Moonlight fans can finally sink their teeth into Alex O'Loughlin's new series.  The Australian actor, who captured the hearts of millions as private investigator and vampire Mick St. John, will soon return to the small screen to star in a new project from CBS Paramount.

After CBS pulled the plug on Moonlight, the network left its doors open for O'Loughlin, who in turn signed a one-year development deal.  At the time, the network was reportedly planning to give him a new show to be developed by Mark Gordon, who is credited for his work on Criminal Minds, Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Moonlight star is in negotiations for Three Rivers, a medical drama pilot about organ transplants, with each story told from the point of view of the doctor, the recipient and the donor.  O'Loughlin will reportedly play Dr. Andy Yablonski, the workaholic leader of the team of organ donor transplants.  He is separated from his wife and lives in a motel near the hospital.

Joining O'Loughlin, who is also noted for his roles on Oyster Farmer and The Shield, are Six Feet Under's Justina Machado and newcomer Christopher J. Hanke, who will play the assistant to the transplant coordinator.

Three Rivers, which begins production on Monday, will be written by Carol Barbee (Jericho) who will be exec-producing alongside 8 Mile director Curtis Hanson and longtime collaborator Carol Fenelon. It is one of three medical pilots CBS has ordered this season with hopes to launch one as a series in the fall.  The other two are Miami Trauma and The Eastmans.

In the meantime, fans can catch Alex O'Loughlin playing a serial killer in at least one episode of Criminal Minds, which is tentatively scheduled to air in April.  This marks his first TV comeback following the cancellation of his cult-favorite paranormal series.



-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
(Image courtesy of CBS)