Sarah Shahi Is Nancy Drew in CBS' Series Drew

Sarah Shahi will play Nancy Drew in CBS' upcoming pilot about the famed girl detective, Variety reports. Shahi will portray Drew in her 30s as a NYPD detective solving crimes and navigating modern life.

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Shahi joins a cast that includes Vanessa Ferlito (Graceland), as Nancy's former NYPD partner; Anthony Edwards (ER) as Nancy's father; and Felix Solis as Lt. Ford, an NYPD lieutenant bothered by Nancy's confidence and smarts.

Shahi is perhaps best known for her recent work on Person of Interest. Taking a starring role in a new pilot is just another sign that Season 5 will probably be the last for the crime thriller series. Executive producer J.J. Abrams said the show would likely end after its 13 episode summer season during the Television Critics Association winter previews, but CBS president Glenn Geller rebutted that a final decision won't be made until the season airs. Shahi's character made a dramatic near-death exit las season so the actress could go on maternity leave, but she will be rejoining Person for Season 5.

Shahi has also appeared on Chicago Fire andFairly Legal, Her Drew casting marks a making-good on a pledge by CBS Entertainment President Glen Geller, who vowed that the lead role would go to a non-white actor. Shahi, born in Texas, is of Iranian, Persian and Spanish ancestry.

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