You probably know Wilmer Valderrama best as Special Agent Nick Torres on NCIS, but he’s stepping out of the interrogation room and into the producer’s chair for something a little lighter. Wilmer Valderrama is teaming up with CBS to develop a new comedy series called Blanks, and it’s already sounding like a fresh take on the classic rom-com setup.
This time, Wilmer Valderrama isn’t acting; he’s executive producing the show through his company, WV Entertainment. And from the looks of it, he’s ready to shake things up.
Dating, But With a Twist (And a Biological Clock)
The series is written by stand-up comic and author Aaron Karo, and it centers on a serial dater who, surprise, suddenly realizes his biological clock is ticking. Just as he’s hit with this personal wake-up call, he meets the perfect woman, who, of course, isn’t looking for anything serious.
It’s a fun reversal of the usual trope where women are the ones racing against time. Here, the guy’s the one panicking about settling down, which feels both refreshing and kind of overdue. And in a TV landscape full of formulaic dating plots, Blanks sounds like it could bring something new to the table.
Wilmer Valderrama’s Next Chapter: Telling Stories That Matter
This project is part of a bigger shift in Wilmer Valderrama’s career. While he’s still a mainstay on NCIS (which, by the way, is heading into its 23rd season, talk about staying power), he’s also been building a name for himself behind the camera. With WV Entertainment, Wilmer Valderrama focused on creating stories that speak to both Latin and broader American audiences, stories that are funny, heartfelt, and a little more grounded in today’s world.
Blanks feels like a continuation of that mission. It’s got humor, it’s got heart, and it’s rooted in a very real emotional dilemma that doesn’t get explored much in male-led comedies.
What CBS Is Betting On
Though it’s still in the early stages, Blanks fits into CBS’s ongoing effort to freshen up its comedy lineup. The network has been leaning into character-driven, relatable stories, like its DMV-themed shows, and this one could slide right in while adding a modern rom-com flavor.
Having Wilmer Valderrama on board not only brings star power, but it signals that CBS is serious about attracting younger, more diverse viewers. Romantic comedies have mostly migrated to streaming in recent years, so seeing one pop up on network TV, and with a new spin, is worth keeping an eye on.
What’s Next?
For now, we’ll have to wait and see how Blanks develops, but early signs point to something special. Valderrama is clearly invested in telling stories that hit deeper than surface-level laughs, and if this show delivers on its premise, it might just be a standout.
After all, who wouldn’t want to watch a guy spiral into existential panic just as he finally meets The One?
