CBS OKs 'Clarice,' A 'Silence Of The Lambs' Series

HOLLYWOOD, CA —On Sunday, CBS announced a series commitment to "Clarice," based on the FBI agent played by Jodie Foster in the Oscar-winning best picture, "The Silence of the Lambs."

The series takes place in 1993, a year after the events of "The Silence of the Lambs."

"Clarice" will be written and executive produced by Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet. Secret Hideout's Heather Kadin will also serve as an executive producer along with Aaron Baiers as a co-executive producer.

MGM and CBS Television Studios, in association with Secret Hideout, will produce the project.

The series will take "a deep dive into the untold personal story of Clarice Starling as she returns to the field to pursue serial murderers and sexual predators while navigating the high-stakes political world of Washington, D.C.," according to a CBS spokesperson.

"After more than 20 years of silence, we're privileged to give voice to one of America's most enduring heroes — Clarice Starling," Kurtzman and Lumet said in a statement.

"Clarice's bravery and complexity have always lit the way, even as her personal story remained in the dark. But hers is the very story we need today—her struggle, her resilience, her victory. Her time is now, and always."

Kurtzman and Secret Hideout Productions are currently in a five year deal with CBS, until 2023. Under the agreement, CBS Television Studios has exclusive rights to produce all television content created and developed by Kurtzman and his Secret Hideout production banner.

"There is a very short list of writer-producer-directors that every film and television studio wants to be associated with, and Alex and his Secret Hideout team are always at the top," said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. "His talent, taste, and ability to shepherd a successful project is unparalleled. Alex has done remarkable work for our Studio, dating back seven years to the launch of HAWAII FIVE-0, and we are thrilled that he, Heather, and their team will be partnering with us for a long time to come."

Kurtzman is also an executive producer of "Hawaii Five-0" on CBS and CBS All Access' "Star Trek: Discovery" and "Star Trek: Picard."

Lumet and Kurtzman are the co-creators and co-showrunners of the CBS All Access series "The Man Who Fell To Earth."

Lumet is a daughter of the late director, producer, and screenwriter Sidney Lumet and a granddaughter of the late singer and actress Lena Horne.

The announcement was made in conjunction with CBS' portion of the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, which is being held in Pasadena.