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Octavia Spencer Snapped Up To Headline NBC’s “Murder She Wrote” Remake

by Anya Rahming on November 6, 2013

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Octavia Spencer has been chosen to star in a television remake of the series Murder She Wrote. A pilot has been ordered for the show by NBC according to THR.

It appears that smart television networks are snatching talented Black actresses out of their film careers and giving them better roles on television. Black actress have been transitioning from the big to the small screen in growing numbers beginning with Kerry Washington in Scandal, followed by Meagan Good in Deception, and most recently Nicole Beharie, who transitioned from critically acclaimed films, like Shame and 42, to star in Fox’s hit Sleepy Hollow. It seems to be a pretty good formula.

The original Murder She Wrote series aired on television for 12 seasons from 1984 – 1996. Angela Lansbury played the lead character Jessica Fletcher, a former English teacher turned mystery writer with a talent from solving crimes. Lansbury received 10 Golden Globe nominations, and 12 Emmy nominations for her role (Wikipedia) – that’s equal to one per year of the show. Many people know of the franchise either from returns, or due to the popular book series which was a spin off of the show.

We know remakes are hit or miss – Blair Underwood’s Ironside remake was recently axed by NBC. However, Murder She Wrote was a more recent show, whereas the original Ironside took place in the 1960s. Do you think remaking the series is a good idea? And do you think this is a smart move for Octavia Spencer?