Don Johnson Gets Leading Role in ABC's Pilot Drama ‘Boom’

Don Johnson, 65, best known for his role as Sony Crockett in the 1980's Miami Vice series and as the titular character in the 1990's Nash Bridges series is cast to star in ABC's Boom, a drama pilot set in a town in North Dakota following what is described as "the biggest oil discovery in American history."

Boom is written by Josh Pate and Rodes Fishburne and directed by Jonas Pate. It will examine "the biggest oil discovery in American history - bigger than Texas and as big as Saudi Arabia - which has triggered a geopolitical shift and an economic boom in North Dakota on a scale not seen since the 1849 California Gold Rush," according to Deadline. Johnson will play Hap Boyd, described as "a tough, mega alpha male oil tycoon, an oilfield legend." He will also executive produce alongside Tony Krantz and Josh Pate.

Delroy Lindo, 62, recently seen on the small-screen as Winter in the fantasy drama series Believe, will co-star in Boom as Tip Hamilton, described as "the Sheriff of Williston County, a wise and sly man who has seen it all and is inclined to administer the law as impartially as possible - but with an attitude and edge." Also confirmed in the cast are Scott Michael Foster, Rebecca Rittenhouse and India De Beaufort.

Boom, according to the pilot's plot summary "tracks the epic pilgrimage of a young, ambitious couple to the oil fields of the Bakken seeking their fortune and a better life. It's a classic tale with modern twists. As we follow their trials and tribulations in a modern day 'Wild West,' they negotiate a colorful ensemble of roughnecks, grifters, oil barons, criminals and fellow prospectors against a stark and beautiful backdrop." It is one of four pilot dramas given the green light by ABC, the other three being: The Advocate, a medical advocate drama from Sheldon Turner; The Adversaries, a legal soap from David Zabel; and Kingmakers, a murder mystery from Sallie Patrick.