ABC is putting together a new iteration of their iconic cop drama NYPD Blue and two of series’ stars from the original show are set to make a return. Kim Delaney will reprise her Emmy-winning role as Det. Diane Russell while Bill Brochtrup will reprise his role as PPA John Irvin.
The sequel pilot revolves around Theo, the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder.
The sequel revolves around Theo, the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder. The pilot was written by Matt Olmstead & Nick Wootton while Jesse Bochco, son of NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco, who helmed 10 episodes of the original series, is set to direct.
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. As of now, 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 and is expected to play a key role. Delaney and Brochtrup join Alona Tal, who was recently cast as one of the new leads in the cop drama.
Created by Steven Bochco and David Milch, NYPD Blue debuted in 1993. It won 20 Emmy Awards from 84 nominations over its run, including best drama series, and was lauded for its realistic portrayal of cops’ lives.
