ABC orders 'L.A. Law' sequel pilot; Blair Underwood to return

Oct. 6 (UPI) -- ABC announced it has ordered a pilot for a possible sequel series to the Emmy-winning 1980s and '90s legal drama, L.A. Law.

Blair Underwood, one of the original NBC show's stars, is onboard to reprise his role of McKenzie Brackman attorney Jonathan Rollins. Underwood will also executive produce the project.

In the new version, Rollins "has gone from idealistic to more conservative as he clashes with millennial JJ Freeman to decide the best path forward for the firm to effect political and legal change," the network said.

The Hollywood Reporter cited unnamed sources as saying other former cast members are expected to return for the followup, which was written and will be executive produced by Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow creator Marc Guggenheim.

Anthony Hemingway -- whose credits include True Blood and Shameless -- is directing the episode.

The late Steven Bochco created the original L.A. Law and his son Jesse and wife Dayna are executive producing the pilot for the contemporary edition.

The first series starred Corbin Bernsen, Jimmy Smits, Harry Hamlin, Susan Dey and Richard Dysart.