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CBS greenlights ‘Einstein’ pilot: A fresh take on a genius legacy
A new twist on a classic name
CBS has officially ordered a pilot for “Einstein”, a new series from the creative mind behind “Monk,” Andy Breckman. This intriguing show is an adaptation of a German format and centers around the great-grandson of the legendary physicist Albert Einstein. Described as “brilliant but directionless,” the protagonist is a tenured professor who finds himself in legal trouble. To avoid severe consequences, he must assist a local police detective in solving complex cases.
The creative team behind the scenes
Andy Breckman, known for his work on “Monk,” serves as the writer and executive producer for this project. Randy Zisk, who has a rich history of directing and producing, will also take on the roles of director and executive producer. The series is a production of CBS Studios and will feature additional executive producers Tariq Jalil, Rose Hughes, Rodrigo Herrera Ibarguengoytia, and Laura Beetz from Seven One Studios International.
The journey from Germany to the US
The original “Einstein” began as a TV movie in 2015, starring Tom Beck, and was created by writers Martin Ritzenhoff and Matthias Dinter. The success of the TV movie led to its development into a full-fledged series by Zeitsprung Pictures. The show enjoyed a successful run for three seasons and was distributed to over 100 territories worldwide.
Previous attempts at adaptation
The idea of adapting “Einstein” for American audiences has been in the works for several years. In 2018, Michael Reisz and Carol Mendelsohn attempted to bring the show to NBC. Later, in 2019, Breckman and Zisk developed a version for CBS, but it did not move forward. CBS made another attempt in 2020 with a gender-swapped version from Lauren Gussis and Corinne Brinkerhoff, but that too did not come to fruition.
The original German show’s premise
The German version of “Einstein” follows Felix, the youngest professor to ever teach theoretical physics at his university. Despite his genius, Felix faces significant challenges: he is terminally ill with hereditary Huntington’s disease and is accused of stealing illicit stimulants to manage his condition. Facing a prison sentence, Felix is offered a lifeline when the police recognize his brilliance and recruit him as a consultant. Partnered with the sharp and quick-witted detective Elena, Felix uses his intelligence and innovative thinking to solve a series of complex cases, including a bank robbery, a suspected suicide, and the poisoning of senior citizens.
For more details on the original series, you can watch the trailer for Einstein.
CBS’s recent pilot orders
The news of the “Einstein” pilot order comes shortly after CBS announced a pilot for the single-camera workplace comedy “DMV” and a writers’ room for the single-camera series “Eternally Yours”, from the producers behind “Ghosts.”
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For fans of cinema and TV series, the adaptation of “Einstein” offers a fascinating blend of intellectual prowess and crime-solving drama. The character’s struggle with a terminal illness adds a layer of depth and vulnerability, making him a compelling protagonist. The dynamic between Felix and detective Elena promises to bring a mix of tension, humor, and heartfelt moments to the screen.
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, I find the concept of “Einstein” particularly intriguing. The idea of a modern-day genius using his extraordinary intellect to solve crimes is reminiscent of classic detective stories but with a unique twist. The show’s potential to explore complex scientific concepts while unraveling intricate mysteries could make it a standout in the crime drama genre.
For those interested in exploring more about the show’s development and its creative team, keep an eye on CBS’s announcements and updates. The combination of Breckman’s storytelling prowess and Zisk’s directorial expertise holds great promise for this new series.
In the meantime, if you’re curious about the original German series, you can dive into the world of “Einstein” by watching the trailer and exploring the show’s rich narrative. The adaptation journey from Germany to the US is a testament to the universal appeal of compelling storytelling and complex characters.
Stay tuned for more updates on “Einstein” and other exciting projects coming to CBS.
