Jerry Bruckheimer & Sports Illustrated Team for True-Crime Series

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES: Time Inc.’s Sports Illustrated (SI) and Jerry Bruckheimer Television (JBTV) have formed a development partnership to create the new series Sports Illustrated: True Crime (working title).

Inspired by the recently launched SI True Crime investigation franchise, the companies are developing a long-form series that looks into the complicated truths behind athletes who become involved in criminal activity. The new venture, which will receive multiplatform editorial support from SI and Time, will begin discussions with potential distribution partners soon.

“It’s always so exciting to develop new creative partnerships,” said Bruckheimer. “And we are really thrilled to collaborate with Time Inc. and Sports Illustrated on what we feel is the next step in our continuing efforts to bring crime drama to the next level on television.”

“We are excited to work with Jerry and his outstanding team as we continue to expand the Sports Illustrated brand of storytelling,” commented Bruce Gersh, the senior VP of strategy and business development for Time Inc. “This is another example of the incredible strength and trust of Sports Illustrated, and the opportunities we are capitalizing upon to extend the brand to new audiences.”

JBTV is behind the CSI franchise, which encompasses spin-offs such as CSI: Miami and CSI: NY.