National audiences can now tune in to NBC’s latest drama, Line of Fire, which debuted Monday night. Creator Joshua Safran, known for his work on Quantico and Gossip Girl, describes the series as a hybrid of crime procedural and family soap, aiming to show how law‑enforcement work seeps into personal life.
Family at the Center of the Action
The show centers on the Hollingsworth family, a multi‑generational group of public‑service professionals. One member serves as an FBI agent, another as a U.S. marshal, two are Secret Service officers, and a fifth works for the Department of Justice. Their professional duties intersect with their home lives, creating tension and drama both on and off the case files.
Peter Krause and Hope Davis portray the on‑again, off‑again couple leading the family. Their three children—played by Kat Cunning, Tommy O’Brien and Taylor Bloom—bring additional layers of conflict and loyalty. Guest stars such as Sam Waterston, Campbell Scott and Chris Chalk appear throughout the first season.
Weekly Cases and Ongoing Mysteries
Each episode presents a self‑contained investigation, often drawing two or more Hollingsworth members into the same case. At the same time, the series weaves longer story arcs, including an old assassination attempt on the president and a mysterious killer leaving origami cranes at crime scenes. By the end of the pilot, a deadly conspiracy is uncovered that promises to reverberate throughout the season.
Safran emphasizes the show’s focus on the work‑life divide. “You’re going to watch a case unfold every week by very capable people who are in an area of law enforcement you may have seen before, but you’ll also go home with them and see how that work impacts their family life and relationships,” he said.
Creative Inspiration and Production Notes
Safran drew inspiration from the song “Stay” by Samantha Barks, particularly the lyric, “Don’t come too close and don’t go too far,” which mirrors the series’ theme of balancing professional duty with personal boundaries. He also cited a desire to explore the unseen home lives of characters typically portrayed only in the context of their jobs.
Former “9‑1‑1” star Peter Krause, who lost his fire‑captain role on ABC, was drawn back to television by Safran’s scripts. Krause noted, “The fun of it for me is the concealment—within their jobs they have to conceal things from each other, and sometimes they cross a line to share information, which is fun.”
Jenna Bush Hager’s Involvement
Jenna Bush Hager, co‑host of Today and daughter of former President George W. Bush, serves as an executive producer. Safran praised her contributions, saying, “She’s really been an invaluable resource. She’s talked to the writers, she’s come to set, and her energy is infectious and great.” Hager helped select the show’s concept from several ideas Safran was developing.
Safran added, “You don’t see their home lives, and I really wanted to explore that. When you watch the ‘Chicago’ shows or the ‘Law & Order’ universe, I’m digging for clues about the characters behind their jobs.” He also highlighted the mother’s suspicion of strangers—a trait that aids fugitive tracking but complicates her children’s social interactions.
What Viewers Can Expect
Fans of procedural dramas will find the case‑by‑case structure familiar, while those who enjoy family sagas will appreciate the ongoing interpersonal storylines. The series promises a blend of tension, moral dilemmas, and the occasional dark humor, all set against the backdrop of national security and law enforcement.
With its mix of seasoned actors, a strong creative team, and a premise that bridges two popular TV genres, Line of Fire aims to capture a broad audience seeking both intrigue and emotional depth.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
