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Taylor Schilling Stars in NBC's New Crime Drama Pilot

2/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Taylor Schilling will star as lead in NBC's crime drama pilot "What the Dead Know," based on Barbara Butcher's memoir.
The series follows Ava Ledger, a death investigator who excels with corpses but struggles with the living, as she works with the NYPD to solve cases.
The pilot is written and executive produced by Beth Rinehart, with Dick Wolf and others producing.
NBC is developing pilots for the 2026-27 season.

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Story summary

Taylor Schilling will star as lead in NBC's crime drama pilot "What the Dead Know," based on Barbara Butcher's memoir.
The series follows Ava Ledger, a death investigator who excels with corpses but struggles with the living, as she works with the NYPD to solve cases.
The pilot is written and executive produced by Beth Rinehart, with Dick Wolf and others producing.
NBC is developing pilots for the 2026-27 season.