TV Jots

Network Picks Up High-Profile Spy Show

Struggling broadcast network NBC picked up its first new scripted series of the coming 2010–2011 season today, May 3, and many observers aren’t surprised in the least that the lucky show is the J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost, Fringe) and Josh Reims (Brothers & Sisters) spy project Undercovers, which various sources alternatively identify as a drama or a dramedy.

Whether its humorous or not, the series is already poised to become a ratings success for NBC due to its esteemed and popular co-creator and co-executive producer Abrams. Needless to say, the network can use every bit of success it can get these days.

Undercovers stars Soul Food alum Boris Kodjoe and onetime Doctor Who actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw (pictured above) as married couple Steven and Samantha Bloom. Top CIA spooks before they fell in love five years ago, the couple left that dangerous world behind to wed and manage a Los Angeles-based catering company.

Homey as that relatively quiet life sounds, the pair soon realizes it’s the excitement of espionage they really crave when they return to their old profession to help investigate the disappearance of a friend who is also a fellow spy.

Other Undercovers cast members include veteran actor Gerald McRaney (Jericho, Deadwood, Simon & Simon) as the Blooms’ boss Carlton Shaw, Jessica Parker Kennedy (Smallville) as Samantha’s younger sister Lizzy, and previous Parks and Recreation guest star Ben Schwartz as your guess is as good as mine.

Says NBC Universal Television Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gaspin in the official press release: “We have tremendous confidence in this promising series and feel this is a great way to kick off our upcoming Upfront development announcements. J.J. has delivered another signature series, along with our partners at Warner Bros., and we couldn’t be happier.”

I have just two words in response: Can’t wait. Or maybe three more: Bring it on.