The CW Lands Jared Padalecki’s ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Reboot

“Supernatural” star staying at the network

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The CW is keeping Jared Padalecki in the fold after “Supernatural” ends its run next spring, landing the development for a reboot of “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

Padalecki is attached to star and executive produce the new version, which is titled “Walker.” Anna Fricke is writing and executive producing the project with Dan Lin, which is from CBS TV Studios.

Padalecki will play Cordell Walker, a widowed father of two with his own moral code who returns to his home in Austin after two years of undercover work on a high-profile case, only to discover there’s more work to be done at home. He’ll attempt to reconnect with his children, navigate clashes with his conservative family, and find unexpected common ground with his new partner (one of the first women in Texas Rangers’ history), while growing increasingly suspicious about the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death.

CBS TV Studios owner CBS Corp (soon to be ViacomCBS) owns a 50% stake in The CW. The studio produces “Nancy Drew,” “Charmed,” “In the Dark” and “Dynasty” for the network, and co-produces “The 100,” “Roswell, New Mexico” and “All American” with Warner Bros. TV (whose parent company WarnerMedia is also a co-owner of the network).

The original series, which starred Chuck Norris, ran from 1993-2001 on CBS. It was created by Albert S. Ruddy & Leslie Greif. The reboot would be in the same vein at CBS’ reboots of “Magnum PI” and “MacGyver.”

Deadline was first to report on the reboot landing at The CW.

Padalecki has co-starred alongside Jenson Ackles on “Supernatural,” which pre-dates The CW’s existence. It first debuted in 2005 on the network’s predecessor WB, and has aired more than 300 episodes. It will end its run next May.

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