LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- CBS has added another reality series to its midseason roster. In addition, the Eye appears to be well on its way to giving its drama pilot "Numbers" a run in 2005 as well.
The network has given a six-episode commitment to "Recovery," Mark Burnett's latest foray into the reality genre. The project follows a team of military and law enforcement veterans, led by ex-CIA operative Bazzel Baz, as they attempt to find stolen children and reunite them with their parents. The one-hour series is said to have been in the works for more than two years, with production on its pilot episode being completed in March (read the story). Burnett, who likens the series to a real life version of "Without a Trace," will executive produce the project alongside partner Conrad Riggs.
"Recovery" joins the Eye's already deep 2005 reality roster which includes fellow Burnett-produced series "Rock Star," as well as "Fire Me, Please," "Search for a Domestic Diva" and "Nightmare on Elm Street: Real Nightmares."
Meanwhile, the David Krumholtz-led drama pilot is getting a makeover as Rob Morrow ("Northern Exposure") has joined the cast of the project. He's expected to take over for Gabriel Macht as the F.B.I. agent brother of Krumholtz's character. Krumholtz plays a mathematician from M.I.T. who is recruited by the agency to help solve crimes. Co-star Michael Rooker is also understood to be leaving the project although it's not clear if his character will be recast or written out. The rest of the cast includes Peter MacNicol ("Ally McBeal"), Alimi Ballard ("Dark Angel"), Anna Deavere Smith ("The West Wing") and Navi Rawat ("The O.C.").
As for behind the camera, Mick Jackson ("Live From Baghdad") has been brought on to direct a new pilot for the series which the Eye is describing as an "enhanced first episode." The Eye ordered three additional scripts of the series last month (read the story), which would allow the project to quickly begin production should a midseason order be given.
Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, David Zucker, Cheryl Heuton and Nick Falacci are the executive producers of "Numbers," which comes from the Scott's production company Scott Free in association with Paramount Network Television.
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