NBC has given a series order to “Kings,” the two-hour drama pilot starring Ian McShane (“Deadwood”).

The greenlight is somewhat anticlimatic, since the network announced last month that “Kings” would be part of its Sunday schedule come January. However, NBC’s April press release technically stated only that it planned to air the show, a modern retelling of the David and Goliath story.

In any event, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios Co-Chairman Ben Silverman said he had “always loved this concept."

“After watching the production that's currently under way—as well as the incredible chemistry of the cast and the amazing world realized by Francis Lawrence and Michael Green—we want to continue telling the story with a series commitment,” he added.

Mr. Green (“Heroes”) and Erwin Stoff are executive producers of “Kings.” Mr. Lawrence (“I Am Legend”) is directing the pilot and will serve as executive producer of the Universal Media Studios series.