Going back to her roots: Jennifer Lopez finalises deal to star in and executive produce new TV cop drama Shades Of Blue

By Juliet Paylor

PUBLISHED: 22:40 EST, 23 February 2014 | UPDATED: 07:20 EST, 24 February 2014

Jennifer Lopez is returning to her TV roots.

The actress, singer and American Idol judge has signed on to star in and executive produce new NBC  police drama Shades Of Blue.

As E! News confirms, the mom-of-two will take on the lead role of single mom and detective Harlee McCord in the 13-episode series.

Expanding her empire: Jennifer Lopez has signed on to star in and executive produce new NBC police drama Shades Of Blue, it was revealed on Sunday

Expanding her empire: Jennifer Lopez has signed on to star in and executive produce new NBC police drama Shades Of Blue, it was revealed on Sunday

Recruited to work undercover as part of the FBI's internal anti-corruption task force, Harlee finds herself torn as she works against her fellow officers, while also juggling the never-ending demands
of motherhood.

With the deal reportedly only finalised on Friday, it's yet to be determined exactly when the show will make its debut, however, it's expected to be sometime during the 2015-2016 US television season.

The 44-year-old will partner with writer Adi Hasak to executive produce the show, along with her long-time manager, Benny Medina, and E!'s Ryan Seacrest, who currently works alongside Lopez
as host of American Idol.

Going back to her roots: The star began her acting career with roles in TV series such as Second Chances (pictured), which she appeared in from 1993-1994

Going back to her roots: The star began her acting career with roles in TV series such as Second Chances (pictured), which she appeared in from 1993-1994

Law and order: Her new project will see her once again play a police officer - pictured in character in 2001's Angel Eyes - though this time around she will portray a single mother and detective recruited into the FBI's anti-corruption task force

Law and order: Her new project will see her once again play a police officer - pictured in character in 2001's Angel Eyes - though this time around she will portray a single mother and detective recruited into the FBI's anti-corruption task force

It will be the first scripted drama for the 39-year-old, who executive produces the likes of Keeping Up With The Kardashians and its spin-offs as well as Shahs Of Sunset.

Speaking about what drew him to the project, the radio personality cited the opportunity to work with 'such amazing partners' as the deciding factor.

'When Elaine [Goldsmith-Thomas], Adi and Benny approached us about working on it, we jumped at the chance to collaborate with such amazing partners,' he explains.

New collaboration: Lopez's American Idol colleague Ryan Seacrest will also take on an executive producing role on the show, which looks likely to debut during the US 2015-2016 television season

New collaboration: Lopez's American Idol colleague Ryan Seacrest will also take on an executive producing role on the show, which looks likely to debut during the US 2015-2016 television season

'The script is so powerful and ambitious, we can't wait to see Jennifer take on this remarkable role. Bob Greenblatt and Jen Salke's enthusiasm and support has been incredible, and we look forward
to working with everyone at NBC.'

JLo got her first big acting break in 1991's In Living Color, which ran for two years, before moving
on to roles in series South Central, Hotel Malibu and, most famously, Second Chances.

While she hasn't taken on any more TV roles since, she has executive produced several over the years - including current ABC Family hit The Fosters.

She currently has three new movie projects in the works - including voicing a character in animated adventure Home, alongside Rihanna, Steve Martin and Jim Parsons.

Multi-talented: The 44-year-old allrounder received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame last June in recognition of her illustrious recording career, which has seen her sell more than 70 million albums worldwide since 1999

Multi-talented: The 44-year-old allrounder received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame last June in recognition of her illustrious recording career, which has seen her sell more than 70 million albums worldwide since 1999

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Such a bad actress

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Nice woman very talented on screen and on the microphone. credit were credit is due. Class act

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I like JLO so much better when she's acting.. Although i probably wont be watching this.

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I find JLO's acting to be very wooden. Like she's only acting because she happens to be good looking...which is more than likely true.

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Another crime drama?overdone. ZZZzzzzzz

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Ilike JLO she is latina who made it trough hard work you have to respect that.

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We haven't had a good woman/cops show since Cagney & Lacey. Let's hope the writers and creators do a decent job instead of sending up the boring crap we usually get. Hollywood writers are always men and always stereotypical and always boring.

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Somebody please tell her she can't act.

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good for her, I wish her luck...thoroughly enjoyed her in this season's American Idol....

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What's Jennifer's talent? She can't act, she can barely sing. Beauty takes you a long way these days......

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