Peter Krause is making his return to NBC, and it comes with a thrilling new role that brings him back to the network where he became a favorite family man. The actor best known for playing Adam Braverman on Parenthood and Captain Bobby Nash on 9-1-1 has officially signed on to star in the upcoming NBC drama pilot titled Protection. This marks his first television project since his character’s emotional exit from the first responder drama last year.
Krause joins the project as the first cast member announced for what is expected to be an ensemble family drama. The pilot comes from writer and executive producer Josh Safran, who fans might recognize as the showrunner behind the Gossip Girl revival. Universal Television is producing the project, which is one of several pilots NBC is developing for the 2026-2027 season .
What Role Will Peter Krause Play in ‘Protection’?
Krause will take on the character of Mike Thornhill, a man with deep roots in government service. According to the official character description, Mike is a former Secret Service agent who now works as the Assistant Director of Intelligence. The role paints a picture of a dedicated public servant who has spent his entire career in blue-collar government work and is not ready to hang it up just yet .
The character description adds some personal depth to Mike, noting that he has been “the life of the party forever and that attitude has come at a cost.” This detail suggests viewers will see a man who carries both professional dedication and personal baggage, making him a layered character for Krause to explore .
The show’s logline gives a clearer picture of what the Thornhill family will face. It reads: “When a U.S. Marshal falls in the line of duty, a seemingly cut-and-dry case turns into a deadly conspiracy as a family of law enforcement agents become the target of a mysterious assassin. Bridging personal differences and crossing professional boundaries, the Thornhill family must use the expertise from a lifetime of protecting civilians and politicians to protect one another and bring the killer to justice … even if it means betraying their sworn code” .
A Homecoming to NBC for the ‘Parenthood’ Star
For Krause, this role represents a return to familiar ground. He spent six seasons on NBC’s beloved family drama Parenthood, which ran from 2010 to 2015. On that show, he played Adam Braverman, the responsible oldest brother trying to keep his sprawling family together while navigating his own challenges at work and home. The series developed a passionate fanbase that still talks about the Braverman family today .
Between his Parenthood days and this new project, Krause built an impressive television resume. He starred in the HBO drama Six Feet Under as Nate Fisher, a role that earned him three Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nods. He also led the cast of the ABC dramedy Sports Night and appeared in Dirty Sexy Money before finding his way back to network success with 9-1-1 .
How Peter Krause’s ‘9-1-1’ Exit Led to This New Chapter
Krause’s departure from 9-1-1 was one of the most talked-about television moments of 2025. His character, Captain Bobby Nash, died in the Season 8 episode that aired in April 2025 after sacrificing himself to save a colleague. The storyline involved the 118 crew responding to a laboratory call where they were exposed to a deadly virus. When only one dose of antidote remained, Bobby gave it to Howard “Chimney” Han, played by Kenneth Choi, allowing the virus to die with him .
After the episode aired, Krause addressed the emotional exit in a statement. He said, “I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss. That said, it was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this” .
He continued, “First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them. We at 9-1-1 salute all the incredible men and women who do these dangerous jobs and strive to keep us safe. Our show is incredibly difficult to make at times with long hours, challenging stunts and elaborate disasters. We couldn’t do it without each other” .
That exit closed an eight-season chapter for the actor, who had been with the show since its 2018 premiere. Now, less than a year later, he is ready to step into a new role that also involves first responders and government service, though with a different family dynamic at its core.
Who Is Behind ‘Protection’?
The creative team for Protection brings together some interesting names. Josh Safran serves as writer and executive producer. Safran has a long history in television, having worked on shows like Gossip Girl, Smash, and Quantico. His experience with character-driven drama and suspense makes him a good fit for a project about a family under threat .
In a surprising but intriguing addition, Jenna Bush Hager is attached as an executive producer alongside Ben Spector. The former first daughter and current television personality has been expanding her production work in recent years .
The project comes from Universal Television, the studio behind many successful network dramas. NBC has been actively developing its pilot slate for the upcoming season, with Protection standing out as one of the higher-profile projects thanks to Krause’s involvement .
What Other NBC Pilots Are in the Works?
Krause joins a growing list of familiar faces heading to NBC pilots. David Boreanaz, known for Bones and SEAL Team, is set to star in a reboot of The Rockford Files. Emily Deschanel, Boreanaz’s former Bones co-star, will lead an untitled drama about a criminal profiler based on the work of Dr. Ann Burges. Damon Wayans Jr. is attached to headline Puzzled, a crime drama about a man with Acquired Savant Syndrome .
This casting trend has not gone unnoticed. NBC appears to be building its future around proven television stars who bring built-in audiences and reliable performances. Krause certainly fits that mold with his decades of acclaimed work across multiple networks and genres .
What This Role Means for Krause’s Career
At 60 years old, Krause continues to choose projects that let him play complex characters. His career has moved between broadcast network hits like Parenthood and 9-1-1 and cable prestige dramas like Six Feet Under. This balance has kept him visible to wide audiences while maintaining critical respect for his work.
Protection gives him the chance to play another family man, but with a twist. The Thornhill family is not dealing with the everyday problems of the Bravermans or the emergency calls of the 118 crew. They are a family of law enforcement professionals who must use their training to survive when they become the targets. That setup promises action, suspense, and the kind of emotional stakes Krause handles well .
The role of Mike Thornhill also lets Krause play someone with a complicated personal history. The character description mentioning that his party-loving attitude “has come at a cost” suggests there will be layers to uncover as the series progresses. If picked up, the show could explore how Mike’s choices affected his family relationships while also dealing with the immediate threat of an assassin targeting them .
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When Will ‘Protection’ Premiere?
Right now, Protection exists as a pilot order. NBC has selected it as one of several projects to film a first episode, with the hope of adding it to the schedule for the 2026-2027 television season. Networks typically film pilots in the early part of the year, then make decisions about which ones will go to series in May during the upfront presentations to advertisers .
If NBC picks up Protection, it would likely premiere sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. The network has not announced a filming schedule yet, but production would need to move forward soon to meet those potential dates.
For viewers in different regions, NBC content typically becomes available through various platforms. American audiences can watch on the NBC network itself. International viewers often find NBC shows on local broadcast partners or streaming services. Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, usually carries the network’s original programming for viewers in the United States. Global audiences should check their local streaming services or broadcasters for availability once the show gets a formal release date .
The news of Krause’s casting has generated interest among fans who followed his work on Parenthood and 9-1-1. Many are curious to see how he handles this new character and whether Protection will capture the family drama feel of his NBC hit mixed with the tension of his more recent role. With a strong creative team and a compelling premise, this pilot stands as one to watch as development season continues.
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