guarded us like we were his kids,” Wootton said following Bochco’s passing. Added Olmstead, “The man was a prince, a total gentleman and what he did was borderline magical. Generous, kind and nurturing, beyond being wildly talented. Just one of a kind.”
Wootton most recently served as executive producer of CBS/CBS TV Studios’ drama series Scorpion for its four-season run. He became available in May when the series was canceled. Olmstead was executive producer/showrunner of NBC’s Chicago Fire. He also co-created and served as executive producer/showrunner on its spinoff Chicago PD.
ABC successfully revived Roseanne last season before the series was dramatically canceled following a racist tweet by star Roseanne Barr, spawning a spinoff series, The Conners. For next season, the network also has Bewitched and Designing Women reboots in development.
“I don’t necessarily want to dive into rebooting for the sake of rebooting,” ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey told Deadline in August. “I’m certainly open to a reboot if something comes to me with the right creative or a spin on the creative that makes sense.”
Olmstead is repped by WME and Bloom Hergott. Wootton is repped by WME and Hirsch Wallerstein.
Unfortunately for all Andy Sipowitz fans, in the sequel his character is dead. The return of NYPD Blue follows his son, Theo, as he tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder. Theo seems to have taken after his father as he too is a hard-drinking, hard-headed and quick-witted cop.
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, I hear that, while there are no deals in place, the intention is for original cast members to appear on the followup series. (Franz, who won 3 Emmys for NYPD Blue, had largely retired from acting.)
The pilot script was written by Olmstead and Wootton. Bochco, son of NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco, who helmed 10 episodes of the original series, is set to direct. All three executive produce, while Steven Bochco’s widow, Dayna Bochco, will serve as a producer.
I hear the project got the blessing of the late Steven Bochco, who met with Olmstead shortly before his death April 1.
Theo is Andy Sipowitz’s son with Assistant District Attorney Sylvia Costas (Sharon Lawrence) who was tragically killed in Season 6, while Theo was just a little boy. He was played on the show from Seasons 6-12 by child actor Austin Majors.
Created by Bochco and David Milch, NYPD Blue debuted in 1993 and ran for 12 seasons, setting a record for the longest-running drama series on ABC, a mark only recently eclipsed by Grey’s Anatomy. It won 20 Emmy Awards and earned 84 nominations over its run, including best drama series, and was lauded for its realistic portrayal of cops’ lives.
NYPD Blue also pushed the boundaries of broadcast content with its depiction of nudity and alcoholism, drawing an FCC fine over a racy 2003 scene featuring Charlotte Ross’ buttocks that was eventually struck down by a court.
For Olmstead, this marks a return to the series that gave him his start. As a young writer trying to get a staff writing job, he met with Bochco who offered him to write for the ABC cop drama. Olmstead joined the show as a writer in Season 6, steadily rising through the ranks to executive producer in Seasons 10-12.
Wootton’s first association with Bochco came when he was just three years old, because Wootton and Bochco’s kids attended the LA elementary school that is now Crossroads. His first job was as a PA at age 14 on LA Law, co-created by Bochco who became his mentor. Fresh out of college, Wootton’s was an apprentice on the second season of NYPD Blue, joined the staff and stayed for 12 years, also rising through the ranks to executive producer in Seasons 10-12.
Olmstead, and Wottoon previously teamed with Bochco to co-create and co-write the series Blind Justice and the pilot NYPD 2069. Olmstead and Wottoon also worked on another cop drama co-created by Bochco, Brooklyn South, and Wootton co-created with Bochco City of Angels.
As he started thinking about rebooting NYPD Blue under his overall deal at ABC Studios, Olmstead met with Bochco, who gave them his blessing for the project just four days before his death.
“Steven was just unflappable. All of the writers, he guarded us like we were his kids,” Wootton said following Bochco’s passing. Added Olmstead, “The man was a prince, a total gentleman and what he did was borderline magical. Generous, kind and nurturing, beyond being wildly talented. Just one of a kind.”
Wootton most recently served as executive producer of CBS/CBS TV Studios’ drama series Scorpion for its four-season run. He became available in May when the series was canceled. Olmstead was executive producer/showrunner of NBC’s Chicago Fire. He also co-created and served as executive producer/showrunner on its spinoff Chicago PD.
ABC successfully revived Roseanne last season before the series was dramatically canceled following a racist tweet by star Roseanne Barr, spawning a spinoff series, The Conners. For next season, the network also has Bewitched and Designing Women reboots in development.
“I don’t necessarily want to dive into rebooting for the sake of rebooting,” ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey told Deadline in August. “I’m certainly open to a reboot if something comes to me with the right creative or a spin on the creative that makes sense.”
Olmstead is repped by WME and Bloom Hergott. Wootton is repped by WME and Hirsch Wallerstein.
#3
DVD Talk Legend
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
Problem is that a lot of what made the show unique has essentially become old hat now. Especially on cable networks like FX and AMC. Plus towards the end, like ER, it dropped in quality as it kept replacing cast members.
#4
DVD Talk Legend
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
This probably has no place on ABC since ABC targets female audiences with most of their shows.
#5
Inane Thread Master, 2018 TOTY
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Are any of us really anywhere?
Posts: 49,403
Received 904 Likes
on
765 Posts
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
I’m sure it’d be current format. They’ll use the graphic nature, hopefully, like original, but just a modern update using Andy’s son. Just hope it’s not all about this one case. Hope it’s about different murders and crimes and good character development. Was Bochco not involved at all before passing?
#6
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
Hopefully Theo is a sexual deviant now after seeing Charlotte Ross naked in the shower.
