The Wrap is reporting that Luna Lauren Velez (Dexter) is set to reprise her role as Detective Nina Moreno in ABC’s New York Undercover pilot. In the series, taking place 20 years following the original series finale, Nina has retired from the force but maintains close ties to her profession.
From Ben Watkins (Hand of God) and executive produced by Dick Wolf (FBI), the new New York Undercover follows detectives Nat Gilmore and Melissa Ortiz as they investigate the city’s most dangerous criminals from Harlem to Battery Park. Velez is the second original series star confirmed for the pilot, joining Malik Yoba.
Running from 1994 – 1999 on FOX, the original New York Undercover followed then-Detective J.C. Williams (Yoba) and Detective Eddie Torres (Michael DeLorenzo) as they worked undercover in New York City’s Fourth Precinct. The series, which co-starred the likes of Patti D’Arbanville-Quinn (Third Watch), and Josh Hopkins (Cougar Town), was the first police drama on American television to feature two people of color in starring roles.
It’s also one of two cop show reboots in development at ABC for next season, joining NYPD Blue. Time will tell if the network is willing to launch both in the same season or if the two projects are competing for one schedule slot.
In addition to her role on the Showtime drama, Velez’s television credits include How to Get Away with Murder, Ugly Betty, and Oz.
