Alex Delaware is headed to the small screen.
Amazon MGM Studios is developing a television adaptation of Jonathan Kellerman’s series of detective novels featuring the psychologist-turned–police consultant, Deadline reports.
Kellerman introduced Delaware, who helps solve crimes with Los Angeles police detective Milo Sturgis, in the 1985 novel When the Bough Breaks. The character appears in dozens more books, including A Cold Heart, Over the Edge, Heartbreak Hotel, Open Season, and, most recently, Jigsaw, scheduled for publication next month by Ballantine. Of that book, a critic for Kirkus wrote, “The plot moves at a steady pace and ends with a grace note that highlights Alex’s decency. Crime fans will like this one.”
Jennifer Johnson, known for her work on shows including Lost, Cold Case, and Designated Survivor, will serve as executive producer and writer for the series. Kellerman will also executive produce.
The first season of the series will be based on When the Bough Breaks. That novel was previously adapted into a 1986 television movie written by Phil Penningroth, directed by Waris Hussein, and starring Ted Danson as Delaware and Richard Masur as Sturgis.
Kellerman announced news of the adaptation on Facebook, writing, “I’m extremely pleased to announce that a series based on the Delaware novels is under production with Amazon Prime. Great show-runner, Jennifer Johnson. This should be fun.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
