Time-traveling cop show "Mars" in ABC's orbit

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - ABC is close to picking up David E. Kelley's pilot "Life on Mars" for series production.

"Mars" stars Jason O'Mara as a 21st-century detective who finds himself working as a cop in the 1970s.

The show, which had been dormant since the pilot was shot in summer 2007, has been gaining momentum in the past week, with talks ongoing with a number of producers.

But sources indicated that no deals can be made without the blessing of Kelley, who created the U.S. version of the British series and owns the rights to it.

Meanwhile, Kelley is reevaluating his involvement in the project as it goes forward.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter