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In a strategic development, NBC has announced its lineup for the 2026 television season, featuring a range of new crime dramas. The network has officially greenlit two pilots: Puzzled and What the Dead Know. This decision not only revives the tradition of pilot season but also highlights NBC’s commitment to engaging crime narratives.
The network’s focus on crime genres is evident, as NBC has ordered a total of six pilots in the past week alone. This initiative underscores a renewed emphasis on storytelling that intertwines mystery, investigation, and human drama.
The evidence
Puzzled: A unique perspective on crime-solving
Written by Joey Falco, known for his contributions to Charmed and Sleepy Hollow, Puzzled is based on the Puzzle Master book series by Danielle Trussoni. The plot centers on Mike Brink, a former college athlete whose life is altered by a near-fatal fire. Following a traumatic brain injury, he gains an extraordinary ability that enables him to assist local law enforcement in solving crimes.
A journey of transformation
Mike’s narrative reflects personal transformation through adversity. His unique perspective allows him to analyze situations differently, offering insights that others may miss. The series is set to delve into both the criminal cases he investigates and the psychological effects of his injury and growth. Jordan Cerf joins Falco as an executive producer, with Trussoni also involved in production.
The documents
What the Dead Know: A different take on death investigation
What the Dead Know, created by Beth Rinehart, who has worked on FBI: Most Wanted and Law & Order: SVU, draws inspiration from the memoir of former New York City medical examiner Barbara Butcher. The series follows Ava Ledger, a death investigator proficient in her work with the deceased but struggles with interactions with the living.
Unraveling life’s mysteries
Ava’s character presents a fresh perspective on the field of death investigation. As she collaborates with the NYPD to resolve intricate cases, viewers will observe the balance between her professional capabilities and the personal challenges she encounters. The executive production team includes notable figures such as Dick Wolf, Tom Thayer, Peter Jankowski, and Anastasia Puglisi, ensuring a high-quality production.
The reconstruction
These two pilots are part of NBC’s broader strategy to emphasize crime procedural dramas, which have historically resonated with audiences. Both projects are produced under the aegis of Universal Television, a segment of the larger Universal Studio Group.
Key players
This week’s announcements align with NBC’s efforts to revitalize pilot season. The network’s recent orders encompass a variety of crime dramas and comedies, indicating a deliberate approach to satisfy diverse audience preferences. Notably, the lineup includes a contemporary reboot of The Rockford Files, a family-oriented law enforcement drama titled Protection, and a detective comedy from the creators of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
The implications
As NBC continues to delve into themes of crime and investigation, the impact of these new series on the network’s programming landscape remains to be seen. The revival of pilot season emphasizes the necessity of testing new concepts and allows networks to assess audience reactions before committing to full series orders.
What happens next
With Puzzled and What the Dead Know, NBC is not only embracing the crime genre but also expanding its storytelling boundaries by introducing distinctive characters and innovative plots. As the network approaches the upcoming season, viewers can anticipate a captivating blend of drama, intrigue, and suspense.