New details are emerging about the in-development "Southern Gothic soap opera" starring Reba McEntire. ABC, which had previously secured a script-plus-penalty commitment for the show, has officially ordered the drama's pilot episode.

The Hollywood Reporter, which shared the news of the show's pilot order, explains that the unnamed show's plot centers around Ruby Adair (McEntire), the sheriff of the small town of Oxblood, Ky., and a young FBI agent of Middle Eastern descent (who is described as "cocky"). The FBI agent is in Oxblood to help Adair solve a horrific crime after a "suspected act of terrorism" happens at a Fourth of July parade, and they form an "uneasy alliance" as Adair introduces the agent to "bizarre characters" in the community, uncovering even darker secrets.

"It’s very dark,” McEntire tells the Tennessean. “It’s got funny times in it, but it is dark.”

The new show is being written and executive produced by Marc Cherry; his longtime producing partner Sabrina Wind will help helm the drama, while Mindy Schultheis and Michael Hanel from Acme Productions will be executive producers. McEntire, who will be credited as an executive producer as well, tells the Tennessean that shooting for the pilot will likely begin in March.

"I am thrilled to be coming back home to ABC," Cherry says. "What makes it all the sweeter is Reba McEntire is coming with me. And we can't wait to share with our fans this wonderful Southern Gothic soap opera we've been cooking up for them."

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