Emily Deschanel to Lead NBC Criminal Profiler Drama Inspired by Dr. Ann Burgess
Emily Deschanel is returning to the world of criminal investigations with a new NBC drama pilot inspired by the groundbreaking work of renowned criminal profiler, researcher, and author Dr. Ann Burgess.
The Bones star has been cast in the lead role of NBC’s currently untitled drama pilot from Dean Georgaris and John Fox. The project combines criminal psychology, FBI investigations, and a victim-focused approach to solving complex cases.
For actors and entertainment professionals following KINGS casting, NBC auditions, television casting calls, and upcoming production opportunities, this is a project worth watching as casting and production move forward.
What Is NBC’s New Criminal Profiler Drama About?
The NBC pilot centers on Professor Georgia Ryan, played by Emily Deschanel.
Georgia is a trailblazing psychologist who challenges traditional approaches to criminology. Instead of focusing primarily on perpetrators, she shifts attention toward victims, searching for overlooked details that could provide critical clues investigators might otherwise miss.
Alongside her team, Georgia consults with the FBI to investigate some of its most difficult and elusive cases.
NBC originally ordered the pilot in January, with the story taking inspiration from the real-life career and research of Dr. Ann Burgess.
Who Is Dr. Ann Burgess?
Dr. Ann Burgess is an internationally recognized expert, researcher, and author whose work has contributed to the study of victims, offenders, trauma, and criminal profiling.
Her research provides real-world inspiration for the fictional Professor Georgia Ryan and the investigative philosophy at the center of the NBC pilot.
Burgess is directly involved in the production as a consulting producer, giving the series a connection to the groundbreaking work that inspired its premise.
Emily Deschanel Returns to Crime Television
The role brings Emily Deschanel back into familiar television territory.
Deschanel became widely known for playing forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan on the long-running Fox series Bones. She starred in the procedural for 12 seasons and appeared in nearly 250 episodes.
She also served as a producer on Bones and made her directorial debut by directing the premiere of the show’s final season.
Professor Georgia Ryan represents a different kind of investigator, but there are similarities between the characters. Both are highly accomplished specialists whose expertise and unconventional approaches allow them to examine criminal cases from perspectives others may overlook.
Emily Deschanel’s Other Television and Film Credits
Outside of Bones, Deschanel has continued building a diverse television and film résumé.
Her television credits include TNT’s Animal Kingdom, ABC’s The Rookie, and Netflix’s Devil in Ohio. Her film credits include ReEntry and Big Boys.
Deschanel will also serve as a producer on the NBC pilot in addition to starring.
A Possible Bones Reunion at NBC
The NBC pilot also creates an interesting connection for longtime Bones fans.
David Boreanaz, who starred opposite Deschanel as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth, has been tapped to lead NBC’s reboot pilot of The Rockford Files.
If both pilots ultimately receive series orders, the former Bones co-stars could simultaneously headline crime-related television dramas for NBC.
While the projects are separate, the possibility of seeing both actors leading NBC dramas adds another reason for Bones fans to follow the network’s upcoming television slate.
Who Is Behind the NBC Pilot?
Dean Georgaris and John Fox are writers and executive producers on the project.
John Davis serves as an executive producer through Davis Entertainment, while Emily Deschanel will produce in addition to starring.
Dr. Ann Burgess and Steve Constantine are consulting producers.
Universal Television is producing the pilot.
Who Are the Casting Directors for the NBC Criminal Profiler Drama?
The casting team behind the project includes experienced professionals Beth Bowling, Kim Miscia, and Nadia Lubbe Simon. Central Casting Georgia is also involved in casting for the production.
Together, the casting team brings experience spanning major television dramas, feature films, and background casting.
Beth Bowling
Beth Bowling, CSA is an award-winning casting director with extensive experience working on major television productions.
Her credits include Mad Men, Mr. Robot, The Flight Attendant, Hightown, Blue Bloods, Divorce, You, Dr. Death, and the original Gossip Girl. She has also received Emmy nominations for her casting work.
Bowling’s experience with character-driven dramas makes her a notable member of the casting team assembling the performers for this NBC project.
Kim Miscia
Kim Miscia is a casting director and producer whose credits include acclaimed television projects such as Mr. Robot and Mad Men.
