Taylor Schilling has landed the lead role in the upcoming NBC drama pilot “What the Dead Know,” based on the memoir of former New York City medical examiner Barbara Butcher. The show, executive produced by Dick Wolf, follows death investigator Ava Ledger (played by Schilling), who excels with dead bodies but struggles with the living. Teaming up with the NYPD, Ava works to solve the toughest cases.
Schilling, known for her role as Piper Chapman in “Orange Is the New Black,” has received critical acclaim for her work, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She has appeared in various television shows and films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Represented by Gersh, Untitled, and Goodman Genow, Schilling continues to impress with her performances.
The script for “What the Dead Know” is penned by Beth Rinehart, with Wolf Entertainment serving as executive producer along with Tom Thayer, Peter Jankowski, and Anastasia Puglisi. Co-executive producers include Kevin Plunkett, Rebecca McGill, and Barbara Butcher. The pilot is produced by Universal Television, under Wolf’s overall deal with the studio.
NBC has successfully cast leads for all its drama pilots this season, with David Boreanaz set to star in the reboot of “The Rockford Files,” Emily Deschanel in an untitled criminal profiler drama, and Damon Wayans Jr. in “Puzzled,” centered around a man with Acquired Savant Syndrome. Additionally, Peter Krause has joined the ensemble cast of the pilot “Protection.”
The lineup of talented actors and producers involved in these projects promises an exciting season for NBC, with “What the Dead Know” adding to the network’s diverse and compelling slate of shows. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated drama pilot.
