Murder, She Wrote is going to have a second life. The series that Angela Lansbury made famous will be revived, and Oscar Winner Octavia Spencer is cast to play the lead role.­­­­

The incredible drama Murder, She Wrote aired for 12 seasons on CBS, from 1984 to 1996; earning acclaim for being  one of the longest running and successful shows on television, drawing 23 million viewers during its run.  The fictional mystery writer and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher led 264 episodes, which was followed by four TV films and a spin-off series, The Law & Harry McGraw. It also prompted two PC video games and an ongoing book series.

NBC is committed to the pilot, which will take a light and contemporary approach to crime, mimicking the ease and temperament of Bones.

Spencer will portray a hospital administrator/amateur detective who self-publishes her first mystery novel. She becomes active investigator in response to society's obsession with sensationalized headlines and true crimes.

Former contributors to Desperate Housewives, Alexandra Cunningham will script and executive produce the show, and David Janollari will co-produce the series. Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton will also star in the primetime crime thriller.

Spencer, 43, has been active in Hollywood since 1996, often contracting small parts, appearing in films such as Never Been Kissed, Big Momma's House, Bad Santa; and series such as The Big Bang Theory, Wizards of Waverly Place, Grounded for Life, This, of course changed when she took on the role of outspoken Minny in film The Help, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe.

Spencer's lead role on the show will mark her first regular role on a television series.