Why ‘FBI’ Landed at CBS: ‘No More Beachfront Real Estate at NBC’ Dick Wolf Says
TCA 2018: Procedural king invokes favorite Hollywood phrase, “creative differences,” on showrunner/casting changes
Tim Baysinger | August 5, 2018 @ 10:19 AM
Last Updated: August 5, 2018 @ 11:16 AM
CBS
Dick Wolf, the creator behind some of NBC’s most famous TV franchises including “Law & Order” and “Chicago,” explained how his new series, “FBI” ended up at CBS.
“There was no more beachfront real estate at NBC,” Wolf said during the show’s Television Critics Association session on Sunday. “[NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt] agreed, and basically we came up with a formula where I think it will be a profitable venture for both studios.”
The series is a co-production between Universal Television and CBS Television Studios.
Since being ordered straight-to-series by CBS last year, “FBI” has undergone changes both in front of and behind the camera. Sela Ward will replace Connie Nielsen in the second episode in a new character and as one of the show’s leads, while Greg Plageman will replace Craig Turk as showrunner.
Wolf addressed the changes, using the go-to Hollywood phrase when such changes take place: creative differences.
“Craig Turk was one of the best guys I’ve ever worked with,” said Wolf of “The Good Wife” veteran, pointing out the differences between running a serialized drama vs. his standalone procedurals. “This is a totally different animal.”
“FBI,” which explores the inner-workings of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will air on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. sandwiched between “NCIS” and “NCIS: New Orleans.” It premieres September 25. Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski also serve as executive producers.
Fall TV 2018: 13 Stars to Watch, From Jay Hernandez to Madeleine Mantock (Photos)
Madeleine Mantock, Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery - "Charmed" (CW)
The CW's "Charmed" reboot features three new faces as the Charmed Ones. Mantock previously starred in AMC's "Into the Badlands" as Veil. Diaz has had roles in shows like "Room 104" and "The Breaks." Jeffery has appeared on "Shades of Blue" and "The X-Files." But starring as three witch sisters in "Charmed" -- which The CW is hoping to be a successful drama with its Sunday night time slot after "Supergirl" -- will put these ladies front and center.
The CW
Daniel Ezra - "All American" (CW)
Ezra has previously appeared on series like "The Missing" and "Prime Suspect 1973." His character Spencer is the new face of Beverly High football -- and Ezra is the new face of Greg Berlanti's high school drama that gives us "Friday Night Lights" vibes. Are we looking at the next Michael B. Jordan?
The CW
Jack Gore - "The Kids Are Alright" (ABC)
You might recognize this young actor's voice from the Blue Sky Studios animated movie "Ferdinand," and now it's time to recognize the face. Gore has also appeared in "Billions."
ABC
Kimrie Lewis, Jake Choi - "Single Parents" (ABC)
Lewis and Choi play two of the single parents in ABC's new sitcom along with Leighton Meester, Brad Garrett and Taran Killam. Lewis previously appeared on ABC's "Scandal" as a reporter and Choi has had roles on "Hawaii Five-0" and "Lethal Weapon."
ABC
Violett Beane - "God Friended Me" (CBS)
Beane has had roles in "The Flash" and "The Resident." In "God Friended Me" she stars as journalist Cara Bloom, a girl who is suggested to Brandon Micheal Hall's Miles Finer by "God."
CBS
Nik Dodani - "Murphy Brown" (CBS)
The "Murphy Brown" revival has a new cast member: Nik Dodani, who plays Pat Patel, the director of technology and social media trying to bring the "olds" into the 21st century who can't believe that Murphy still has a Razr. He previously appeared on "Atypical."
CBS
Felix Mallard - "Happy Together" (CBS)
Mallard appeared previously on "Neighbours" and is making his US debut on CBS' new comedy "Happy Together." Mallard stars as a young celebrity trying to stay out of the limelight and he's serving us some One Direction-style charisma.
CBS
Jay Hernandez - "Magnum P.I." (CBS)
Your new Thomas Magnum has arrived, and he's a fast car-driving, kayaking, former Navy SEAL who also happens to be a total hunk. We're thinking that Hernandez + action + Hawaii will equal TV stardom.
CBS
Sarayu Blue - "I Feel Bad" (NBC)
"I Feel Bad" is one of the shows we're excited to see this fall, and Sarayu Blue is one of the reasons why. She plays a mom struggling with the pressure to come off as perfect, and her realness in the trailer already had us giggling. She previously appeared "No Tomorrow" and "Blockers."
NBC
Melissa Roxburgh - "Manifest" (NBC)
Roxburgh plays Michaela Stone, one of the travelers who has been presumed dead for five-and-a-half years. She narrates the trailer, so we're sure that she'll be an important part of the story. She's previously appeared in "Valor" and "Supernatural."
NBC
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Now that we’ve had a glimpse at the new series coming this fall, here are new names we’re expecting to make a splash
Madeleine Mantock, Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery - "Charmed" (CW)
The CW's "Charmed" reboot features three new faces as the Charmed Ones. Mantock previously starred in AMC's "Into the Badlands" as Veil. Diaz has had roles in shows like "Room 104" and "The Breaks." Jeffery has appeared on "Shades of Blue" and "The X-Files." But starring as three witch sisters in "Charmed" -- which The CW is hoping to be a successful drama with its Sunday night time slot after "Supergirl" -- will put these ladies front and center.
The CW
The CW
