EXCLUSIVE: After an extensive search, young British actor Fabien Frankel has landed the lead role of Theo Sipowicz in ABC’s pilot NYPD Blue, a new iteration of the iconic cop drama.

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The sequel centers on Theo, the son of Dennis Franz’s Detective Andy Sipowicz character from the original series, who tries to earn his detective shield and work in the 15th squad while investigating his father’s murder. Theo seems to have taken after his father as he too is a hard-drinking, hard-headed and quick-witted cop.

Like the original 1993-2005 ABC series, the follow-up revolves around a core group of 15th Precinct police officers/detectives. Frankel’s Theo leads the quartet, which includes Detective Nicole Lazarus (Alona Tal). Additionally, two cast members from the original series, Kim Delaney and Bill Brochtrup, will reprise their roles as Diane Russell and John Irvin, respectively.

The reboot hails from NYPD Blue alums Matt Olmstead, Nick Wootton and Jesse Bochco. The pilot, a co-production between 20th Century Fox TV — which was behind the original series — and ABC Studios, was written by Olmstead and Wootton. Bochco, son of NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco, who helmed 10 episodes of the original series, is set to direct. All three executive produce, while Steven Bochco’s widow, Dayna Bochco, serves as a producer.

Frankel was cast as Theo after a three-month search and multiple tests as the producers cast a wide net for the role of the son of an iconic TV character.

Frankel, a recent LAMDA graduate, earned solid reviews for his role in West End play The Knowledge. He currently is shooting the feature Last Christmas for director Paul Feig, playing a lover of Emilia Clarke’s character Kate. Frankel is repped by Luber Roklin, the UK’s Curtis Brown and attorney Jeff Bernstein.