LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- NBC is set to go forward with at least two new dramas for the 2004-05 season, as the Peacock has given series orders to its drama pilots "Revelations" and "The Cure."
"Revelations," a limited series which comes from Gavin Polone's Pariah Television, is expected to receive an eight-episode order as well as a commitment to additional scripts. The project, which will likely launch during the November sweeps period, was previously being targeted for a six-episode order.
Bill Pullman ("Independence Day") and Natascha McElhone ("Solaris") star in the series, which also features John Rhys-Davis ("The Lord of the Rings"), Tobin Bell ("24") and twins Britney and Chelsey Coyle. Pullman plays Dr. Richard Massey, a Harvard professor whose daughter is murdered by satanists, who's recruited by McElhone's character, a nun, to help investigate whether what's told in the Book of Revelations is starting to come true. Rhys-Davis' character is that of Lampley, a wheelchair-bound Harvard professor emeritus, a genius astrophysicist and mentor to Dr. Massey.
In addition to Polone, David Seltzer ("The Omen"), Vivian Cannon and Jessika Borsiczky serve as executive producers of the series.
As for "The Cure," Neal McDonough ("Boomtown") stars in the project, about doctors who unravel medical mysteries. The series, which comes from Paramount Network Television, Bob Cooper's Landscape and NBC Universal Television Studios, is expected to receive a typical 13-episode order for a fall launch.
Christopher Gorham ("Jake 2.0"), Anna Belknap ("The Handler"), Kelli Williams ("The Practice"), Troy Winbush ("The Replacements") and Clare Carey also star.
It's understood the search is underway for a showrunner to take over for Michelle Ashford, with Rene Echevarria ("Ricochet") considered the frontrunner for the job. Jason Horwitch ("The Pentagon Papers") created the series and executive produces alongside Landscape's Bob Cooper and Scott Vila.
As for the Peacock's other pilots - "HUB," "Hawaii" and "Medium" - all three are still said to be in the running for series orders, with final decisions expected in the next day as NBC executives prepare for the network's upfront presentation in New York City on Monday.
This article was updated with additional information on Friday, May 14.
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