CBS is getting into the Jason Katims business.
The network has handed out a put-pilot commitment to an untitled medical drama exec produced by the Parenthood and About a Boy showrunner, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Written by Sarah Watson (Parenthood, About a Boy), the drama centers on a controversial, outrageous, young tech titan who opens his own hospital with a cutting-edge approach to medicine. Michelle Lee, head of development at Katims’ Universal Television-based True Jack banner, will executive produce alongside Katims and Watson.
The project marks Katims’ first broadcast sale this development season. True Jack also sold a romantic comedy to Showtime earlier this year and is making a big push in cable this season. The Katims-Watson entry is also an off-network buy for CBS. Off-network sales have become more commonplace in recent years. Both Katims and Watson have overall deals at Universal Television, which produces both Parenthood and movie adaptation About a Boy. Last year, Watson — who has been with NBC’s Parenthood from its inception — teamed with Katims to develop an edgy romantic comedy set at a law firm at ABC last season.
Parenthood returns for its abbreviated sixth and final season in the fall. About a Boy — NBC’s lone freshman comedy to earn a sophomore season — also will return in the fall.
The drama comes as technology-focused fare continues to heat up. HBO’s Silicon Valley is up for a best comedy Emmy and AMC just renewed ’80s hacker entry Halt & Catch Fire for a second season. Meanwhile, CBS will launch CSI: Cyber come midseason.
Katims is repped by CAA; Watson is with UTA.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
