Two original cast members join NYPD Blue reboot

One of the more divisive pieces of news from the last year was the reboot of NYPD Blue: the beloved US police drama from the 1990s. Some were thrilled about it (we have to admit at being intrigued), but some were fearful – why try to reboot a classic?

Whatever your views, there’s more news today, which should help to placate those who are cautious: two original cast members have signed up to the new series.

According to Deadline:

 Kim Delaney will reprise her Emmy-winning role as Det. Diane Russell from the original series, while Bill Brochtrup will reprise his role as PPA John Irvin.

Delaney joined NYPD Blue as a recurring in Season 2 and was a series regular in Seasons 3-8 before leaving to topline another series for NYPD Blue co-creator/executive producer Steven Bochco, Philly. She then returned as a recurring in the final two seasons, 11-12. Brochtrup recurred on- and off- during Seasons 2-4 before becoming a series regular in Season 5 for the rest of the show’s 12-season run.

Delaney, who earned three Emmy nominations and a win in 1997 for NYPD Blue,is said to be the only lead actor from the original whose character was written into the sequel pilot, from NYPD Blue alums Matt Olmstead, Nick Wootton and Jesse Bochco, where she is expected to play a key role.

More news as we get it…

Canal+ names Spiral series seven premiere date

There were conflicting reports that series seven of Spiral was to be the last, but there will be a series eight. Which is good news for everyone who loves this intense French police drama.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – series seven is coming this year (probably to BBC Four) and we’re waiting for a transmission date on this side of the Channel. Until that moment, we now know when series seven will premiere in its native France. The 12-part series will appear on 4th February.

In terms of plot, the team is back together to investigate a case that first appears to be a robbery but is revealed very quickly to be far more complex. Following the trail of cash from drug trafficking, the team uncovers an important money laundering network. Confronted for the first time with white-collar crime – the perpetrators of which enjoy protection from the highest level of the state – they will have to face obstacles set by their own bosses.