Ever since Under the Dome became a ratings smash last summer, CBS has been building up a roster of summer shows to keep audiences entertained during the heat of the season. This year will see Halle Berry’s Extant launch and next year’s new show will be James Patterson’s Zoo.
The eye network announced on Tuesday that it out in a 13-episode order for a series based on the prolific author’s best-selling 2012 novel. Like many of Patterson’s other work, it has been an international hit, selling 4 million copies worldwide and hitting the No. 1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
Zoo is a thriller that centers on mysterious animal attacks on humans around the world. The attacks become more focused and dangerous, leaving a young biologist to try to uncover the mystery. Casting for the lead role hasn’t been announced.
“Zoo further demonstrates our commitment to high-quality, year-round programming and to high-concept series that play to summer audiences in the U.S. as well as on a global scale,” Nina Tassler, Chairman, CBS Entertainment, said in a statement. “With this #1 bestseller coming to television, we’re excited to give our viewers a thrill ride with another blockbuster summer event.”
The scripts were penned by Jeff Pinkner, Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg (Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol). James Mangold (The Wolverine), Cathy Konrad, Patterson, Bill Robinson, Leopoldo Gout and Steve Bowen are executive producers.
CBS TV Studios is producing and CBS Studios International will distribute outside the U.S.
Under the Dome kicked off its second season on Monday night with 9.4 million viewers. While that’s down from last season, it is still remarkable for a summer drama.
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