Dennis Haysbert is heading back to television.
The Unit and 24 vet has joined Bones creator Hart Hanson's CBS crime drama pilot Backstrom, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Based on the Swedish book series by Leif G.W. Persson, Backstrom centers on an overweight, offensive, irascible detective, Everett Backstrom, as he tries and fails to change his self-destructive behavior.
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Haysbert will play Det. John Almond, one of the detectives working with Backstrom. Kind and warm, Almond has been married 30 years and is devoutly religious. He is the complete opposite of Backstrom, and he finds his abrasive boss wearing, believing that Backstrom's hunches are simple luck. Almond refuses to acknowledge that his bombastic boss could have subtlety and insight to see beyond the obvious.
Hanson will write and executive produce, along with Persson and Niclas Salomonsson. Mark Mylod will direct the pilot. 20th Television produces.
With Bones' ninth-season renewal at Fox, Hanson could again have two series on the air should Backstrom move forward. (Bones spinoff The Finder was canceled after one season.)
Repped by Gersh and GS Management, Haysbert starred in CBS drama The Unit from 2006-09 opposite Scott Foley and played President David Palmer in Fox's 24 from 2001-06.
E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com
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