Miscia and Bowling have worked together on multiple productions, bringing an established casting partnership to the NBC pilot. Their experience finding performers for complex, character-focused television series could play an important role as the production builds the world surrounding Professor Georgia Ryan.
Nadia Lubbe Simon
Nadia Lubbe Simon is a casting director and producer with experience across both television and feature films.
Her credits include projects such as Ladder 49, It’s Complicated, and Heartbreakers. Her involvement adds another experienced casting professional to the team responsible for identifying talent for the new NBC drama.
Central Casting Georgia
Central Casting Georgia is also one of the casting companies involved with the project.
Central Casting is widely known for background casting for television and film productions. Background performers help create the believable environments surrounding principal characters, from offices and public spaces to law enforcement and investigative settings.
A crime drama involving FBI investigations could potentially require a wide variety of background performers to portray agents, law enforcement personnel, office workers, university staff, civilians, witnesses, and other characters depending on individual scenes and production requirements.
Actors should rely on official casting notices for confirmed roles, eligibility requirements, filming dates, locations, and compensation.
KINGS Casting Call and Acting Opportunity
NBC ‘KINGS’ Casting Call for College Student
College Student Background Actors for New TV Series
Job Description
A new television series is seeking talent of all genders who can portray college students for paid background acting roles in Atlanta, Georgia. Selected performers will help create an authentic college environment while working alongside a professional television production team. This opportunity is ideal for aspiring actors and performers looking to gain valuable on-set experience. Use casting code: COLLEGE when applying.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a college student in background scenes for a new television series.
- Perform naturally in campus and college-related scenes.
- Follow direction from the production and assistant directing teams.
- Maintain continuity and professionalism throughout filming.
- Be prepared to work for the required duration of assigned scenes.
Requirements
- Open to all genders.
- Must be able to convincingly portray a college student.
- Must be available to work in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Comfortable appearing on camera as a background performer.
- Able to follow on-set instructions and work effectively with other cast members.
Compensation
- This is a paid background acting opportunity.
NBC ‘KINGS’ Open Casting Call
Newspaper Boy for New TV Series
Job Description
A new television series is seeking a young male background actor to portray a newspaper boy in a period production filming in Atlanta. This paid child acting opportunity is open to boys of all ethnicities who can authentically fit the look and atmosphere of the historical setting.
Job Responsibilities
• Portray a newspaper boy in a period television scene.
• Perform natural background actions appropriate to the historical setting.
• Follow direction from the production and assistant directing teams.
• Maintain focus and continuity throughout filming.
• Work professionally and comfortably in a television production environment.
Requirements
• Male talent, ages 10–12.
• Open to all ethnicities.
• Must be able to authentically portray a newspaper boy in a period setting.
• Must be local to or able to work in Atlanta, Georgia.
Compensation
• $168 for 12 hours.
What Could KINGS Casting Include?
As the NBC pilot progresses, performers following KINGS casting should keep an eye on confirmed casting announcements.
Crime and investigative television projects can involve a wide variety of characters, including principal actors, recurring performers, guest stars, day players, FBI agents, police officers, investigators, witnesses, suspects, victims, medical professionals, university personnel, and background actors.
Specific roles should not be assumed until casting directors or production representatives release official casting information.
Why Actors Should Watch This NBC Project
Television crime dramas can provide recurring opportunities for actors because new investigations often introduce additional characters and environments.
The involvement of experienced casting directors and Central Casting Georgia makes the project particularly relevant for performers interested in both principal and background opportunities.
However, the project is currently a pilot. A pilot order does not guarantee a full series order, as NBC will ultimately decide whether to move forward after evaluating the project.
What’s Next for Emily Deschanel’s NBC Pilot?
Emily Deschanel’s casting gives the project an experienced lead with a strong history in procedural television.
The combination of a victim-centered investigative premise, inspiration from Dr. Ann Burgess’ work, and an experienced creative and casting team makes the NBC drama one to follow as development continues.
For Bones fans, the project also offers the opportunity to see Deschanel return to the investigative genre in a new role built around psychology and criminology.
For actors and entertainment professionals, future casting announcements could provide another reason to keep the project on their radar.
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