Prime Suspect (U.S. TV series)

Prime Suspect is an American police procedural television drama series that premiered on NBC on September 22, 2011.^[1] It stars Maria Bello as Detective Jane Timoney. The series is a "re-imagining"^[2] of the British series by the same name.^[3] The series was created by Lynda La Plante and was redeveloped by Alexandra Cunningham who also serves as executive producer and writer. Peter Berg serves as executive producer and director. Sarah Aubrey, Julie Meldal-Johnson, Paul Buccieri, Lynda La Plante and John McNamara all serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Universal Media Studios, ITV Studios America and Film 44.

On November 14, 2011 NBC announced it would replace Prime Suspect in the Thursday night line-up with The Firm, beginning January 12, 2012,^[4][5] however stated that they would be "considering their options" until all 13 episodes air.^[6] NBC will air the final 2 episodes on Saturday, January 22, 2012.^[7]

Synopsis

Produced by Peter Berg and Alexandra Cunningham, the crime drama Prime Suspect takes a look inside a New York City homicide department. The series stars Maria Bello as tough-as-nails NYPD homicide Detective Jane Timoney, an outsider who has just transferred to a new squad where her new colleagues already dislike her. Jane is confident and focused—and also rude, abrupt and occasionally reckless. She has her vices, and rumors about how she got the job follow her everywhere—but at the end of the day, she is an instinctively brilliant cop who can not be distracted from the only important thing: the prime suspect. The series allows us to plunge into the life of Jane Timoney as we also investigate New York crimes and uncover intriguing mysteries.^[8]

Cast

• Maria Bello as Det. Jane Timoney
• Brían F. O'Byrne as Det. Reg Duffy
• Kirk Acevedo as Det. Luisito Calderon
• Peter Gerety as Desmond Timoney, Jane's father.
• Tim Griffin as Det. Augie Blando
• Damon Gupton as Det. Evrard Velerio
• Elizabeth Rodriguez appeared as Det. Carolina Rivera (four episodes)
• Joe Nieves as Det. Eddie Gautier (pilot only)
• Kenny Johnson as Matt Webb
• Aidan Quinn as Lt. Kevin Sweeney

Development and production

An American remake of the UK series was previously ordered by NBC in September 2009 as part of two-year, three pilot deal with ITV Studios. Hank Steinberg, the creator of the CBS Without a Trace series, was set to write and executive produce the two-hour pilot. In early 2010, Erwin Stoff and Paul Buccieri were to also serve as executive producers – for ITV Studios and Universal Media Studios – and Mick Jackson was on board to direct. By late February, the project was put on hold because reportedly an actress couldn't be found to play the lead character. In July 2010, Universal Media Studios signed a new deal with Film 44, the production company of Peter Berg and Sarah Aubrey. As part of the agreement, they took over the development of Prime Suspect. "We are proud to continue our productive creative relationship with Peter and Sarah in developing Prime Suspect, among others… They have immense talent and passion".^[9]

In early 2011, NBC gave the greenlight to produce a pilot script.^[9] In late May, NBC announced that Prime Suspect would premiere on Thursday September 22, 2011.^[10]

It was announced in early August that Maria Bello would star as the main character of Det. Jane Timoney.^[9] The series is filmed in Los Angeles although the series is based in New York.^[11]

Based on the critically acclaimed British television series of the same name, Prime Suspect has been redeveloped for American audiences by Cunningham and Berg. Prime Suspect is produced by Universal Media Studios, ITV Studios America and Film 44. Alexandra Cunningham is the executive producer/writer along with executive producer/director Peter Berg and executive producers Sarah Aubrey, Julie Meldal-Johnson, Paul Buccieri, Lynda La Plante and John McNamara.^[8]

Ratings

Reception

The series premiere was viewed by 6.05 million viewers with a 1.8 rating in the 18-49 demographic.^[24] The series has received generally positive reviews from critics and viewers. The series received 66/100 based upon 26 reviews on the website Metacritic indicating the series as generally favourable.^[25] Most critics found Maria Bello's performance the strongest factor of the series praising her excellent and intriguing portrayal of Det. Jane Timoney. Mo Fathelbab of BuzzFocus said, "I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the American version of Prime Suspect is my favorite new hour-long show on network television. It may very well be the best new show premiering this fall. It’s a smart, un-condescending cop show that is anchored by a fantastic performance by Maria Bello".^[26] Eric Blattberg said, "What makes Prime Suspect compelling enough to see where this show goes is its remarkable cast. This show is not actually bad at all; it's an enjoyable hour, but it's going to need a lot of work to avoid being lost in the shuffle amongst other established police shows. Not to mention the fact that it's up against Thursday heavyweights".^[27]

On October 4, 2011, NBC announced that the show's first three episodes will be rerun on Monday nights for the month of October, following the cancellation of The Playboy Club.^[28]

International distribution

References

External links

• Official website
• Prime Suspect (U.S. TV series) at the Internet Movie Database
• Prime Suspect (U.S. TV series) at TV.com