CBS has started its pilot season by giving an order to a project shepherded by the late James Gandolfini. Deadline.com reports that the network ordered “Taxi-22."

The project is an adaptation of a hit French-Canadian single-camera comedy, which was a “passion project” for Gandolfini, the story reports. Gandolfini, known for playing Tony Soprano on the HBO hit "The Sopranos," first developed "Taxi-22" at HBO, with the project going through three versions and Gandolfini at one point attached to play the lead, a politically incorrect New York City taxi driver.

CBS bought the project in June, with Gandolfini on board to executive produce. Gandolfini, who won three Emmys playing Tony Soprano, died June 19 at age 51 after suffering a heart attack while on vacation in Italy.

“When Gandolfini died, the project’s team was ‘devastated’ but decided to carry on,” the story notes.

The piece adds, “Gandolfini’s executive producer spot on the show has remained empty, with everyone else on board for the pilot, along with veteran comedy writer Tad Quill, who was brought in over the summer as writer/executive producer. CBS TV Studios, where Quill is under an overall deal, is producing.”

James Gandolfini