Starz developing 'Sopranos'-like mob drama

http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/06/starz-developing-sopranoslike-mob-drama-.html'

Starz has bought the rights to a hit Australian crime drama called "Underbelly" that's drawing some comparisons to HBO's "The Sopranos."

The premium network is developing a U.S. version of the series, which was based on a true story set Down Under in the 1970s and premiered two years ago. The Starz version will likely be reworked to focus on an American crime family.

Let's see, it's been three years since "Sopranos" ended. Has the psychological trauma of that infamous cut-to-black faded enough for us to invest our faith in another premium network crime show? I think so. The trick is figuring out a location. Sure can't do New Jersey. HBO has also claimed Atlantic City with "Boardwalk Empire" Las Vegas seems too ... specific of an environment to re-purpose a show imported from Australia around. That leaves New York City and Chicago, right? My vote is for NYC and for one reason: accents.