CBS Takes On A Unique Procedural With Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Reviving the Classic: Frankenstein Gets a CBS Makeover

Hey there, TV fans. If you've been keeping up with CBS's lineup, you know they've got a knack for procedurals. Whether it's the gripping drama of Criminal Minds, the action-packed adventures of NCIS, or the charm of Magnum, P.I., CBS loves a good procedural. They're diving headfirst into something completely unique this time around: a modern take on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. You're probably thinking of the classic monster who grunts, "Fire, bad!" and tosses little girls into lakes. But here's the twist: this Frankenstein is going to be solving crimes. Yep, you heard that right. Ryan Phillippe, who you might remember from Cruel Intentions or more recently Shooter, is stepping into the role in a pilot titled Alive.

According to Deadline, the show revolves around Mark Escher, played by Phillippe, a San Francisco homicide detective who gets mysteriously brought back to life after being killed in the line of duty. As he resumes his life and reconnects with his wife Elizabeth, played by Katrina Law, they both realize he's not the same person he used to be. Enter the mysterious Dr. Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Aaron Staton. This version of Frankenstein isn't your typical mad scientist. He's actually a fugitive from an ethics board in China, working on a top-secret project that's directly linked to Escher's miraculous revival.

What Makes This Version Different?

The premise may remind you of the 2016 show Second Chance, which featured a billionaire bio-engineer bringing a corrupt police officer back to life by transferring his mind into another body. That show also started with the Frankenstein myth, giving it a modern twist with a crime-solving angle. But this new CBS project feels like it's taking the story in a fresh direction. As Ran Ravich, the executive producer of Second Chance, once told us, the show started off exploring the moral dilemmas of creating something we're not ready for. "Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should," Ravich explained. "Having the technology isn't enough of an excuse."