NBC Orders Robinson Crusoe

NBC has ordered 13 episodes of Robinson Crusoe, a drama series based on Daniel Defoe’s classic novel, and plans to launch it this fall or midseason 2009, depending on whether there will be an actors strike in the summer. Crusoe will be an “adrenaline-charged version” of the 1719 novel with a contemporary feel and voice, including a 21st century take on race relations, but it will be a period drama, taking place in the 17th century when the book is set.

Like the novel, NBC’s series will center on Crusoe and his relationship with his loyal servant Friday. But in addition to their adventures overcoming marauding militias, hungry cannibals, wild cats, starvation and apocalyptic lightning storms described in the book, the series will introduce additional characters and elements, including a MacGyver-like knack of the lead character for making handy tools and devices out of common items.