NBC Orders Charles Manson Drama with David Duchovny to Series

NBC has given a straight-to-series 13-episode order for the drama "Aquarius," starring two-time Golden Globe Award winner David Duchovny in his return to broadcast television.

In this gripping drama series set in the late 1960s, Duchovny stars as a Los Angeles police sergeant with a complicated personal life who starts tracking a small-time criminal and budding cult leader seeking out vulnerable women to join his "cause." The name of that man is Charles Manson. The twists and turns of a complicated undercover operation will lead Duchovny's character and his young partner to the brink of Manson's crimes that will eventually lead to the Tate-LaBianca murders in subsequent seasons.

Writer John McNamara ("In Plain Sight," "Profit") will executive produce with Duchovny, Marty Adelstein ("Prison Break," "Last Man Standing") and Melanie Greene.

"Event series are a big priority for us, and the combination of a show that charts the lead-up to the Manson murders, along with a television star of the magnitude of David Duchovny, is the very definition of an event," said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. "We're thrilled to be working with these talented producers, including Marty Adelstein and creator John McNamara, to present something truly original."

"After being involved in the production of both 'The X-Files' and 'Californication,' it gives me great pleasure to work with David Duchovny for the third time on this compelling drama," added Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. "I'm especially pleased that he wanted to come to NBC where I know there is a big audience waiting to see him."

Added Duchovny: "I'm thrilled to be working with Bob Greenblatt again and coming back to broadcast television. I think 'Aquarius' has a chance to be a special show and I can't wait to get going."

Duchovny is a TV veteran who had a recurring role on the hit show "Twin Peaks" before co-starring for nine seasons as Fox Mulder in the iconic series "The X-Files," with Gillian Anderson. In April, he will begin his seventh season on Showtime's comedy "Californication."

Duchovny won Golden Globes for both "The X-Files" and "Californication" and has been nominated on seven other occasions for his work on those landmark series. He has received four Emmy nominations - two for lead actor in a drama for "The X-Files" and as a guest actor for "The Larry Sanders Show" and "Life with Bonnie."

His other wins include the TV Guide Awards, American Comedy Awards, the U.K. National Television Awards and Satellite Awards.

Duchovny has received nine nominations from the Screen Actors Guild, and was also nominated by the Producers Guild of America, the BAFTA's, Television Critics Assn. and People's Choice Awards.

Duchovny is repped by manager Melanie Greene at Affirmative Entertainment, agent Steve Alexander at Resolution and attorney Peter Nelson at Nelson Davis Wetzstein.

"Aquarius" is produced by ITV Studios America in association with Marty Adelstein Productions.

Photo by Walter McBride

To post a comment, you must register and login.