NBC investigates Prime Suspect remake

Helen Mirren classic will get a fresh spin from the creator of 'Without a Trace'
Published on Wednesday, Sep 2, 2009 By HitFix Staff

NBC is in the early stages of developing a remake of the popular and acclaimed British format "Prime Suspect."

According to both industry trade papers (but let's just cite Variety, for fun), "Without a Trace" creator Hank Steinberg is set to write what will be a two-hour pilot presentation.



The first British "Prime Suspect" premieres in the spring of 1991 on ITV and made its way to American television in 1992, introducing viewers to Helen Mirren's Jane Tennison, a detective battling both institutional stumbling blocks, but also her own personal demons.

The series, created by Lynda La Plante, aired in six multi-part installments, followed by 2006's "Prime Suspect: The Final Act."

Mirren earned six Emmy nominations for her "Prime Suspect" work, winning twice.



The "Prime Suspect" remake is part of a multi-project deal between NBC and ITV Studios.

This is also the second iconic crime franchise set up for an NBC remake in recent weeks. The network previously recruited "House" creator David Shore to work out a fresh take on the James Garner private eye classic "The Rockford Files."

http://www.hitfix.com/articles/2009-9-2-nbc-investigates-prime-suspect-remake

Dame Shame: NBC halts Prime Suspect remake

It turns out finding an American Helen Mirren isn't so easy
Published on Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
By HitFix Staff


NBC has temporarily shelved its remake of the classic BBC "Prime Suspect" format.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the decision to postpone production on the "Prime Suspect" pilot was due to circumstances that were completely foreseeable for most outside observers: It turns out they were unable to satisfactorily cast the lead role.


No, really?


Helen Mirren earned six Emmy nominations and two wins for her performance as Jane Tennison, a detective who battled her own personal demons as well as institutional stumbling blocks in investigating crime. Any time you're trying to cast somebody to fill a Dame's shoes, you're going to struggle.


The American "Prime Suspect" was adapted by "Without a Trace" creator Hank Steinberg and the trade papers had previously floated a number of actresses rumored to have been approached by NBC, including Maria Bello and Julianne Moore.

Ultimately unable to secure the right choice, NBC brass decided it was best to hold the project back until at least June. Presumably by waiting until after pilot pickups and rejections, NBC will have a different range of possible stars.



Speaking of big shoes, NBC also has yet to cast the James Garner stand-in in the network's remake of "The Rockford Files."

Stay tuned...

http://www.hitfix.com/articles/2010-2-25-nbc-halts-prime-suspect-remake