Good fortune for ABC remake of NZ crime caper

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - ABC has ordered a pilot episode of a comedy-drama based on a hit New Zealand series called "Outrageous Fortune."

The U.S. version, which does not yet have a title, revolves around the matriarch of a family of criminals who decides it is time for her brood to go straight when her husband ends up in the clink for five years.

The show is about to begin its fourth season in New Zealand, and has also aired in Australia, Canada, Italy, England and Ireland. Additionally, a British remake called "Honest" recently premiered on U.K. broadcaster ITV.

The ABC pilot is being steered by "Veronica Mars" creator Rob Thomas, who recently finished a draft script for an updated version of "Beverly Hills, 90210" for the CW Network.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter