CBS to adapt German procedural ‘Einstein’

Einstein

US broadcaster CBS is adapting the Red Arrow Studios International-distributed German procedural Einstein.

The scripted format is in development with Monk creator and executive producer Andy Breckman, who is re-teaming with Monk’s director and executive producer Randy Zisk for the procedural drama about a brilliant detective.

Written by Breckman, Einstein is based on the Zeitsprung Pictures-produced series for German broadcaster Sat.1, which follows a smooth-talking descendant of Albert Einstein who is recruited by the police for his skills at solving complex cases.

In addition to detective comedy drama Monk, which ran on USA Network for eight seasons, Breckman recently created and exec produced The Good Cop, also directed and exec produced by Zisk, for Netflix.

Finished tape of Einstein (32 x 45 minutes) has sold to more than 100 territories including Spain and Portugal, and the format is being adapted in Slovenia, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The CBS show is being developed by the Monk duo along with Tariq Jalil’s Intrigue Entertainment, RASI and CBS Television Studios.

Breckman executive produces alongside Zisk, who also directs. RASI exec producers include James Baker, Bo Stehmeier and Shirley Bowers, as well as Intrigue’s Tariq Jalil, Lucas Carter and Joe Wiggins, and Howard Klein for 3 Arts Entertainment.

CBS Television Studios is the studio.

Bo Stehmeier, president of RASI, said: “Einstein has been a huge hit in its home territory and around the world. It’s great to see the format being developed for the US market by such talented and experienced partners, and we look forward to seeing how they bring the show to life for a domestic audience.”

The CBS adaptation comes as RASI parent group ProSiebenSat.1 moves ahead with a strategic review that could see the business offload Red Arrow Studios, according to German reports.

The German media group has assigned Morgan Stanley to handle a sale, and potential investors have until 13 September to express their interest in the business, which houses the likes of Deep State producer Endor Productions, The Circus firm Left/Right and Old People’s Home For Four-Year-Olds’ CPL Productions.