CBS has given a series commitment to “Clarice,” a TV sequel to “The Silence of the Lambs” from Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet, the network announced Sunday during the Television Critics Association press tour.
The project — which has been given a pilot order at the broadcast network, with a penalty set if it doesn’t get ordered to series — follows FBI agent Clarice Starling, who was played by Jodie Foster in the 1991 Academy Award-winning film adaptation of “The Silence of the Lambs” novel.
Here’s the logline for the potential new drama, which does not yet have a cast attached:
It’s 1993, a year after the events of “The Silence of the Lambs.” “Clarice” is a deep dive into the untold personal story of Clarice Starling as she returns to the field to pursue serial murderers and sexual predators while navigating the high stakes political world of Washington, D.C.
“After more than 20 years of silence, we’re privileged to give voice to one of America’s most enduring heroes – Clarice Starling,” Kurtzman and Lumet said in a statement. “Clarice’s bravery and complexity have always lit the way, even as her personal story remained in the dark. But hers is the very story we need today: her struggle, her resilience, her victory. Her time is now, and always.”
Kurtzman (the mastermind behind CBS All Access’ growing “Star Trek” franchise) and his writing partner Lumet will executive produce “Clarice,” along with Secret Hideout’s Heather Kadin. Aaron Baiers is a co-executive producer.
The series hails from MGM and CBS Television Studios in association with Kurtzman’s Secret Hideout.