Back in the day, a movie star would never play on a TV series, because historically the small screen and the silver screen were on opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum.

But within the last decade or so, more and more movie stars are taking on TV projects for a number of different reasons, and the latest star to do so is Jennifer Lopez, as she’s already carved out a new career as a judge on American Idol, but she’s not stopping there.

According to reports, she’ll be starring in her own NBC cop drama entitled Shades of Blue. Lopez will also be executive producing the show along with her fellow Idol chum Ryan Seacrest.

Like many other movie stars who have children, it’s likely that Lopez wants a job that doesn’t force her to travel to far off places, and the fact that she can work close to home probably is what secured her decision to be on Idol and Shades of Blue.

On the show, Lopez will play Harlee McCord, a single mother who works undercover for the FBI’s anti-corruption division, said NBC.

Shades of Blue is a “complex police series that centers on Harlee McCord a single mother and detective recruited to work undercover for the FBI’s anti-corruption task force,” said the network in a statement.

“Part of a close-knit unit known for its conviction record, Harlee has become compromised by her colleagues, all of whom also pitch in to help her raise her daughter, and finds herself faced with the moral dilemma of working against her cop brothers in order to redeem herself.”

Jennifer Salke, President of NBC Entertainment, said the network is thrilled to have Lopez on board and she looks forward to working with her and writer Adi Hasak.

“Whether it’s producing, acting, singing or any of her other many entrepreneurial activities, Jennifer is an extraordinary talent and life force, and we’re delighted to be in business with her and Adi Hasak on this sophisticated show,” said Salke.

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