Sylvester Stallone to Direct, Executive Produce THE TENDERLOIN at History

HISTORY is teaming with Sylvester Stallone to develop the drama series "The Tenderloin" (working title) from A+E Studios in association with Balboa Productions, it was announced today at A+E Networks' Upfront. Stallone will executive produce and direct multiple episodes. Stephen Kay ("Sons of Anarchy," "The Shield") is set to write the pilot.

"The Tenderloin" is based on the true story of Charles Becker, a New York cop at the turn of the century and leader of the Strong-Arm Squad, tasked with going to war with the Italian, Jewish and Irish gangs in a violent New York City neighborhood called "The Tenderloin." Becker and his squad were dirty cops, but at the same time tried to impose order in a city controlled by gangs and Tammany Hall. In a stunning turn of events, Becker became the first and only policeman in U.S. history sent to the electric chair for murder.

"Long before Miranda Rights or the fictional series 'The Shield,' there was the very real Charles Becker, a police officer living by his own moral code," said Eli Lehrer, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming, HISTORY. "This is a passion project for Sylvester, who has discovered new facts on Becker's case that shed new light on this infamous anti-hero. We look forward to joining forces with him to bring this incredible story to HISTORY audiences."

"The Tenderloin" is an A+E Studios production in association with Balboa Productions. Stallone, Kay and Braden Aftergood (Hell or High Water) executive produce. BARRY Jossen serves as executive producer for A+E Studios.