Variety reports that CBS is opening a writers room to further develop a medical drama starring Jared Padalecki.
The network first reported in January that the untitled series was in development, and the writers’ office indicated that CBS believed in the project enough to continue the process as part of its annual development strategy. CBS recently followed a similar path with Robert and Michelle King’s courtroom drama “Cupertino,” which went to series in October.
Anna Fricke will serve as the series’ writer and executive producer under the “Chased by the Bear” banner, and Padalecki will serve as executive producer in addition to starring. Laura Terry (Pursued by a Bear) will also serve as an executive producer. Produced by CBS Studios. Fricke currently has an overall deal with the studio, while Padalecki also has a first-look producing deal.
The official logline reads: “A stubborn and dedicated doctor (Padalecki) runs a mobile clinic in the rural medical desert of Texas, healing the bodies and souls of underserved communities while practicing his unique style of improvised medicine with a new protégé, a young doctor fleeing his past.”
The project reunites Padalecki and Fricke, who previously co-starred on The CW’s cop drama Walker. The show was a reboot of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” starring Padalecki and developed by Fricke, who served as showrunner. The two also served as executive producers on the prequel series Walker: Independence, which Fricke co-developed with Seamus Kevin Fahey. “Walker” aired for four seasons on The CW, and “Walker: Independence” aired for one season.
Padalecki is best known for his starring role on the CW/WB hit series Supernatural, where he played the role of Sam Winchester throughout the show’s 15 seasons. His other credits include “Gilmore Girls” and the films “Flight of the Phoenix” and “House of Wax.” Fricke has written for shows such as “Dawson’s Creek,” “Everwood,” “Wayward Pines” and “Valor.”
Padalecki is repped by UTA and Industry Entertainment. Fricke is repped by UTA and Felker Toczek.
