Taylor Schilling to Star in NBC Pilot From Producer Dick Wolf

Variety

by Joseph Otterson

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Taylor Schilling has been cast in the lead role of the highly anticipated NBC drama pilot *“What the Dead Know”*, marking her latest move in a career filled with notable roles. The show, which was picked up by NBC earlier this year, is executive-produced by Dick Wolf—a powerhouse producer behind hits like “Law & Order.” Based on Barbara Butcher’s memoir, the series follows Ava Ledger (Schilling), a death investigator who teams with the NYPD to solve complex cases. Schilling, best known for her role as Piper Chapman in *“Orange Is the New Black,”* has established herself as a versatile and award-nominated actress, with recent projects including *“Dear Edward”* on Apple TV+, *“Poker Face”* on Peacock, and the AMC animated series *“Pantheon.”* The pilot is written and executive-produced by Beth Rinehart, while Wolf Entertainment’s Tom Thayer, Peter Jankowski, and Anastasia Puglisi also serve as executive producers alongside Wolf. The creative team also includes co-executive producers Kevin Plunkett, Rebecca McGill, and Butcher herself. Produced by Universal Television under Dick Wolf’s overall deal, the series aims to explore the complexities of death investigation through Ava Ledger’s unique perspective. Schilling’s casting solidifies NBC’s lineup for its drama pilots this season, with *“What the Dead Know”* joining other high-profile projects like the reboot of *“The Rockford Files,”* featuring David Boreanaz, and an untitled criminal profiler drama starring Emily Deschanel. This new venture underscores Schilling’s continued prominence in television and her ability to take on challenging roles that resonate with audiences. With a strong creative team behind it, *“What the Dead Know”* has the potential to stand out in NBC’s lineup, offering a fresh perspective on crime procedural storytelling. The series not only highlights Schilling’s talent but also reinforces Dick Wolf’s reputation for producing compelling and impactful drama. For entertainment enthusiasts, this news is significant as it signals another step forward in the evolution of crime dramas on television, blending personal character development with high-stakes investigations.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026