#7
Moderator
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
Agreed. I'd rather leave well enough alone with this show. Also, I'd attribute the quality drop to David Milch's departure as well.
#8
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
Bingo. No Milch, no thanks. And then having the lead from the original be murdered? I don't know...
Last edited by dex14; 10-18-18 at 07:58 AM.
#9
DVD Talk Legend
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
It would be better if it was on cable.
#11
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
I've actually been rewatching the original series on Prime video starting from when John Clark Jr. came on. I look forward to this.
#12
Senior Member
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
Huge fan of the show. I wish the whole "Father Murdered" angle would not be used. How cool would it be to have Mark Gosselar back as John Clark, but this time as Captain of the 15th and have Theo ask his LIVING dad for advice? Ill give it a watch when it airs but maybe they'll try to change the whole series by making this a full on half hour comedy that has Dennis Franz character be his sons ghost partner. Heck, I'd watch that just to see Dennisa franz act again.
#14
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
Huge fan of the show. I wish the whole "Father Murdered" angle would not be used. How cool would it be to have Mark Gosselar back as John Clark, but this time as Captain of the 15th and have Theo ask his LIVING dad for advice? Ill give it a watch when it airs but maybe they'll try to change the whole series by making this a full on half hour comedy that has Dennis Franz character be his sons ghost partner. Heck, I'd watch that just to see Dennisa franz act again.
#15
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
The story says that Franz has for all intents and purposes retired from acting.
As for Caruso, he left the show on really bad terms with FOX, who produces it and ABC. Remember, he bailed after the 1st season when he thought he was a movie star and strangleholded the writers to force write him out even though he was under contract.
They mentioned on the show in passing that his character Kelly was retired and working as a security consultant.
As for Caruso, he left the show on really bad terms with FOX, who produces it and ABC. Remember, he bailed after the 1st season when he thought he was a movie star and strangleholded the writers to force write him out even though he was under contract.
They mentioned on the show in passing that his character Kelly was retired and working as a security consultant.
#16
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
I'm in if they do it right. However, I'm not a fan of killing Sipowicz. He had an amazing character arc and went out on top. It's rare that a show gets to send off a beloved character in such a loving and perfect way.
Yes and no. Cable has definitely taken the 'edge' that NYPD: Blue trailblazed and ran with it, but with today's political climate, real cop drama (shooting unarmed citizens), racist cops, etc. there are plenty of avenues ripe for the NYPD: Blue treatment.
Unlike er, NYPD: Blue had a phenomenal final season. er just declined season after season until it was put out to pasture. NYPD was similar but the final season felt like the writers were given carte blance to explore everything they ever wanted knowing it was the final season and the quality was better for it.
Unlike er, NYPD: Blue had a phenomenal final season. er just declined season after season until it was put out to pasture. NYPD was similar but the final season felt like the writers were given carte blance to explore everything they ever wanted knowing it was the final season and the quality was better for it.
#17
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
Alona Tal was cast as the female lead: https://deadline.com/2018/11/nypd-bl...ot-1202510401/
Most of you probably know her from Supernatural.
Most of you probably know her from Supernatural.
#18
DVD Talk Legend
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
Unlike er, NYPD: Blue had a phenomenal final season. er just declined season after season until it was put out to pasture. NYPD was similar but the final season felt like the writers were given carte blance to explore everything they ever wanted knowing it was the final season and the quality was better for it.
#19
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
My sentiments exactly. That ending, with Andy looking out over the empty squad room, was one of the finest ever. So, a new show with the premise that he's been murdered is problematic, but we'll see. Maybe I can ignore that part, if they're not bringing it up every ep.
#20
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
https://deadline.com/2019/01/nypd-bl...in-1202531275/
Two familiar faces are joining the ABC’s pilot NYPD Blue, a new iteration of the iconic cop drama from 20th tV and ABC Studios. Kim Delaney will reprise her Emmy-winning role as Det. Diane Russell from the original series, while Bill Brochtrup will reprise his role as PPA John Irvin.
Delaney, who earned three Emmy nominations and a win in 1997 for NYPD Blue,is said to be the only lead actor from the original whose character was written into the sequel pilot, from NYPD Blue alums Matt Olmstead, Nick Wootton and Jesse Bochco, where she is expected to play a key role.
Brochtrup and Brochtrup join Alona Tal, who was recently cast as one of thew new leads in the cop drama.
The sequel revolves around Theo, the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.
The pilot was written by Olmstead and Wootton. Bochco, son of NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco, who helmed 10 episodes of the original series, is set to direct. All three executive produce, while Steven Bochco’s widow, Dayna Bochco, serves as a producer.
Like the original series, the followup revolves around a core group of 15th Precinct police officers/detectives.
Delaney, who earned three Emmy nominations and a win in 1997 for NYPD Blue,is said to be the only lead actor from the original whose character was written into the sequel pilot, from NYPD Blue alums Matt Olmstead, Nick Wootton and Jesse Bochco, where she is expected to play a key role.
Brochtrup and Brochtrup join Alona Tal, who was recently cast as one of thew new leads in the cop drama.
The sequel revolves around Theo, the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.
The pilot was written by Olmstead and Wootton. Bochco, son of NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco, who helmed 10 episodes of the original series, is set to direct. All three executive produce, while Steven Bochco’s widow, Dayna Bochco, serves as a producer.
Like the original series, the followup revolves around a core group of 15th Precinct police officers/detectives.
#21
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
Re: NYPD Blue sequel series from original producers in development at ABC
https://deadline.com/2019/05/nypd-bl...on-1202611993/
Dead for Fall. But will undergo re-shoots for midseason consideration.
Dead for Fall. But will undergo re-shoots for midseason consideration.