NBC to air 'Robinson Crusoe' drama

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- NBC is planning to air the first drama series based on Daniel Defoe's classic novel "Robinson Crusoe" since French TV broadcast one in 1964.

NBC has picked up 13 episodes of the scripted series, which will be produced by Universal Media Services and Power, the top producer of quality European miniseries and TV movies.

This marks the first time in 45 years that a scripted series for a U.S. broadcast network will be produced by a British company, the Hollywood Reporter said Monday

Slated to air next fall or mid-season in 2009, the period drama is based on Defoe's 1719 novel and will focus on Crusoe and his relationship with Friday, whom he found on the island, as they are stranded on a tropical island for nearly three decades.

"It's part 'MacGyver,' part contemporary morality tale about race and personal discovery, part comedy, and part 'Castaway' meets 'Survivor,'" NBC's new chief, Ben Silverman, told the trade paper.

The role of Crusoe hasn't been cast but the producers are said to be looking at British and Australian actors.