TV Jots

Fifth Collaboration for Actor and Network

Already the star of TNT’s hit Librarian action-adventure franchise and 1999 movie Pirates of Silicon Valley, ER veteran Noah Wyle is next set to star in a DreamWorks Television pilot all about alien invaders from outer space.

I know — been there, done that, many times over. Still, this particular project has a lot of impressive talent behind it, ranging from Saving Private Ryan Academy Award nominee Robert Rodat, who will write the pilot script for the currently untitled program, to co-executive producer Steven Spielberg of feature-film fame. The story for the prospective series came from the minds of both men.

Wyle will star as the lucky human who leads a diverse group of soldiers and civilians flung together to thwart the takeover plans of an alien force. The action begins right after the malevolent visitors arrive and destroy most of Earth’s inhabitants, and the resistance movement forms as the invaders get busy gathering up any survivors.

Says Wyle: “I am overjoyed to continue my association with TNT on this new project. We have a longstanding relationship spanning four projects, and I couldn’t feel more at home. I also have the pleasure of re-teaming with Steven Spielberg, who was behind the creation of ER, my home for the last 15 years, and look forward to working with the DreamWorks Television team.”

Says Spielberg: “It is a privilege to be starting a second series with Noah. The first didn’t do too bad.”

Says TNT executive vice president and head of programming Michael Wright: “Noah Wyle is an incredibly talented actor and also an extraordinary person, so we’re proud to work with him again. It’s also great to collaborate with an amazing production team headed by Steven Spielberg on what is certain to be a compelling and provocative series.”

Says me: “I’m looking forward to this already. Hurry up and get it ready for primetime, please.”

And on a side note: With popular series like The Closer and Leverage under its belt, as well as movies like the three Librarian installments, it seems TNT is seriously trying to take the crown as basic cable’s preeminent network. So far, not so shabby.