Universal TV acquires Kelsey Grammer legal drama ‘Proven Innocent’
February 5, 2019
NBCUniversal International Networks (NBCUIN) has announced the acquisition of Proven Innocent, licensed from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, to premiere on Universal TV– NBCUIN’s general entertainment channel – in the UK and Africa. Thisnew legal series tells the emotional story of one woman’s fight for the innocence of others, as well as her own. Produced by 20th Century Fox Television, in association with Danny Strong Productions, the 13 one-hour episodes will premiere in the UK and Africa, on Universal TVfrom March 2019.
Proven Innocent follows an underdog criminal defence firm led by Madeline Scott, played by Rachelle Lefevre (Under the Dome, A Gifted Man), a fierce and uncompromising lawyer with a hunger for justice. There is no one who understands the power of setting an innocent person free more than Madeline. At age 18, she was wrongfully convicted, along with her brother, Levi Scott, played by Riley Smith (Frequency), in a sensational murder case that made her an infamous media obsession, a household name and a national cause célèbre.
Madeline runs the firm with her partner, Easy Boudreau, played by Russell Hornsby, (Seven Seconds, Grimm), the very lawyer who helped set her free after 10 years in prison. Proven Innocent also stars Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men) as investigator Bodie Quick; and Tony Award-winner Nikki M. James (BrainDead, The Good Wife, The Book of Mormon), as communications director Violet Bell who runs a true-crime podcast that follows each investigation.
While a hero and a victim to some, Madeline’s bold and bullish tactics earn her a number of enemies – especially Gore Bellows, played by Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winner Kelsey Grammer(Frasier, Cheers, Boss), the prosecutor who initially put her away and still believes in her guilt. Despite Bellows’ ceaseless quest to see her behind bars again, Madeline will continue to defend others, even as she fights to maintain her innocence and searches for the real killer in her own case.
“Proven Innocent is an emotional legal drama with justice at the heart,” commented Lee Raftery, Managing Director UK & Emerging Markets and Chief Marketing & Content Officer, NBC Universal International. “Universal TV viewers will be instantly gripped by the strong characters played by Rachelle Lefevre, cast in the role of hero and victim, standing boldly up against hard-as-nails attorney played by award-winning Kelsey Grammer. The subject matter is intriguing and will make exciting TV to watch.”
“We’re delighted that Proven Innocent will be on Universal TV in the UK and Africa,”David Smyth, Senior Vice President of Sales and UK Managing Director, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.“Viewers are certain to be captivated by this unique new courtroom drama with a standout cast, led by Rachel Lefevre and Kelsey Grammer.”
Proven Innocentis produced by 20th Century Fox Television, in association with Danny Strong Productions. The pilot is written by David Elliot. Strong, Elliot and Stacy Greenberg are executive producers. Adam Armus is an executive producer and showrunner.