NBC's 'Line of Fire' Explores a Family of Law Enforcement Agents Under Threat

NBC's new family drama, "Line of Fire," centers on the Hollingsworth family, a group of federal law enforcement agents who find themselves targeted.

Created by Joshua Safran, known for "Gossip Girl" and "Quantico," the series features Peter Krause as Secret Service Agent Mike Hollingsworth and Hope Davis as his estranged wife, U.S. Marshal Jane Hollingsworth. The show delves into their strained relationship while they work professionally in overlapping law enforcement circles. Their adult children also hold positions within federal agencies: Clare is an FBI agent, Mike Jr. (known as "Micah") is a Secret Service agent, and Russell works for the DOJ.

The series premiere introduces a plotline where an assassin targets federal agents, raising concerns for Mike about the safety of former President Thomas Barnes, played by Sam Waterston. Complicating the family dynamics, Micah is engaged in a secret affair with Sydney, the daughter of the current President Kayana (Chris Chalk). Adding to the intrigue, Jane's boyfriend, U.S. Senator Terry (Campbell Scott), is also introduced, poised to further disrupt the family's balance.

Creator Joshua Safran described "Line of Fire" as a blend of "Six Feet Under" and "The Fugitive," with a twist where the fugitive is on the offensive. He also noted it functions as a "procedural soap," offering both serialized mysteries and weekly case structures, drawing inspiration from shows like "Desperate Housewives" and "Parenthood."

Early reviews suggest that the pilot episodes establish compelling dynamics within the Hollingsworth family, particularly between parents and children, and leave viewers with numerous unanswered questions. The show's reliance on twists and suspense is compared to successful series like "This Is Us" and Krause's previous show, "9-1-1."

Among the standout performances in the early episodes are Tommy O'Brien as Micah, whose evolving father-son relationship with Mike is highlighted, and Kat Cunning as Clare. The series aims to weave together professional duties, personal secrets, and protection within the family unit.

"Line of Fire" premiered on NBC and is available for streaming.