Network television is now turning to pop stars for content inspiration in its ongoing battle against the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. ABC, one of the major cable networks in America, has ordered a pilot for a drama series titled, Heart of Life, which was apparently inspired in some way by guitarist John Mayer‘s 2006 song by the same name.
According to the announcement shared by the Hollywood Reporter on Thursday evening, the pilot for the potential network series will “follow two sets of adult siblings from wildly different worlds who discover they are related and must reassess everything they thought they knew about their shared father.” The various storylines of the main characters will see them exploring the mystery of their childhoods and overcoming the adversity they faced growing up.
Mayer has signed on to the project to work as an executive producer alongside Hollywood veteran Ben Queen, who will also write the pilot script.
There was no mention in the report as to whether or not Mayer will provide any kind of creative contribution to the pilot, or if he’ll just be the guy in the headphones behind the camera who shares the occasional, “Looked good!” while on set. Although considering John’s love for television, the Dead & Company guitarist could play a role in the show’s musical side at some point. That will, of course, be once the series is six seasons in with a movie on the way.
The potential show will be competing against seven other drama pilots ordered for consideration by ABC set for this spring, including a pair of female-driven crime soaps New York Undercover and the questionable return of NYPD Blue.
John Mayer – “Heart of Life”
[Video: ahumbleperspective]
The announcement on Thursday comes less than a week after Mayer shared a new batch of North American tour dates as a solo artist scheduled for this summer. Mayer also recently appeared as a guest on Ryan Adam‘s new single, “Fuck the Rain”.
[H/T Hollywood Reporter]