Kelsey Grammer to Lead NBC Drama 'Pops' Based on Real-Life EMT Story
Kelsey Grammer is set to star in and executive produce 'Pops,' a new drama series in development at NBC. The show, written by Danny Weiss, follows a man who leaves a successful career to become a volunteer EMT in his 60s. It is based on the true story of Ed Levien, a Maryland resident who served as an EMT for 12 years before retiring at age 76. This marks Grammer's return to NBC as a series lead after more than two decades, following his recent work on the Paramount+ revival of 'Frasier.'
Key points
- Kelsey Grammer will headline and executive produce the new NBC drama 'Pops.'
- The series is written by Danny Weiss, a former co-executive producer of 'Chicago Med.'
- The plot centers on a character named 'Pops,' a man who becomes a volunteer EMT in his 60s after a career in advertising.
- The story is based on the real-life experiences of Ed Levien, a Maryland resident who worked as an EMT for 12 years until retiring at 76.
- Universal Television is the studio, with production handled by Grammer's Grammnet NH Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment.
- Grammer is also set to appear in the upcoming film 'Avengers: Doomsday,' reprising his role as Dr. Hank McCoy.
Background
Kelsey Grammer has maintained a presence in television through various projects, including the Paramount+ revival of 'Frasier,' which earned him four of his five Emmy Awards for the original run. He has also starred in hourlong series such as Starz's 'Boss' and Amazon's 'The Last Tycoon.' His return to NBC as a series lead follows his long tenure on the network, where he played Dr. Frasier Crane across 'Cheers,' 'Frasier,' and 'Wings' for over 20 years. The new project, 'Pops,' draws comparisons to ABC's 'The Rookie' and CBS's 'Carol's Second Act,' both of which feature older characters entering new professional fields.
Why it matters
The development of 'Pops' signals a continued interest in dramas featuring older protagonists entering high-stakes professions, a trend seen in recent hits like 'The Rookie.' For Kelsey Grammer, it represents a significant return to a network where he was a fixture for decades, showcasing his range in dramatic roles beyond his iconic comedy work. The involvement of Danny Weiss, a veteran of medical dramas like 'Chicago Med' and 'House, M.D.,' suggests a focus on authentic medical and emergency response storytelling.
What to watch
The series is currently in development at NBC, with no announced premiere date or cast additions beyond Grammer. Viewers can expect to see Grammer in the film 'Avengers: Doomsday' in December, where he will reprise his role as Dr. Hank McCoy. Updates on the production status and potential pilot season timing for 'Pops' will likely follow as the network finalizes its 2027 slate.
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