Katherine Heigl CIA drama sold to NBC

By Tim Kenneally LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Katherine Heigl could soon be returning to the small screen. NBC has purchased a CIA drama project that the former "Grey's Anatomy" star is attached to executive produce and star in, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap on Monday. The untitled drama, which has received a put-pilot commitment will revolve around a maverick CIA officer to be played by Heigl. Tapped to become the president's daily briefer, she is responsible for targeting America's most critical threats while navigating the unique lifestyle that comes with such a high-powered job. Alexi Hawley ("The Following," "Castle," "Body of Proof") has been tapped to write the script for the project. Robert Simonds ("License to Wed," "The Shaggy Dog") is also executive producing, along with Hawley, Heigl's mother and manager Nancy, Henry Crumpton, Rodney Faraon and Julia Franz. The Heigls are executive producing under the banner of their Abishag Productions, with Universal Television serving as the studio on the drama project. "I have been passionate about, and enthralled by, this project from the moment Hank, Rodney and Bob brought it to me over a year ago. The story is not only compelling and intelligent but a look behind the curtain at the CIA we haven't seen before in film or television," Heigl said. The project is a joint venture between Simonds and Aardwolf Creative, a production company that "develops authentic content about the world of intelligence, national security, and global conflict. " The company is run by Crumpton and Faraon, two decorated former CIA officers.