AceShowbiz -

TNT has given a greenlight to Frank Darabont's first project following his resignation as "The Walking Dead" showrunner. Previously known as "L.A. Noir", the currently untitled period drama has been picked up to series and ordered for a total of six episodes.

Based on John Buntin's book "L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City", the series chronicles the epic battle between Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker and mobster Mickey Cohen. It is described as a fast-paced crime drama which is set in Los Angeles during the 1940s and '50s.

"This series is an intense, exciting drama that takes viewers back to a truly fascinating time in the history of Los Angeles," says Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT. "Frank Darabont, Michael De Luca and Elliott Webb have delivered an outstanding opening episode that evokes the time and place in stunning detail."

Darabont wrote and directed the pilot, while Alissa Phillips ("Moneyball") serves as co-executive producer. Jon Bernthal, who previously worked with Darabont on "Walking Dead", takes a role of Joe Teague, an ex-Marine now working as an LAPD cop. Another "Walking Dead" alum Jeffrey DeMunn joins the cast as Det. Hal Morrison, who heads up the LAPD's new mob squad.

Jeremy Strong stars as Det. Mike Hendry who is Morrison's second in command, Neal McDonough plays Capt. William Parker who is Teague's boss, and Milo Ventimiglia portrays Ned Stax, who fought alongside Teague during World War II but now works as a lawyer with connections to the mob. The pilot will additionally feature Simon Pegg who guest stars as a third-rate comedian and mob hanger-on.