Michiel Huisman Cast as Lead in NBC's "What the Dead Know"

Michiel Huisman has been cast as the male lead in NBC's upcoming crime drama pilot, "What the Dead Know," produced by Dick Wolf's Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television. The series is based on the memoir by former New York City death investigator Barbara Butcher. In this procedural drama, Huisman will portray William Grant, an experienced NYPD homicide detective who believes that justice is straightforward, viewing it in black and white terms. He will star alongside Taylor Schilling, who plays the lead role of Ava Ledger, a death investigator skilled at handling deceased individuals but struggles with the living.

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The pilot is written and executive produced by Beth Rinehart, with Dick Wolf, Tom Thayer, Peter Jankowski, and Anastasia Puglisi serving as executive producers. Fred Berner will direct the pilot and also holds an executive producer title. Co-executive producers include Kevin Plunkett, Rebecca McGill, and Barbara Butcher. The project is part of Wolf's overall deal with Universal Television.

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Huisman, a Dutch actor, has an extensive resume that includes notable roles in series such as "Game of Thrones," "The Flight Attendant," and "The Haunting of Hill House." His casting in "What the Dead Know" marks his first series regular role on U.S. broadcast television, although he previously recurred on ABC's "Nashville." Recently, he has appeared in Apple TV's "Echo 3" and is set to be a series regular in the third season of AMC's "Mayfair Witches."

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The casting of Huisman in "What the Dead Know" highlights the competitive nature of network television, particularly in the post-Peak TV landscape. His selection for the role of William Grant came after a rigorous audition process, where he was one of three actors who tested for the part. This project not only showcases Huisman's talents but also reflects the ongoing trend of adapting memoirs into scripted series, which can offer unique perspectives on real-life events.

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The production team has expressed enthusiasm about the project, with Dick Wolf emphasizing the importance of strong character development in crime dramas. The collaboration with Barbara Butcher, whose experiences inform the narrative, adds authenticity to the storytelling.

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• “Death Investigator Ava Ledger (Schilling) is really good with dead bodies. It’s the living that give her trouble. ‘What the Dead Know’ follows Ava as she teams with the NYPD to solve their toughest cases.” — Beth Rinehart, Writer and Executive Producer

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As "What the Dead Know" moves forward, audiences can anticipate its premiere date and further details about the series, which promises to blend crime-solving with character-driven narratives. The pilot's production is a significant step in Huisman's career and a noteworthy addition to NBC's lineup.

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