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NBC has given a series order to ‘Hannibal,’ and a pilot order for the soapy ‘Notorious.’
NBC Entertainment president Robert Greenblatt has given a 13-episode order to Hannibal, a series based on Thomas Harris’ famed novel Red Dragon. Described as an “hourlong contemporary thriller,” the series will follow FBI agent William Graham and his mentor Dr. Hannibal Lecter, during the beginning of their complex relationship (consider it a prequel of sorts). Pushing Daisies’ Bryan Fuller and Martha DeLaurentiis (who served as producer for the Hannibal films) will serve as executive producer for the project.
According to reports, the direct to series model will save NBC money for production due to international licensing fees, but is also more risky for the network due to the lack of “vetting” a series would go through during a traditional pilot order.
Greenblatt’s cable style approach to the fledgling network should make May’s network upfronts interesting. While a 13-episode commitment has proven successful on cable, network TV has yet to fully adapt to the concept.
The network has also ordered a soap pilot from Universal Television and BermanBruan. Notorious is an opulent soap in which a female detective returns undercover to the wealthy family she grew up in 00 as the maid’s daughter–to solve the murder of the notorious heiress who was once her closest friend. Liz Heldens (Prime Suspect, Friday Night Lights) will serve as executive producer with Lloyd Braun, Gail Berman and Gene Stein.
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