'Blues Brothers' may be ready for primetime (VAR, TLF)

By Nancy Tartaglione

Are the Blues Brothers ready for primetime? According to Variety, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd's iconic pair are about to be pitched to studios and networks for a new TV series.

Current TV rights are held by Aykroyd and John's ex-wife, Judy Belushi. Universal owns the film rights.

Belushi and former "SNL" writer Anne Beatts, along with Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty, have penned a pilot, the trade said.

In the script, Jake and Elwood are released from prison and on a search for the latter's real father.

Beatts, Belushi and Eric Gardner of Panacea Entertainment would exec produce. Aykroyd will participate in the project as the voice of Jake and Elwood's parole officer.

The singing duo, who first appeared on "SNL" in the 70s and were on a "mission from God" in their classic 1980 feature, toured the country even after Belushi died in 1982 with guests, including his brother Jim, joining Akroyd on stage.

"I think these are great American characters," Judy Belushi told Variety. "We want to keep them alive. We chose to introduce them as new characters but do it in an way that they have some history, have some life behind them."

"It would be 'Route 66' meets 'Glee,' and it all goes to hell in a handbasket," Beatts said.