NBC ordered two new drama pilots, "What the Dead Know" and "Puzzled," capping off a week with six pilot orders for the 2026 season, according to a network announcement made public on January 16, 2026. "What the Dead Know" hails from Dick Wolf, known for his extensive work in the crime drama genre.
"Puzzled," based on Danielle Trussoni's "Puzzle Master" book series, centers on Mike Brink, a former college athlete whose traumatic brain injury following a fire grants him unique cognitive abilities. According to the logline, this injury allows him to perceive the world in an unexpected way, aiding him in solving crimes alongside local police. The show explores themes of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This concept, increasingly relevant in AI research, mirrors how artificial neural networks adapt and learn from new data.
Joey Falco, known for his work on "Charmed" and "Sleepy Hollow," is writing and executive producing "Puzzled." Jordan Cerf also serves as executive producer, with Trussoni as a producer. The studio behind the project is Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. The adaptation raises questions about how AI could potentially replicate or even surpass the human brain's problem-solving capabilities, particularly in pattern recognition and deductive reasoning.
The rise of AI in entertainment is notable, with algorithms now capable of generating scripts, composing music, and even creating realistic visual effects. This trend raises ethical considerations about authorship, creativity, and the potential displacement of human artists. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on the creative industries will likely intensify, prompting ongoing discussions about the balance between human and artificial intelligence in artistic endeavors.
The production timelines and potential air dates for both "What the Dead Know" and "Puzzled" remain to be announced. The network will evaluate the pilots before making decisions about series orders for the 2026-2027 television season.
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