‘LA Law’ sequel with Blair Underwood in development at ABC

A sequel to NBC’s “LA Law” starring Blair Underwood is in development, but this time at ABC.

The project would see Underwood reprise his role as lawyer Jonathan Rollins alongside a new generation of young lawyers.

Marc Guggenheim will write the series and executive product alongside Ubah Mohamed, under the direction of Anthony Hemmingway. Jesse Bochco, son of the late Steven Bochco (who co-created the original series), is also said to be an executive producer.

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Here’s the logic behind the new version: Venerable law firm McKenzie Brackman is reinventing itself as a litigation firm specializing only in the most high-profile, compelling, and inflammatory cases. Blair Underwood returns to his role as lawyer Jonathan Rollins, who has gone from idealist to more conservative as he clashes with millennial JJ Freeman to decide the best way forward for the company to effect political and legal change .

The original “LA Law” ran for eight seasons on NBC from 1986 to 1994 and spawned a reunion movie in 2002. With Underwood, he starred with Corbin Bernsen, Richard Dysart, Alan Rachins, Jill Eikenberry, Michael Tucker , Susan Ruttan, Harry Hamlin, Susan Dey, Jimmy Smits, Michele Greene, Larry Drake and John Spencer.

NBC’s version touched on many cultural and topical issues of the late 1980s, including the AIDS crisis, abortion, capital punishment, racism, and homophobia. He won 15 Emmys throughout his run, including four for Outstanding Drama.

Deadline first posted on new “LA law”.