'Shots Fired' Star Richard Dreyfuss Promises a Very 'Current' Show

Fox

“Shots Fired” star Richard Dreyfuss says that viewers will be blown away by how relevant the series is to the current climate of the United States.

“We shot probably the most current show you will ever see,” Dreyfuss said at the Television Critics Association press tour on Wednesday. “You’re going to be reminded of the most current headlines of your life.”

The story follows the story of an African-American officer who shoots a white teenager, and how the shooting echoes through their community. Sanaa Lathan will play an expert investigator who digs into the case, alongside a special prosecutor (Stephan James) sent to the town by the Department of Justice.

Also Read: 'Prison Break,' 'Making History,' 'Shots Fired': Here Are Fox's Spring Premiere Dates

The pair must navigate media attention, public debate and social unrest as they try to keep the town from erupting into race riots. Along the way, they are pulled into the mysterious case of an African-American teenager who was killed by police just weeks before the shooting at the center of the series.

Co-creator and executive producer Reggie Bythewood said mystery is central to the message they are trying to convey.

“We have a creed for the show, which is: Get the audience to the edge of their seats and when they’re leaning forward, hit them with the truth,” he said. “Clearly we wanted a show with great characters [that] really dealt with the social issues we dialed into, but the mystery element is kind of the glue that keeps us coming back.”

Also Read: Helen Hunt, Stephen Moyer, Richard Dreyfuss Join Fox's 'Shots Fired'

Undisputed Cinema and Imagine Television are producing “Shots Fired” in association with 20th Century Fox Television.

The project is executive-produced by Gina Prince-Bythewood, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Brian Grazer and Francie Calfo. Prince-Bythewood will direct.

“Shots Fired” will premiere on March 22.

17 Breakout TV Stars to Watch for In 2017, From Ricky Whittle to Rose Leslie (Photos)

Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.
Camila Mendes, "Riverdale"
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Corey Hawkins, "24: Legacy"
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Sonequa Martin-Green, "Star Trek Discovery"
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Ricky Whittle, "American Gods"
Bringing a sizable fanbase from "The 100" with him, Whittle is set to endear a whole new set of rabid fans in Bryan Fuller's Neil Gaiman adaptation.
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Rachel Keller, "Legion"
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Finn Jones, "Iron Fist"
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Adria Arjona, "Emerald City"
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Jermaine Fowler, "Superior Donuts"
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Rose Leslie, "The Good Fight"
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Jacob Lofland, "The Son"
As the younger version of the central character, Lofland is central to the sprawling Texas-set family drama, setting the groundwork for his character to grow up to be Pierce Brosnan.
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Allison Tolman, "Downward Dog"
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ABC
Austin P. Mckenzie, "When We Rise"
The Broadway alum plays a young LGBT activist in Dustin Lance Black's chronicle of the early days of the gay movement.
ABC
Logan Browning, "Dear White People"
The Justin Simien movie made Tessa Thompson a breakout star, and Browning is set to take over the role in the Netflix series.
Netflix
Dylan Minnette, "13 Reasons Why"
The "Goosebumps" star plays the lead in the long-gestating Jay Asher YA novel, from producer Selena Gomez.
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Pearl Mackie, "Doctor Who"
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Freddie Stroma, "Time After Time"
After endearing audiences on "UnREAL," Stroma takes a lead role as H.G. Wells in Kevin Williamson's "Time After Time."
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Jodie Comer, "The White Princess"
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Starz