ABC is building out another crime drama contender, and this one comes with a darkly intriguing hook. The Undertaker, a new police procedural based on the Swiss series Der Bestatter, is currently in development at the network.
The project comes from writer Gabriel Garza, whose credits include The Winchesters and The Flash, with Hanelle M. Culpepper attached to direct. Culpepper has worked across major genre and drama titles, including Star Trek: Picard and Paradise. The series is being developed by 20th Television and Elevate Entertainment.
What Is ABC’s The Undertaker About?
The Undertaker centers on Luke Conrad, a former police detective who leaves law enforcement behind and takes over his family’s funeral home business. Of course, a man with detective instincts does not simply stop noticing suspicious details.
The premise gives ABC a familiar but flexible crime-series engine: a lead character with police experience, a steady flow of cases, and a setting that naturally brings him close to death, grief, secrets and unfinished business. The funeral home angle also gives the show a visual and emotional identity that could help it stand apart from more traditional precinct procedurals.
Based on Der Bestatter, the Swiss Crime Drama
The new ABC drama is inspired by Der Bestatter, the Swiss series whose title translates to The Undertaker. The original became known for blending crime-solving with an offbeat central profession, following a former cop turned funeral director as he becomes involved in investigations.
That setup has the sort of international-to-U.S. remake appeal networks often look for: a proven concept, a clear lead character, and a case-of-the-week format that can support long-running storytelling if the chemistry works.
Who Is Behind The Undertaker at ABC?
Gabriel Garza is writing the adaptation, while Hanelle M. Culpepper is set to direct. Their combined backgrounds suggest ABC may be aiming for a procedural with both genre-friendly pacing and a polished character-drama feel.
20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios, is producing alongside Elevate Entertainment. No cast has been announced yet, and ABC has not confirmed whether the project will move forward to pilot or series.
The Undertaker Release Date and Series Status
At this stage, The Undertaker does not have a release date. The project is in development, which means scripts and creative plans are being shaped before ABC decides whether to order a pilot or full series.
Because the show has not yet been officially picked up, there is also no episode count, production schedule or premiere window. More details should become clearer if ABC advances the drama beyond development.
Where Can You Watch The Undertaker?
The Undertaker cannot be watched yet, because it has not premiered and has not been ordered to series. If ABC moves forward, the show is being developed for ABC in the United States.
UK and EU availability has not been announced. A streaming home is also unconfirmed; while many ABC series become available in the U.S. through Disney-owned platforms after broadcast, no official streaming plan for The Undertaker has been revealed.
Tags: #TheUndertaker #ABCDrama #DerBestatter #PoliceProcedural #TVNews
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