NBC Passes On Bad Boys Spin-Off L.A.'s Finest
The Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba-starring Bad Boys spin-off is dead at NBC, but there may still be hope. According to Deadline, the show, titled L.A.'s Finest, is being shopped elsewhere, with producers Sony Pictures Television reportedly already getting offers.
L.A.'s Finest was set to follow Union's Special Agent Syd Burnett, introduced in the 2003 film Bad Boys II. The series would see her moving to Los Angeles and joining the LAPD, where she is partnered with Nancy McKenna (Alba), a working mom who is jealous of Syd's freedom. Although the two have very different lifestyles and approaches, they are both at the top of game in what is described as an "action-packed, character-driven procedural."
The show was considered one of pilot season's most popular projects, with two buzzy leads (including Alba, who was personally recruited by Union) and an existing property behind it to bring in viewers. However, talks between NBC and Sony TV reportedly broke down as they talked about packaging, focusing on the show, the potential series Guess Who Died, and the on-the-bubble dramas The Blacklist and Timeless.
It's unclear who could swoop in to pick up the project, which carries a hefty price tag. However, with its star power and the increasing number of content providers in the peak TV era, it's possible that the show could have a second chance at life. It is not clear if NBC's decision to pass over the project was due to creative or financial issues.
Ernie Hudson, Ryan McPartlin, Zach Gilford, Zach McGowan, and Duane Martin co-starred in L.A.'s Finest, which was written by The Blacklist's Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis and executive produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, KristieAnne Reed, Jeff Gaspin, Jeff Morrone, Doug Belgrad, Union, and Alba. Anton Cropper (Suits) directed the pilot and also executive produced. (via The Hollywood Reporter)