In a highly competitive situation, Max has landed the rights to develop a drama series based on the Vanity Fair article “NYPD Confidential: Inside America’s Most Unconventional Counterterror Squad.”
The article, originally published in February 2025, was written by Adam Ciralsky. Ciralsky and Gene Klein will executive produce on behalf of P3 Media. Dylan Clark and John-Eric Capps will executive produce via Dylan Clark Productions. The search is currently on for a writer and showrunner for the project.
The “NYPD Confidential” article told the story of Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, and her team’s effort to thwart terrorist attacks and other targeted violence in New York City. Their work has foiled alleged ISIS-inspired plots and Iranian attempts to kill former U.S. officials.
The exact nature of the “NYPD Confidental” series will depend on who ultimately ends up showrunning, but the underlying material would seem to lend itself well to a procedural format. This is of note as many streamers are now looking to develop elevated procedurals as they move away from the ultra high-budget shows that defined the Peak TV era.
Most recently, Max has found considerable success with the medical procedural “The Pitt” starring Noah Wyle. That show scored a 15-episode order when it was first picked up in March 2024, debuting its first season in January 2025. “The Pitt” has received rave reviews and was picked up for a second season in February.
This is the latest of Ciralsky’s articles to be optioned for TV. Previously, his article “Take No Prisoners” was set up at Lionsgate TV with Alexi Hawley adapting for the screen, ultimately landing at Hulu. A documentary version of “Take No Prisoners” recently premiered at SXSW as well. Ciralsky’s other credits include working as a consulting producer on the Paramount drama series “The Agency” and executive producing the Netflix series “The Recruit.”
