NBC Orders Two More Drama Pilots: ‘What the Dead Know’ From Dick Wolf and a ‘Puzzle Master’ Adaptation

NBC has greenlit two more drama pilots, bringing its total for the 2026 season to six. The latest additions are "Puzzled" and "What the Dead Know," both set to premiere on the network.

From writer Joey Falco, who has worked on shows such as "Charmed" and "Sleepy Hollow," comes "Puzzled," a crime drama based on Danielle Trussoni's popular book series. The show follows Mike Brink, a former college athlete turned detective after he suffers a traumatic brain injury that gives him the ability to solve crimes with local police. Jordan Cerf executive produces alongside Falco, and Trussoni is an executive producer.

On the other hand, legendary "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf is set to produce "What the Dead Know," a drama series based on Barbara Butcher's memoir about working as a New York City medical examiner. The show follows Ava Ledger, a skilled death investigator who finds it harder to deal with living people than dead bodies. Wolf Entertainment produces, and Universal Television is the studio.

These two new pilots join several other announcements made by NBC this week, including a detective comedy from "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" co-creator Dan Goor, a drama inspired by real-life FBI research, and a contemporary update on "The Rockford Files."
 
idk why nbc is so focused on crime dramas rn. like, we got some heavy stuff going on in the world that need more attention. all these shows about detectives and medical examiners sound kinda grim for prime time 🤯 anyway, i'm more excited about the detective comedy from brooklyn nine-nine co-creator dan goor. that sounds like it could be really funny! and a contemporary update on the rockford files? that's a great way to bring back some nostalgia. let's hope these shows can tackle some real issues in a creative way 💡
 
Man, I'm so stoked to see new shows coming out 🤩. But you know what's even more fascinating? The human mind trying to solve puzzles, right? It's like, we're all trying to figure things out in life, and sometimes we get stuck 😊. This show "Puzzled" is all about that, where the main character uses his newfound brain powers to solve crimes. I think it's a reminder that even when we feel lost or stuck, we just need to keep thinking outside the box 🔄. And on the other hand, we have Ava Ledger from "What the Dead Know", who's got her own set of challenges. It's like, people often talk about how to deal with death and loss, but what about dealing with life itself? 💀 It's all about perspective, you know? Life is full of mysteries, and sometimes it takes a fresh look or a new skillset to solve them 🔍. Can't wait for these shows to come out! 📺
 
You know, I was just thinking about how our perceptions of reality can shape us... or maybe it's the other way around? 🤔 Like Mike Brink's brain injury, we all have some kind of 'trauma' that changes who we are. Maybe it's a loss, a betrayal, or even just a big revelation. Whatever it is, it gives us this new lens through which to see the world. And in "Puzzled," they're exploring how Mike uses his newfound ability to solve crimes, but also maybe, in a way, solves himself? 🌎

But then you have Ava Ledger from "What the Dead Know"... she's got her own kind of 'trauma', working with dead bodies all day. I wonder if that's what we need more of in our lives - a little bit of mortality to put things into perspective? 💀 Maybe it's not about solving crimes or mysteries, but just being present in the moment, because life is short, and death is always waiting... 😕
 
idk why nbc keeps greenlighting so many dramas lol they gotta keep the fans satisfied rn with all these crime shows & detectives it's gonna be like a never-ending loop of 'whodunit' but honestly cant wait to see what they do with puzzles its got potential tho dick wolf is a legend on tv creation he knows how to make compelling stories
 
meh, another bunch of drama pilots popping up 🤔. i mean, "Puzzled" sounds alright, but it's hard to say whether the brain injury thingy will get old fast. and then there's "What the Dead Know", which seems kinda dark... like, too much of a downer? but hey, if they can make it work, i'm not gonna hate on 'em 🤷‍♂️. dick wolf is always good for something, though - maybe he'll surprise us and actually get one right this time 😏. anyone else super stoked about these new announcements or just me?
 
OMG 🤯 just saw the news about NBC's new pilots! I'm so hyped for "Puzzled" - who wouldn't want to see a crime drama with a superpower twist? 😮 And "What the Dead Know" sounds so intriguing, I love how it explores the darker side of death investigating. 🧠 Dick Wolf is like the king of TV dramas, can't wait to see what he's got in store for us! 👑 Also, Dan Goor's detective comedy from "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" team? Yessss, let's get this on our watchlists ASAP! 😂
 
I don’t usually comment but I gotta say, it's wild how many shows are being picked up for the 2026 season already! Six pilots in total is like, a lot 🤯. I mean, I'm excited to see what they'll all be about and who'll be starring in them. "Puzzled" sounds kinda cool with that brain injury thingy, and it's interesting to think how it could work as a crime drama. But then there's "What the Dead Know" which seems a bit darker... I don't know if I'd watch something that makes death investigator Ava Ledger more interested in dead bodies than living people 🤕. Still, with Dick Wolf on board, I guess it'll be good for sure 👍. Can't wait to see what all these shows will bring!
 
I'm loving the fact that NBC is reviving some classic IPs 🤔. I mean, who doesn't love a good detective comedy? The idea of Dan Goor's show being based on Brooklyn Nine-Nine sounds hilarious! 😂 Can you imagine the banter between Ava Ledger and her living colleagues in "What the Dead Know"? It's like they're gonna keep us guessing with that one... I'm kinda curious about the new Rockford Files update though. Is it gonna be a fresh take or are they keeping it old school? 🎥
 
I'm loving the fact that NBC is making waves with these new pilot orders 🤩! "Puzzled" sounds like a wild ride, especially with that brain injury twist 🧠. I've heard great things about Danielle Trussoni's book series and I'm excited to see how it translates to the small screen.

But what really got me is Dick Wolf producing "What the Dead Know". I mean, the OG "Law & Order" creator is still killing it 💀. I've always loved his ability to craft intricate storylines and characters, and a drama about a death investigator sounds right up his alley 👮‍♀️.

I'm also stoked that Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Dan Goor is getting in on the action with his detective comedy 🤣. It's gonna be interesting to see how it compares to the more serious fare from Falco and Wolf.

Overall, I think NBC has some solid choices for 2026, and I'm curious to see which ones make the cut 💡!
 
I'm intrigued by the latest additions to NBC's 2026 season lineup 🤔. The premise of "Puzzled" resonates with me - exploring the intersection of cognitive enhancement and justice is a fascinating concept that highlights the complexities of human psychology. I'm also drawn to the rich backstory of Barbara Butcher's memoir, which suggests a compelling narrative for "What the Dead Know." Dick Wolf's involvement is a testament to his knack for crafting engaging storylines 🎬. However, I wonder if the network has considered the potential overlap between these two shows - both dealing with themes of trauma and investigation. A nuanced exploration of these similarities could lead to some fascinating storytelling opportunities 💡
 
I'm so down for some fresh new drama shows 🤩. I mean, who doesn't love a good crime mystery? Both "Puzzled" and "What the Dead Know" sound like they could be total page-turners. I'm curious to see how Mike Brink's unique skillset is gonna play out in "Puzzled". And Ava Ledger's whole thing with dealing with living people instead of dead bodies? That sounds super dark and intriguing 🕷️. I hope these shows can deliver on the promise of some gripping storylines and interesting characters. NBC's got a solid lineup going this season, for sure 👍
 
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