Fox's Dramedy 'Bones' Plots Spinoff Series

October 21, 2010 5:15pm

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EXCLUSIVE UPDATED: Fox’s veteran proceduralBones is developing a potential spinoff series built around a character that would be introduced as a recurring on the series this season. Casting for the role is expected to begin shortly. If the Bonesproducers, Fox and studio 20th Century FoxTV find an actor that they feel can carry a new series, the new character, Walter Sherman, will debut in the episode ofBones episode that starts shooting on December 6 to air in 2011.Hart Hanson, creator/executive ofBones, would also create the potential spinoff, which would be based onThe Locator series of two books written by Richard Greener that center on Walter Sherman aka “the Locator”. Walter is described as aneccentric, obstreperous and amusing reclusive man in his late 20s-30s with highly sought after abilities to find anything. He is skeptical of every statement and often asks offensive, seemingly irrelevant questions which oddly enough turn out to be extremely relevant. A former military policeman, Walter knows Agent Booth (David Boreanaz) from their time serving in Iraq together, and the two dislike each other very much. Meanwhile, Dr. Brennan (Emily Deschanel) finds him very intriguing. Walter was injured overseas and suffered brain damage which lead to his honorable discharge, as well as his ever present state of paranoia.

Planted spinoffs have become the networks’ preferred way to spawn new shows from established series. CBS has successfully used the technique on itsCSI, NCIS andCriminal Minds franchises. But planted spinoffs not always lead to new series. For instance, the PI character introduced as a recurring on Fox’s hit medical dramaHouse two seasons ago didn’t pan out. The planted spinoff episodes of CW’s Gossip Girl and Lifetime’s Army Wives didn’t get picked up to series, and the plannedPrison Breakspinoff set in a women’s prison never got past the casting stage.Bones, about a prosaic forensic anthropologist (Deschanel) and a cocky FBI agent (Boreanaz) who team to investigate death causes, has been among Fox’s most reliable performers despite being moved around the schedule a number of times. The series hit the 100th episode mark in the spring and is now in its sixth season.

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64 Comments

joanon March 30, 2012 7:59 pm
I really enjoy watching The Finder – it’s fresh idea on how the human brain can be injured. Please don’t cancel – you (Fox) need all the winning shows you can have. Love Bones also wouldn’t know what to do without it.
Brian Jonasseon November 12, 2011 12:46 pm
Just viewed The Finder from season six of Bones and thought it was one of the best shows in the series. The characters were new and their combination of quirks very appealing. I would cast the new show with Stults, Burrows, and Duncan as the leads. Market test this episode with your test groups in each demographic. It will be a slam dunk with ages 21-65. Guaranteed!
Music score was also diversified and insync ( Connected )
Anonymouson May 9, 2011 11:17 pm
The spin off will work if the romances with bones
Danteon May 6, 2011 6:16 am
I loved the episode and would definitely watch the show if they produced it.
Zeabeanieon April 29, 2011 10:28 pm
Well, I know this is a dead thread, but when looking on information on the show led me here, I feel I have to get in my kick to the dead topic anyways.
I think it could be a real fascinating show. I love Bones, and this new spin-off was definitely interesting to watch even though I felt it focused a little too much on The Finder characters. But if The Finder had it’s own show, and Bones was kept to the characters we all know and love, I would watch both.
I think people should give it a chance. I’m a little surprised that even several months before the episode filmed, people were bashing on the idea. You have so little faith in Hart.