'In the Heat of the Night' Remake Taken On by Showtime

It must be the year of the remakes, or writers can't think up any more interesting plotlines!

Showtime and MGM Television are in the works of developing a Showtime storyline of the 1967 Oscar-Winning film "In the Heat of the Night." As reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

If you think back long and hard you can remember that the Academy Award winning movie was based in Sparta, Mississippi surrounding the life of Police Chief Williams (Carroll O'Connor") and his African American Chief Detective as they investigate crimes.

Showtime has snatched Tate Taylor to write and direct. Taylor is responsible for the biopic James Brown. Set to executive produce is Warren Littlefield and John Norris.

The film was previously on the small screen in 1988-92, booked by NBC. The show starred Carroll O'Connor and Howard Rollins. Later CBS snatched the show from 1993-1994.

In the Heat of the Night is a dramatic mystery film adapted from the book by John Ball's novel of the same title. It showcases a black police officer that is involved in a murder investigation within the small racist town of Mississippi. The film stars; Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger and Warren Oats.

The film went on to win five Academy Awards, including the Best Picture.

Taylor is also known for directing The Help (2011) and Get On Up (2014) The show will hit close to home as Taylor was born in Jackson, Mississippi.

It wasn't until The Help that Taylor received national attention. Having worked in New York and Los Angeles for 15 years before then.