The CW Developing Period Drama ‘Marlowe’

The CW is teaming with producer Aaron Kaplan for a potential character-based procedural called “Marlowe,” which is set in 1937 and focuses on the real life African-American private investigator who inspired Raymond Chandler’s fictional character Philip Marlowe. The logline: “Marlowe” follows Samuel Marlowe from the mansions and red carpets of Beverly Hills to the jazz clubs and back alleys of Little Harlem, where he navigates crimes, mysteries and social issues ripped from today’s headlines through the prism of 1937 Los Angeles.

The potential drama, from CBS TV Studios, was originally developed at the CW last season with a different writer. Devon Greggory (“CSI Cyber,” “State of Affairs”) will write the script and co-executive produce with Aaron Kaplan.

“Marlowe” is the third proposed drama to focus on the famed investigator following an untitled drama on ABC in 2013 set in present day Los Angeles and a drama pilot, also called “Marlowe,” starring Jason O’Mara on ABC in 2007. Both did not move forward.