Scott Bakula to Lead Untitled CBS Detective Drama from Dean Devlin

Key points

• Scott Bakula will headline and executive produce a new untitled detective drama in early development at CBS.
• The project is produced by Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment, which is known for cable franchises like The Librarian and Leverage.
• Writer and executive producer Michael Sussman, a co-creator of Perception and former writer on Star Trek: Enterprise, is developing the series.
• The show is described as a high-concept procedural set in Los Angeles, with a character described as a 'leap' from Bakula’s previous CBS role.
• This marks the first broadcast network show for Electric Entertainment, which previously focused on basic cable programming.

Background

Scott Bakula recently completed a seven-season run as the lead of NCIS: New Orleans on CBS. He is also known for his roles in Quantum Leap and Star Trek: Enterprise. His next scheduled appearance is in the Netflix hockey drama The Sticks. CBS has recently expanded its procedural lineup with the legal drama Cupertino, which debuted in October 2026.

Why it matters

The development signals a shift for Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment from cable to broadcast, potentially expanding its reach and influence. It also indicates CBS’s continued investment in procedural dramas featuring established talent, following the launch of Cupertino. For Scott Bakula, this represents a return to the network where he recently starred, offering a new creative direction distinct from his previous roles.

What to watch

The series is currently in early development. No premiere date, additional cast members, or specific plot details have been announced. Bakula is currently set to appear in Netflix’s The Sticks.