Michael Connelly, known for his bestselling novels and television adaptations like Bosch, is returning to his roots with a new crime drama set in Florida. Joining him is Jim Leonard, a writer and producer with credits including Ray Donovan, as they develop an untitled Florida Task Force series at the recently merged Paramount Television Studios. This partnership draws on their combined experience to create an authentic crime story inspired by Connelly’s early reporting days in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
Development of the Series Amidst Paramount’s Studio Reorganization
The project initially began at Skydance TV under Matt Thunell’s leadership before Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount Global led to a consolidation that brought the series into Paramount Television Studios. This new studio umbrella now includes MTV Entertainment Studios and Showtime, where Taylor Sheridan produces popular shows like Yellowstone and 1923. Although Sheridan is not directly involved with this Florida crime drama, his influence on the studio’s high-quality, character-driven storytelling is evident in its ambitious approach to world-building and production values.
Creative Team and Story Setting Highlight Unique Florida Crime Landscape
Connelly’s background as a crime reporter in the turbulent 1980s and 1990s Florida provides a rich, authentic backdrop for the series, capturing the chaotic and often stranger-than-fiction crime environment of South Beach during that period. Jim Leonard’s experience across television drama and theater contributes a gritty edge and strong character development to the project. Rick Jackson is also on board as executive producer, and Theresa Snider from Connelly’s Hieronymus Pictures ensures the project maintains the essence of Bosch’s storytelling style.
Potential Impact and Future Expectations for the Crime Drama
The combination of Connelly’s firsthand knowledge of Florida’s criminal underworld and Leonard’s television expertise sets high expectations for this new show, which has the potential to become a compelling addition to Paramount’s lineup. With a cast that includes Titus Welliver and Jamie Hector, the series aims to offer a fresh perspective on crime dramas by tapping into a historically vibrant and chaotic era in Florida. As the project progresses within Paramount Television Studios’ expanding slate, it could follow the success path of other acclaimed crime dramas linked to the studio’s evolving creative environment.
“Connelly’s got an old hand with him too, in the shape of Jim Leonard (Ray Donovan), who’s also running the show, and they’ve got Rick Jackson executive producing with them.” —Unnamed source
“Basically, it’s all under the same roof where Taylor Sheridan is making Yellowstone, 1923, Landman, and every other big modern western or A-list drama that Paramount+ hangs its hat on.” —Unnamed source
“Plus, the hook for this show is a slam dunk, as Florida in the ‘80s and ‘90s was chaos, full of crime stories stranger than fiction, and Connelly lived in the middle of it.” —Unnamed source
“Theresa Snider from Connelly’s Hieronymus Pictures (you can guess why it’s called that) is involved too, keeping that Bosch DNA baked into the process.” —Unnamed source
“Leonard, meanwhile, has done his time in prestige TV (Dexter, Major Crimes) and theater, so he knows how to put together a character show with a bit of grit to it.” —Unnamed source
