NYPD Blue revival in development over at ABC; could it work?
The network is now working behind the scenes on a new version of the series, one revolving around Theo, the son of the iconic Andy Sipowicz played in the original series by Dennis Franz. As of right now, this new version of the series has a pilot order, effectively meaning that there are no guarantees that the show is going to be airing on ABC itself in the near future. If there are two words we would give to ABC as advice here, it’s simply this: Tread lightly. It’s better to not make the series at all than to revive it and have it be somehow below expectations.
The idea of the pilot (via TVLine) is absolutely dark: Theo would be working to earn his detective shield so that eventually, he could find a way to figure out who killed his father. (Talk about a serious reset!)
There are some serious behind-the-scenes connection to the original show here, mostly in that Matt Olmstead and Nick Wootton, who both worked on the original, are two of the biggest architects behind the scenes. Meanwhile, the son of the late co-creator Steven Bochco in Jesse Bochco will be directing the pilot. Steven’s widow Dayna Bochco will also be involved behind the scenes.
Basically, it feels like there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes here in order to ensure that this new version of NYPD Blue is successful and honors the original. Yet, we also live in an era at this point where there are a million or so different cop shows out there. Olmstead does especially know a thing or two about the modern cop show, though, having also brought some of his skills over to Chicago PD before departing the One Chicago franchise.
What do you think about the idea of an NYPD Blue revival, and do you think that this could actually work in some capacity? Be sure to share right now in the attached comments. (Photo: ABC.)